Ukraine has denied claims that saboteurs crossed into western Russia and attacked villages, warning that Moscow could use the false allegations to justify stepping up its own attacks.
The exact circumstances of the incident reported in the Bryansk region were unclear, including what the strategic purpose of such an attack would be.
Russian president Vladimir Putin blamed Ukrainian “terrorists” for an incursion, claiming that they deliberately targeted civilians.
“It was yet another terror attack, another crime,” Mr Putin said during a video call. “They infiltrated the area near the border and opened fire on civilians.”
The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.
Advertisement
The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 02 March 2023.
Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/HKxFm40chx
#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/Evsgr5qZV2— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 2, 2023
Asked by reporters whether it could warrant a change in the status of what Russia still calls “the special military operation” in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded with a coy “I can’t say for now”.
Mr Peskov said that Mr Putin cancelled a planned trip to southern Russia on Thursday and was receiving reports on the situation from the regional governor.
The alleged incursion came just days after Mr Putin ordered the Federal Security Service to tighten controls on Russia’s border with Ukraine.
Ukrainian...
The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) has issued a formal apology to Professor Wazi Apoh, Dean of the School of Arts and Professor of Archaeology at the University of Ghana, following the c...