Russia denies looking for pretext to invade Ukraine

Jan 18, 20220

Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP count

In this photo provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, and Croatia's Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman pose for a photo ahead of their talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.

MOSCOW - Russia's top diplomat angrily rejected U.S. allegations that Moscow was preparing a pretext to invade Ukraine, as Russian troops that are amassed near the Ukraine border launched more drills Monday.

The White House said Friday that U.S. intelligence officials had concluded that Russia had already deployed operatives to rebel-controlled eastern Ukraine to carry out acts of sabotage there and blame them on Ukraine in a "false-flag operation" to create a pretext for possible invasion.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the U.S. claim as "total disinformation."

https://www.startribune.com/russia-denies-looking-for-pretext-to-invade-ukraine/600136686/