Lavrov denies claims of Russian troops entering Ukraine
MOSCOW. Aug 29 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has denied claims that Russia's armed forces allegedly entered Ukraine.
"It is not the first time we have heard different sorts of speculation, but we have never been given any facts," Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on Friday.
"It was reported that there were satellite images allegedly showing the movement of Russian forces. But it turned out later that it was computer games and the images were taken from them. And the latest accusations are somewhat of the same kind," he said.
When answering a question from Interfax, Lavrov said: "We were not presented with any facts concerning this alleged incursion. Generally speaking, it seems to me that hiding facts is characteristic of the position assumed primarily by the U.S. and a number of European countries with regard to all developments in Ukraine - whether it be claims about movements of our troops, American special services' direct involvement in advising Ukrainian security services as far as the military operation is concerned, or the investigation into the Malaysian Boeing crash.'
It is not the first time accusations have been leveled against Russia, the minister said.
"Almost from the very beginning of the crisis we were told that it was all our fault. So, it is not the first time we have heard different allegations," he said.
Russia will continue to pursue a consistent policy aimed at securing an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine's southeastern regions, as well as helping launch a truly national dialogue and hold negotiations involvement all political forces and regions of Ukraine, Lavrov said.
"Such agreements were already reached in Geneva in April and in Berlin in July, but our Western partners are painstakingly trying to circumvent them today," the Russian minister said.