Kremlin denies plans to invade Ukraine, alleges NATO threats

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin has rebuffed allegations that a buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine reflects Moscow’s aggressive intentions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Western media reports alleging that Moscow has intentions to invade Ukraine as “hollow and unfounded attempt to incite tensions.” Peskov told reporters that Russia needs to ensure its security in response to alleged NATO threats and “doesn’t threaten anyone.” Ukraine says Russia has kept tens of thousands of troops not far from their borders to exert pressure on its ex-Soviet neighbor. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that Russia’s past actions against Ukraine are cause for ”real concerns about what we’re seeing in the present.”