MOSCOW, 20 Feb. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron started a telephone conversation, Agence France-Presse reports with reference to the Elysee Palace. hours Moscow time),» the message reads. In recent months, Western states have expressed concern about Russia's allegedly dangerous actions near the borders of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied such accusations, saying that it does not threaten anyone and does not intend to attack anyone, and claims of «aggression» are used as an excuse to deploy more military equipment and NATO forces near the Russian border. Unsubstantiated claims that Russia is preparing provocations continue come from the West, despite the return of Russian troops to their places of deployment after the exercises. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. At a meeting with Putin, the head of the Defense Ministry reported that «some of the exercises are coming to an end, some will be completed in the near future.» The Southern and Western military districts have begun returning troops to their places of deployment, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Tuesday. 40 Aggravation of the situation in the DPR and LPRZakharova: Zelensky does not understand that the West does not need a strong UkraineRussia has also repeatedly stressed that it is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine and the subject of the Minsk settlement agreements.Posted by: Vlada Ikramova
