Defence minister says soldiers will stay after end of joint exercises due to ‘escalation of situation’ in DonbasUkraine crisis – live updates
sent to Belarus for military exercises
The Kremlin had promised to remove its forces from Belarus once the 10-day exercise, which began on 10 February, ended. It has deployed what the Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said was theThey include 30,000 combat troops, elite Spetsnaz units, Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 missile defence systems. Russian forces are stationed close to the Belarus border and within striking distance of Kyiv, 160 miles away. The US and UK have warned Moscow is planning to attack the Ukrainian capital.
Peskov added that Russia had “never attacked anyone throughout its history”. But he warned that “any spark, unplanned incident or minor planned provocation” in the Donbas region might lead to what he called “irreparable consequences”. Separatists from the Luhansk People’s Republic have claimed they are under Ukrainian attack. On Sunday, they said two civilians had been killed near the village of Pionerskoye. “Unfortunately, as a result of the aggression of the Kiev militants, two civilians died and five residential buildings were destroyed,” the LPR said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia and Belarus extend military drills near Ukraine as Kremlin slams WestWith the drills due to end on Sunday, the Belarus Defence minister says they will continue because of military activity near the borders of Russia and Belarus and an escalation of the situation in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
Read more »
Russia behind cyberattack against Ukraine, US and UK say, as invasion fears growThe US and UK have accused Moscow of conducting a cyberattack against top level Ukrainian websites, amid shelling in the east of the country that threatens to boil over into a full-scale conflict.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine conflict updates live: Scott Morrison says Australia will ‘follow through’ with sanctionsScott Morrison was “very concerned” about China’s “act of intimidation” in using a laser on an Australian surveillance aircraft; the PM calls Russia’s actions “unacceptable, unwarranted, unprovoked”. Follow updates here.
Read more »
World working together against Russia to protect Ukraine, Scott Morrison saysPrime Minister Scott Morrison says the world will act against Russia if it decides to attack Ukraine in what he says would be a terrible act of violence.
Read more »