Ukraine protests against alleged Russian "aggression"

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it has sent a note of protest to Russia over its alleged "aggression" in Ukraine' s eastern regions.

"Today, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sent a note of protest to the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the ongoing aggression of Russia against Ukraine," Foreign Ministry spokesman Eugene Perebiynis told reporters during a briefing.

He said the note contains "specific facts", which indicate that Russia "provides support" to independence-seeking insurgents in Donetsk and Lugansk regions and "continues actions aimed at further escalation of the situation in Ukraine."

Claiming that Russia is massing its troops along the border with Ukraine, Perebiynis accused Moscow of "actual preparation for the occupation" of the Ukrainian territory.

Kiev has long accused Moscow of aiding insurgents in eastern Ukraine, who demand their region' s independence, but Moscow has consistently rejected such accusations.

The conflict, which erupted in Donetsk and Lugansk regions in mid-April, escalated sharply since Ukrainian authorities decided to repeal the law which grants "special status" to rebel-held areas on Nov. 4.

Overall, the 7-month-old armed confrontation has claimed over 4,000 lives and injured more than 9,000 people.
Source: Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
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