Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia would not intervene militarily in Ukraine, defying reports by the Ukrainian government, NATO and Western nations that Russia has already sent troops, artillery and tanks across Ukraine's southeast border to reinforce the separatists.
"There will be no military intervention," Lavrov told students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations on Monday, the first day of classes for schools and universities across the country. "We call for an exclusively peaceful settlement of this severe crisis, this tragedy."
Lavrov also urged the so-called contact group holding a new round of talks in Minsk on Monday to push for a cease-fire between Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russian separatists.
He added that any new sanctions from the European Union or the United States — of which there have been many in connection with the Ukraine crisis — would force Russia to protect its economy, citizens and businesses.
In the case of new sanctions over Ukraine, he said: "We will start with our own interests — protect our economy, protect our social sphere, protect our businesses — and at the same time draw conclusions from the actions of our partners."
Lavrov played down Russia's exclusion from the Group of Eight powerful countries over its annexation of Crimea, saying the forum had lost much of its significance since the formation of the wider G20.
He said there would be no military intervention from Russia in Ukraine. Moscow denies the presence of Russian tanks and troops there, despite what NATO and Western governments have said is overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Fighting in eastern Ukraine between the separatists and the Ukrainian government in Kiev began in mid-April.
(AP, Reuters)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
