Foreign minister vows response if Russians attacked in Ukraine

DONETSK (AP):

Russia's foreign minister yesterday promised a firm response if its citizens or interests come under attack in Ukraine, a vow that came after Ukraine announced a renewal of its "anti-terror" campaign against those occupying buildings in its troubled east.

Although Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not specifically say Russia would launch a military attack, his comments bolstered wide concern that Russia could use any violence in eastern Ukraine as a pretext for sending in troops. Large contingents of Russian troops, tens of thousands, NATO says, are in place near the Ukrainian border.

"Russian citizens being attacked is an attack against the Russian Federation," Lavrov said in an interview with Kremlin-funded satellite TV channel RT. "If our interests, our legitimate interests, the interests of Russians have been attacked directly, like they were in South Ossetia, I do not see any other way but to respond in full accordance with international law."

INTERESTS UNCLEAR

It was unclear from the interview what Russia would regard as its interests in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin previously has said Russia would be justified in protecting ethnic Russians in Ukraine.

Ukraine's acting president on Tuesday ordered resumption of an "anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Russia forces that have seized police stations and government in at least 10 cities and towns in eastern Ukraine. The order came after the bodies of two people allegedly abducted by pro-Russia insurgents were found.

However, there were no reports yesterday of any actions taken by the Ukrainian military or security services.