Senator Tsekov called the statements of British Foreign Minister Truss radical and aggressive
Sergei Tsekov. Photo: Press service of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation / RIA Novosti
The Russian army can and will move around the country as it sees fit, Sergei Tsekov, a member of the international committee of the Federation Council, told Lente.ru. This is how he commented on the call of British Foreign Minister Liz Truss to withdraw Russian soldiers from the borders of Ukraine.
Liz Truss, on the air of the LBC radio station, said that only a full-scale withdrawal of Russian troops from the borders of the neighboring republic can dispel the fears of Western countries regarding a possible “invasion” of Russia into Ukraine.
“The Russian side claimed that there were no invasion plans, but we will need to see a full-scale withdrawal of troops to make sure that this is true,” the diplomat explained.
“Maybe he will offer to liquidate the army?”
Liz Truss' proposals are unique, Tsekov noted. “Of course, a very great foreign secretary has appeared in Great Britain. She stands out very much for her unfounded, far-fetched, radical, aggressive statements. Maybe she will even offer Russia to liquidate the army? Then there will certainly be no attack. She hasn’t thought of it yet, but she might think of it, judging by her statements, ”said Tsekov.
In his opinion, such militant personalities as Truss do not allow the situation around Ukraine to calm down. “I generally think that this foreign secretary is a disgrace to the UK. Like many others in their leadership. They simply discredit and disgrace the country with their statements and behavior. The tracks here are just a prime example, ”the senator pointed out.
“It doesn't seem like much”
The politician stressed that the position of the Russian leadership regarding the location of the troops was announced and remains unchanged. “On the territory of our country, the army can be located at the point where we consider it necessary,” Tsekov concluded.
He noted that the concentration of Russian troops near the borders with Ukraine can only be regarded as preparation for self-defense. There can be no other readings of the situation here, the politician stressed.
“We will not take anyone anywhere, as you understand, but any provocation will receive such a response from Russia that it will not seem enough,” said a member of the profile committee of the Federation Council.
Earlier in February, the head of the British Foreign Office described a likely plan for an “invasion” of Ukraine by Russia. According to her, Russian troops may attempt an attack without identification marks.
Prior to this, Politico wrote that US President Joe Biden considers February 16 the date of a possible Russian attack on Ukraine. According to Washington, the direct offensive will be preceded by a flurry of missile strikes and cyber attacks. Later, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby noted that the US military had no information or evidence that could confirm the start of Russia's “invasion” of Ukraine on that day.
