(VOVworld) – Russia asked the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Wednesday to "decisively condemn" the rise of "nationalist and neo-fascist" sentiment in western Ukraine.
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| Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (Photo: The Guardian) |
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine’s situation needs to be stabilized and, more importantly, the international community needs to evaluate the situation objectively. Any form of assistance to Ukraine, including by the Organisation, should be rendered at the request of Ukraine's legitimate authorities and with respect for its sovereignty. Russia warned the OSCE about increasing nationalist extremism and neo-fascism that wants to marginalise Ukraine’s Russian-speaking community and limit their interests there.
The same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Defence Ministry to test the combat readiness of Russian armed forces in the Western and central military zones. Russia put its military on high alert for the Western Military Zone and the air defence, paratroop, and military air transport commands.