Russia, accused of amassing forces on the Ukrainian border, warned the West on Friday against military intervention in Ukraine. Moscow also warned Kiev against engaging in “provocations” and assured it not to seek conflict.
Ukrainian and American officials have expressed their concern in recent days about the movement of thousands of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine, taking into account the conflict that erupted in 2014 between Ukrainian government forces and the pro-Russian separatists.
Washington promised to support Kiev in the event of an aggression and warned Moscow against “any act of aggression.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded on Friday, saying his country would take “all necessary measures” in the event of Western military intervention in Ukraine. He added that his country “does not threaten anyone, nor has it ever threatened anyone.” He blamed the escalation of tensions on “repeated provocations by the Ukrainian armed forces” against the separatists.
Earlier Friday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko also confirmed that his country is not looking for an armed conflict with the neighboring country. The Ukrainian concern is “information distortion” to divert attention from the country’s internal problems. The minister warned Kiev to “exercise caution” and “refrain from any measures that could cause conflict.”
The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia will transfer its forces to its territory as it wishes, calling on Kiev and the West to “not be anxious.”
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