Russia’s ambassador to the European Union (EU), Vladimir Chizhov, has rejected U.S. warnings of a possible Russian attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, insisting that wars “rarely start on a Wednesday.”
“As far as Russia is concerned, I can assure you that there will be no attack this Wednesday,” explained the Russian ambassador. “There will be no escalation in the coming week either, or in the week after that, or in the coming month,” he said. “Wars in Europe rarely start on a Wednesday.”
Mr Chizhov disclosed Russia’s position in his remarks published in Wednesday’s edition of the German daily Die Welt.
The U.S. government said it considered a Russian incursion into Ukraine possible before the close of the Winter Olympics in China on Sunday.
The U.S. and its NATO allies charged that Russia was preparing a renewed attack on Ukraine following the 2014 annexation of Crimea, an accusation that Moscow denied.
Mr Chizhov condemned the U.S. remarks about a possible attack on Ukraine.
“When you make allegations – especially very serious allegations against Russia – you also have a responsibility to present evidence. Otherwise, it’s slander,” he said, asking: “So where’s the evidence?”
The ambassador again urged the West to take Russia’s security concerns seriously. When our partners finally listen to our legitimate concerns, a process of detente will not be long in coming.”
“That would be in the interest of all Europeans from Lisbon to Vladivostok, but also of all other nations in the world,” the envoy added.
The Kremlin had demanded that NATO restrict activities in Eastern Europe and promise to add no former Soviet republics – such as Ukraine – as new members.
Moscow also demanded a ban on deploying weapons systems, including a U.S. missile defence system, off Russia’s borders.