For the moment Russia has no intention of deploying forces in the Dontesk and Lugansk regions in eastern Ukraine, but will do so in the event of a “threat”, said the deputy minister Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.
“Military aid is provided for in the agreement (with the separatist regions of Dontesk and Luhansk), but let’s not speculate. For the moment, we are not preparing to deploy anyone anywhere,” said on Monday, the official, quoted by the Russian agencies. “If there is a threat, then of course we will provide aid in accordance with the agreement that has been ratified,” he added.
Escalating tensions between Russia and the West came to a head on Monday night following Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to recognize the two pro-Russian breakaway regions and send “peacekeeping” military forces there.
Overnight Monday-Tuesday, Putin instructed his army to deploy to Donetsk and Lugansk, hours following recognizing their independence. The West took a dim view of this decision.
