Shoigu said that the U.S. is preparing a provocation with chemical weapons in Ukraine

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu has said that US private military companies were preparing a provocation with "chemical components" in eastern Ukraine. Shoigu said this at an extended meeting of the Defense Ministry board in Moscow with the participation of President Vladimir Putin. Putin is "fed up with US manipulations" in the sphere of international law. He promised to respond to Western aggression with adequate "military and technical measures". Defense Minister Shoigu says: -NATO countries are conducting military development of Ukraine. -There are more than 120 people from private U.S. military companies working in the Donetsk region. -NATO is practicing the use of coalition groups against Russia in exercises involving Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Russian President Putin at the Defense Ministry board: -NATO's strengthening near Russia's borders raises concerns. -Even U.S. legal guarantees are hard to trust. America easily withdraws from security treaties. -We will respond harshly to unfriendly and aggressive steps. -We will continue the planned deployment of our armed forces. -We are tired of U.S. manipulation of international law.