Yesterday at 22:15
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov appealed to the residents of occupied Donbas during his today’s speech in the parliament.
“I appeal to the residents of Luhansk, Donetsk, Alchevsk, Horlivka, Yasynuvata and other cities (not controlled by Kyiv government, – ed.): do not be afraid. Ukraine is not your enemy. Those who allegedly want to protect you from Ukraine are. Do not believe the rumors of an offensive,” Defense Minister noted.
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba apeealed to the world community with a refutation of fake news about Ukraine’s alleged offensive against occupied Donbas cities. “Ukraine does not carry out and does not plan any similar actions in Donbas,” Kuleba tweeted.
Earlier today, self-proclaimed leaders spread some fake news about Ukraine’s assault against temporarily occupied territories and the evacuation of the locals to the Russian territory.
Read also: Russian-backed militants shelled UN humanitarian convoy in Donbas
Reznikov stated that Kyiv does not confirm the withdrawal of Russian troops from the border. According to the minister, as of February 18, 149,000 Russian troops of the ground component, as well as aviation and naval contingent are amassed at Ukrainian borders.
Russia is trying to create a fake reason to invade Ukraine. That was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, commenting on reports of shelling on the line of contact. This is a blatant attempt by the Russian government, a typical Kremlin strategy. And the reaction will be relevant.
February 17, the situation in the Donbas conflict area worsened after a relative lull. As reported earlier, Russia-backed militants shelled a number of civilian facilities, including a school and a kindergarten.
Find out more details on the attacks here.
