Russia Calls on US State Dept to Stop Fuelling Journalists' Militaristic Rage

LOCAL NEWS

• Russian embassy calls on US state dept to “stop fuelling journalists militaristic rage” surrounding Russia’s pullback of troops from Ukrainian borders. Notes the ongoing hysteria and disinformation does not allow US officials to view the situation objectively, which the foreign Ministry spox said was disgraceful.
  • Zakharova slammed US data of an imminent attack and lack of pullback. She also said the Russia no longer takes statements from NATO Chief Stoltenberg seriously, but hoped constructive talks with the West could continue – Tass
• A lot of noise overnight regarding LPR/DPR claims that Ukraine government forces conducted shelling in 4 locations, which Ukraine denied this morning. LPR said Ukraine used mortars, grenade launchers and machine guns in the first reports of munitions being used in over a month.
  • Meanwhile, US officials claimed Russia boosted its troop numbers by 7,000 on the border – which was also denied this morning by Russian officials. UK defence sec Wallace said the UK was doubling personnel in Estonia and sending talks, jets and armoured vehicles – UK Independent
• Sholz & Biden discussed results of their talks with Putin & Ukraine yesterday via phone call, with both coming out to reaffirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity and underscored the importance of reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank in Russia invades Ukraine – Tass

Data/Events:

• Gazprom Neft 4Q results; conf call 1430GMT
• Putin speaks at annual interior ministry meeting via video link