Russian President Vladimir Putin says there are no Russian military servicemen or security forces in Ukraine.
Speaking April 29 in Minsk following a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, he told reporters "We hear that there are our special forces or our instructors there. I am telling you responsibly: there are no Russian instructors, or special forces, or troops, or anybody else there."
He said the West stirred up trouble in Ukraine and now it is seeking a scapegoat and that is why it is introducing sanctions against Russia.
He added that his government has proposed some steps in response to the sanctions but that he sees "no need" as of now for them.
But he said if sanctions continue, Russia may have to reconsider participation of Western companies in its energy projects.
Speaking April 29 in Minsk following a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, he told reporters "We hear that there are our special forces or our instructors there. I am telling you responsibly: there are no Russian instructors, or special forces, or troops, or anybody else there."
He said the West stirred up trouble in Ukraine and now it is seeking a scapegoat and that is why it is introducing sanctions against Russia.
He added that his government has proposed some steps in response to the sanctions but that he sees "no need" as of now for them.
But he said if sanctions continue, Russia may have to reconsider participation of Western companies in its energy projects.