The Russian ambassador to the EU has been responding to accusations that his government is behind the seizure of two airports in Crimea.<br /><br />Ukraine’s new government has called it an “invasion” and “occupation” by Russian forces. Moscow denies any involvement.<br /><br />Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov told euronews: “There are no troops whatsoever, no Russian troops at least. The international airport of Simforopol is functioning normally. The military airport of Belbek is probably also functioning normally.”<br /><br />When asked why “self-defence” groups were being formed in Crimea, Chizhov answered: “They have been hearing threats that so-called ‘friendship trains’ loaded with armed supporters of the Kyiv Maidan were on their way to Crimea. Naturally the local population is worried.”<br /><br />Chizhov dismissed US Secretary of State John Kerry’s call on Russia not to intervene, saying: “The US with its tradition of interfering in other countries and sending troops overseas, may be acting according to their own mentality, I would say. But this is not a case of Russian interference. Actually many people in Russia are asking questions about why is the Russian government keeping such a low profile.”<br /><br />Meanwhile, Kyiv’s border guard reported on Friday that more than 10 Russian military helicopters had flown into Ukrainian airspace over Crimea.
