U.S., NATO and Ukrainian officials have raised the alarm in
recent weeks over what they say are unusual Russian troop
movements near the border with Ukraine, and have suggested that
Moscow might be preparing to launch an attack. Moscow has denied
any plans to do so.
Lavrov said Ukrainian military manoeuvres and use of drones in
the country's east, held by pro-Russian separatists, posed a
threat to Russia, and it was ready to respond if needed.
"We simply cannot rule out the possibility that Kyiv will set
out on a military adventure," he told a news conference in
Moscow.
"President Putin stressed that we do not need conflict but if
the West cannot hold back Ukraine - and on the contrary
encourages it - of course we will take all the necessary steps
to ensure our security."
Responding to concerns about its troop build-up, Russia has
repeatedly said it is free to move its troops on its own
territory and that such movements should not be a cause for
alarm.
(Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Mark
Trevelyan)
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