Russia threatens response if pro-Kremlin rebels attacked in Ukraine

10 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 600 Views

Russia issued a blunt warning Wednesday it would respond if its interests are attacked in Ukraine, as pro-Kremlin rebels in the restive east of the country braced for a new military offensive by Kiev.

The threat by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, recalling the 2008 war with Georgia over South Ossetia, came as US troops were headed to region in a show of force after Washington again warned Moscow of new sanctions over the escalating crisis.

“If we are attacked, we would certainly respond,” Lavrov told state-controlled RT television.

“If our interests, our legitimate interests, the interests of Russians have been attacked directly, like they were in South Ossetia for example, I do not see any other way but to respond in accordance with international law.”

He did not elaborate, but the reference to South Ossetia strongly hinted at the possibility of military action.

The United States, meanwhile, said it plans to deploy 600 troops to Poland and the Baltic states starting Wednesday to “reassure our allies and partners”.

Ukraine’s acting president Oleksandr Turchynov late Tuesday ordered a new “anti-terrorist” operation against separatists holding a string of eastern towns after the discovery of two “brutally tortured” bodies.

One of the dead was a local politician from Turchynov’s party who was kidnapped nearly a week ago, the leader said, blaming his death on the rebels…. see more

source: rawstory

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