MEP: Russian troops in Ukraine, Kremlin lies

Monday, September 22, 2014 - 12:26 (EEST) Section: Latest news

The EU and NATO have evidence that regular Russian troops are involved in military operations in eastern Ukraine, although the Kremlin denies it.
MEP Johannes Cornelis van Baalen said this in an interview with Deutsche Welle.
“We have satellite images. We’ve already heard from the Kremlin that there are no Russian troops in Crimea and that now they are not in eastern Ukraine. However, everyone knows that it’s a lie. The EU has evidence, NATO has evidence, but [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will equally refute and deny it. Although if there are no Russian troops in Ukraine, then why are there the bodies of dead Russian soldiers? From where do those wounded come to hospitals in Rostov and St. Petersburg? This is nonsense,” van Baalen said.
According to the politician, the Russian authorities are engaged in propaganda, which many people believe, and Putin will continue to do what he likes: send troops or withdraw them.
In addition, the MEP believes that the United States and the EU should help Ukraine in talks with Moscow.
“Both the United States and the European Commission should communicate with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on a confidential basis and find out from him what Ukraine itself wants and how they can help it here. Compromises with Russian President Putin will mean that Putin has won,” van Baalen said.
The politician also said that the European Union had radically changed its attitude towards Russia, as well as has Plan “B” if Russia suspends gas supplies to Europe.
“Anything can be expected from Russia. And I think that the EU has Plan ‘B,’ although, of course, no one will talk about it aloud. I think that according to this plan, those countries that are most dependent on Russian gas will have an alternative,” the MEP said.
He believes that the EU should be ready to help Ukraine in winter.