Ukraine Says Russian Troops Came Within 1,100 Yards Of The Border

Advertisement

ukraine

REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

Ukrainian security force officers walk past a checkpoint set on fire and left by pro-Russian separatists near Slaviansk April 24, 2014. Ukrainian troops were digging in to a new position a few miles from the separatist-held city of Slaviansk early on Thursday, a Reuters correspondent said. Dozens of soldiers in camouflage uniform, some wearing airborne patches, were setting up sandbag defences around at least six BMD light armoured vehicles and putting up a tent near a settlement called Malynivka, some 12 km (8 miles) south of Slaviansk on the main road to the regional capital Donetsk.

KIEV (Reuters) - Russian troops conducting exercises close to the Ukrainian frontier this week came within one kilometer of the border but did not cross, Ukraine's defense minister was quoted as saying on Friday by Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Advertisement

Saying that a column of Russian forces had approached to within 1 km (1,100 yards) of the border and that aircraft had also taken part in the maneuvers, Mykhailo Koval added: "Ukraine's armed forces are ready to repel any aggression."

(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Richard Balmforth)