Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a press conference broadcast by the Rossiya 24 TV channel on YouTube, indicated that he had not announced the imminent dispatch of Russian troops to the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

“I didn’t say that the troops would go there right now after our meeting with you here,” he said.

At the same time, the head of state focused on the fact that at present it is impossible to predict any specific development of events. Putin noted that good should be able to defend itself. The President also announced the need to demilitarize Ukraine. He added that the situation in Ukraine often escalates spontaneously and negotiations between Ukraine and the republics of Donbass are impossible.

Earlier, the Federation Council gave its consent to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the use of armed forces abroad in connection with the situation in the Donbass. The decision was supported by 153 senators. The document comes into force from the moment of its adoption.

During the meeting, Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov took the floor. He stated that Ukraine today, in fact, is already conducting military operations in the Donbass.

bbabo.Net