Publications in Western media that Moscow is allegedly preparing an invasion of Ukraine are untrue, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian leader also recalled that statements about the introduction of Russian troops into the territory of Ukraine appear during the surprise exercises of the United States and its NATO allies in the Black Sea, which is a serious challenge for Russia.
“We are not allowed to relax, but let them know that we will not relax,” Putin said.
He also stressed that Russia is not a party to the internal Ukrainian conflict in Donbas.
According to the head of the Russian state, it is not advisable to conduct Russian exercises in the Black Sea simultaneously with NATO countries, since military maneuvers should not aggravate the situation in the region, which is already complicated.