Moscow, Dec 31 (UNI/Sputnik) NATO countries are systematically transforming Ukraine into a military foothold against Russia and building bases there, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik.
“NATO member states are systematically transforming Ukraine into a military foothold against Russia, building their bases there, using its territory for conducting exercises. If this year there were seven such maneuvers, then in the coming year, according to a law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada [the parliament] of Ukraine, 10 [drills are planned], including one year-round [exercise],” Lavrov said.
The minister added that the number of troops participating in drills in Ukraine will double in 2022 and reach 64,000.
UNI/SPUTNIK GK