US URGES RUSSIA TO BE CAUTIOUS OVER UKRAINE

Washington, 28 Rabiul Akhir 1435 / 28 February 2014 (MINA) – The United States has called on Russia to be cautious and demonstrate a “wise leadership” in dealing with the crisis in Ukraine as Moscow has begun large-scale military maneuvers along its border with crisis-hit Ukraine.

“This is a time for very cool, wise leadership, on the Russian side, and on everybody’s side,” said US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Thursday, according to Press TV report quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

Hagel, speaking after a NATO defense ministers meeting, said that at such a “delicate time” Moscow should refrain from taking any measures that could be misinterpreted.

Russian military forces have been carrying out massive military exercises involving 150,000 troops, 880 tanks, 90 aircraft and 80 navy ships in central and western regions of the country.

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The surprise military maneuvers ordered by President Vladimir Putin are described as one of the largest ones the country has undertaken in recent years.

The US Defense Secretary added that Washington is monitoring Russia’s military moves.

“I’m closely watching Russia’s military exercises along the Ukrainian border, which they just announced yesterday,” he said.

Hagel added that the White House backs Ukraine’s territorial integrity and expects all countries to avoid provocations.

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“We expect other nations to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and avoid provocative action.”

NATO says it believes the Russian maneuvers are not being conducted as a result of the ongoing developments in Ukraine. The Western military alliance, however, insists the timing of the drills is “unfortunate”.

Pro-Western opposition forces in the country ousted country’s president Viktor Yanukovych on Saturday after three months of violent protests. They have also issued an arrest warrant for Yanukovych.

The protests began after the government of Yanukovych decided to shelve a trade deal with the European Union. (T/E01/IR)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)