Putin Accuses Ukraine of Choosing Terror Over Peace

by VOA News August 10, 2016

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of choosing terror over peace following "attacks" in Crimea that he says were orchestrated by Ukrainian military and intelligence forces.

"The attempt to provoke an uptick in violence, to provoke conflict is nothing but an attempt to distract public attention," Putin said Wednesday in Moscow.

"We will of course do everything to assure the security of infrastructure, citizens and will take additional measures to provide security, including serious additional measures."

The FSB says it foiled "terrorist attacks" in Crimea by Ukrainian military and intelligence forces during the weekend. The security agency says two of its officers were killed during the clashes with groups it says were sent by the Ukrainian defense ministry.

Authorities say they found 20 homemade explosives, ammunition and mines in the area of the attack.

In a statement, the FSB said "the aim of the sabotage and terrorist attacks was to destabilize the social and political situation" ahead of next month's elections in Russia and Crimea.

It said several Russian and Ukrainian citizens were detained, including one it identified as a Ukrainian intelligence officer.

Ukraine said Putin was looking for ways to escalate the conflict with Kyiv.

"Putin wants more war. Russia escalates, desperately looks for casus belli against Ukraine, tests West's reaction," Dmytro Kuleba of Ukraine's Foreign Ministry tweeted.