Russia's defense ministry dismisses possibility of war against Ukraine

Russia will not war against Ukraine under any circumstances, Deputy Defense Minister of Russia Anatoly Antonov said in an interview with the “Komsomolskaya Pravda” newspaper. Quite the contrary, he said, Russia will be helping Europe and Kiev prevent resumption of the military actions.

"We will not wage war against Ukraine under any circumstances. Ukraine is not our enemy! I cannot even theoretically imagine it. I think that Kiev will also be smart enough not to provoke us," Antonov said. “Furthermore, I hope Germany and France will use their influence not to let a resume the military actions in the southeast of the country. Russia will help Europe in its efforts.” 

Anatoly Antonov said he hopes the United States will abandon the idea of supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine not to escalate the conflict. “According to media reports, Barack Obama has not adopted the final decision on the issue. Maybe, he has heeded Angela Merkel’s advice. The chancellor visited Washington to save her ally from making a serious mistake,” Antonov said.