"We categorically reject the insinuations towards Ukraine": MFA on "chemical provocation"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine categorically rejects Russia's insinuations about the alleged chemical weapons, instructors with American private military companies and shelling of residential neighborhoods in eastern Ukraine. This is said in a comment by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oleh Nikolenko, - Ukrinform reports.

"We categorically reject the insinuations towards Ukraine made during the meeting of the board of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Statements by the secretary of defense about alleged chemicals, instructors with American private military companies, and shelling of residential neighborhoods in Donbas are yet another example of Russia's massive disinformation. Russia continues to create information cover for possible further provocations by their troops on Ukrainian territory", - he noted.

Nikolenko added that the MFA called on the Russian leadership to cease hostile rhetoric and abandon the language of ultimatums.

"Moscow's return to a constructive course will really confirm the desire declared by the Russian president at the board meeting to resolve the conflict through political and diplomatic tools", - Nikolenko stressed.

The ministry noted that the first step should be for Russia to begin the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the accords of the Normandy Four leaders. Also, according to Nikolenko, ceasing armed aggression against Ukraine and rejecting the logic of confrontation by Russia would be the best security guarantee for the European continent.

As reported earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu claimed that 120 American military mercenaries allegedly brought chemical weapons to the east of Ukraine and were preparing a provocation.

In turn, Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby called the statements of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu about the U.S. provocations in the Donbas with chemical weapons "false".