Allegations of Kyiv's intention to launch 'offensive' in Donbas untrue – MFA

Allegations of the Ukrainian government's alleged intention to launch an offensive in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are not true, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has said.

According to Ukrinform, a respective statement on Russia escalating the security situation in Donbas has been published on the ministry's website.

"Ukrainian nationals reside on both sides of the contact line. Their peace, security and well-being are an absolute priority for Ukraine. Allegations that the Ukrainian government intends to launch an offensive operation in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are divorced from reality," the statement said.

The ministry also added that Ukraine is also not conducting or planning any acts of sabotage in Donbas.

The ministry categorically rejected attempts by Russia to aggravate the already tense security situation.

"We remain firmly committed to politico-diplomatic settlement and, together with our partners, maximize efforts to reduce the tension and keep the situation in line with diplomatic dialogue," the statement said.

"In contrast, we observe the Russian Federation unfolding its campaign to disseminate massive disinformation, increasing shelling of Ukrainian positions and civilian infrastructure, using the weapons banned by the Minsk Agreements, and escalating the security situation," the ministry said.

Ukrainian diplomats called on the international community, foreign states and international organizations to condemn immediately the provocations conducted by the Russian Federation and its occupation administrations in Donbas undermining the process of politico-diplomatic settlement.

"The absence of proper reaction or a neutral stance will only serve further escalation," the ministry concluded.

op