Russia's Foreign Ministry has summoned the US ambassador to Moscow to lodge a protest against Washington's military aid to Ukraine.

The ministry said on Tuesday that a note of protest handed to Ambassador Lynne Tracy denounces the US for providing weapons to Ukrainian forces and giving instructions for strikes against Russian targets.

The ministry also said the current US policies are aggressive, and deepening confrontation with Russia in all areas was counterproductive.

It added that Washington should take steps to de-escalate the situation, particularly withdrawing US and NATO troops and military equipment, and ending activities aimed against Russia.

Ambassador Tracy assumed the post last month after having served as the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Moscow and ambassador to Armenia.