Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov declared that Ukraine is not the enemy of Russia and Russia will never, under any circumstances, fight against Ukraine, Sputnik News Reports citing Russian Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper.
"We will not wage war against Ukraine under any circumstances. Ukraine is not our enemy! I cannot even theoretically imagine it. I think that Kiev will also be smart enough not to provoke us."
In addition the deputy defense minister also expressed hope that Germany and France will use their influence not to allow Kiev to escalate the situation in southeastern Ukraine, noting that Russia is willing to help Europe in its efforts.