Russia Sees US-Ukraine Military Drills A 'Provocation'; British PM David Cameron Wants To Increase Russian Sanctions

The arrival of U.S. military trainers in Ukraine was denounced by the Russian Foreign Ministry and called it a “provocation.” A ministry spokesman warned that Ukrainians should rethink the consequences of their actions if they continue to host the forces of the West.

According to the statement of ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich, the military drills between the U.S. and Ukraine in the western Lviv region “threaten” the security of Russia. In response to the statement, a top NATO commander slammed Russia for trying to turn Ukraine into a failed state, reports LA Times.

NATO deputy secretary-general Alexander Vershbow called Russia a “revisionist” and accused Moscow of suppressing dissent in Russia. His remarks came following the death of Russia’s former deputy prime minister Boris Nemstov who was gunned down last week from the Red Square. Earlier reports had described the incident as the boldest attack on a Kremlin cretic in ten years.

Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov echoed the sentiments of Lukashevich and accused NATO of casting Russia as a dangerous enemy. He said NATO is threatening national security by planning to establish outposts on Russian borders with Poland and the Baltic States. Antonov claimed NATO was “paranoid” and “mad” when it said Russia was a threat to eastern Europe.

State-run news media and Russian officials reported the arrival of U.S. military trainers. Up to 300 U.S. troops will be sent to the Lviv region to help train Ukrainian soldiers. According to reports by RT News, Antonov accused NATO and the U.S. of ignoring diplomacy. He added that NATO member states were also using the crisis in Ukraine as a reason to ignore diplomatic conventions and move closer to the Russian border.

Lukashevich said that U.S. forces plan to teach soldiers in Ukraine how to handle foreign military equipment in light of reports that Washington is considering sending lethal aid to the country. “It is evident that they are not trying to bring peace to the country,” said Lukashevich. He warned that Ukrainian officials should think about the possible consequences of such actions.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister David Cameron said Russia has broken the rules and must be “punished” for intervening in Ukraine. He declared that Britain is prepared to take sanctions against Russia to a whole new level if Moscow continues its aggression.

Mr Cameron said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that Russia has “ripped up” the rule book so it should not expect access to international markets and finance. He added that it’s time for the West to prepare for a “determined” position against Russia.

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