German firing on Russia, “doing everything to provoke reactions”

He blamed today for provocations in the Ukrainian issue Russia the German Minister of Defense, shortly before the summit with its NATO counterparts and as the situation on the ground deteriorates.

“My impression is that the Russian side is doing everything to provoke reactions,” Annegret Krab-Karenbauer told the public television network ARD, adding that “with Ukraine we do not want to allow ourselves to be drawn into this field.”

Moscow has mobilized tens of thousands of troops on the border with this former Soviet republic, which aspires to join the NATO, as explained by AMPE.

At the same time, since the beginning of the year, violence has flared up in the conflict in eastern Ukraine between the forces of Kiev and pro-Russian separatists.

“If things are as the Russian side claims, these are exercises, then there are international rules laid down for that to ensure transparency and trust “ stressed the German minister.

“We are committed to her side Of Ukraine“Things are clear,” he said.

At the same time, it is clear that the Russian president “expects only one (Ukrainian) step towards NATO to use it as an argument for further action,” he said, referring to the dangers of a direct conflict between Moscow and Kiev.

The minister also stressed that the situation is being monitored with concern. “We will do everything we can to ensure that the situation does not escalate,” he said, praising Kiev for its measured response so far.

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