Russian spy chief says plan to invade Ukraine “US malicious” propaganda according to Reuters

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia has no plans to invade Ukraine and suggestions to the contrary are bad US propaganda, Moscow’s foreign intelligence chief said on Saturday.

U.S., NATO and Ukrainian officials have sounded the alarm in recent weeks, suggesting unusual movements of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border, suggesting that Moscow may be ready to launch an attack.

Russia has repeatedly said that its troops are free to move on its territory and that these movements should be no cause for concern.

“I need to reassure everyone. This will not happen,” Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s foreign intelligence agency, said in an interview on state television, referring to comments on Russia’s alleged invasion plans.

“What is happening right now on this issue is, of course, the evil propaganda of the U.S. Department of State.”

Naryshkin spoke one day as the top US State Department diplomat said all options for European affairs were on the table as to how Russia would respond to the deployment of troops near the Ukrainian border and decide next week after NATO consultations.

Although U.S. officials have expressed concern about a possible Russian attack on Ukraine, Moscow has accused Washington, Kiev and NATO of provocative and irresponsible behavior near its borders.