Ukrainian representative in NATO claims Russia is preparing provocations using exercises as cover
The Acting Head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO, Yehor Bozhok, implied that Russia can take advantage of the Zapad (“West”) 2017 summer exercise to commit more provocations.
In an interview with Ukrinform, he said, "We should be concerned that the deterioration of the situation in eastern Ukraine continues while the Russian Federation conducts the Zapad-2017 military exercises in the summer and fall. Apparently, they will be held close to the borders of Ukraine, in the south-east."
Bozhok noted that Russia is concealing the plans, character and scenarios for these exercises. "We consider the latest escalation in the east of our country as one of the elements of the continuing aggression of Russia, including in the context of this exercise. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that under the cover of Zapad no other provocations and escalations will happen in the summer," Bozhok said.
Russia has been known to hold annual strategic command staff exercises. This year they will be held in the western regions of the country bordering Ukraine.
Earlier in February, the NATO Secretary General promised to continue supporting Ukraine.