Ukraine PM accuses Russia of wanting to start World War Three

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk listens during an interview with Reuters in Kiev on April 3, 2014. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said on Friday, April 25, 2014, that Russia wanted to start World War Three by occupying Ukrai
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk listens during an interview with Reuters in Kiev on April 3, 2014. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said on Friday, April 25, 2014, that Russia wanted to start World War Three by occupying Ukraine "militarily and politically" and creating a conflict that would spread to the rest of Europe. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said on Friday that Russia wanted to start World War Three by occupying Ukraine "militarily and politically" and creating a conflict that would spread to the rest of Europe.

"Attempts at military conflict in Ukraine will lead to a military conflict in Europe," Mr Yatseniuk told the interim Cabinet in remarks broadcast live. "The world has not yet forgotten World War Two, but Russia already wants to start World War Three."

Meanwhile, Russian troops conducting exercises close to the Ukrainian frontier this week came within 1km of the border but did not cross, Ukraine's Defence Minister was quoted as saying on Friday by Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Saying that a column of Russian forces had approached to within 1km of the border and that aircraft had also taken part in the manoeuvres, Mr Mykhailo Koval added: "Ukraine's armed forces are ready to repel any aggression."

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