Direct Russia-Ukraine confrontation? Shoigu: Impossible

Direct Russia-Ukraine confrontation? Shoigu: Impossible

Unfortunately, he continued, "Kiev has been reluctant to fulfill its obligations, citing various flimsy pretexts and making groundless accusations against Russia."

"We have common roots, for centuries we have been enduring hardships together and we fought side by side for our freedom and independence during World War II. My mother’s family members used to live in Ukraine, I was baptized in a small church in the Stakhanov town located in Ukraine’s Lugansk region. This is why I am confident that there will never be a place for confrontation and enmity between us, given our common history," Shoigu said.

The Russian defense chief also revealed he hoped EU states, above all members of the Normandy Quartet "will use all their influence on the Ukrainian authorities to make sure that a peaceful solution is found to the domestic conflict in southeastern Ukraine."