Russian Lawmaker Accuses West of Escalating Tensions in Ukrainian Conflict

Russian lawmaker Maria Butina accused the West of escalating tensions by being involved in Ukraine’s incursion into Russian territory. Although denied by the U.S. and other Western nations, Butina insisted that their actions equate to dangerously 'poking the bear,' referencing a lesson she learned during her studies in the United States.

Russian lawmaker Maria Butina on Wednesday said that the West was involved in the Ukrainian incursion into sovereign Russian territory and was thus 'poking the bear' in a dangerous escalation.

The United States and other Western backers of Ukraine have denied that they were informed beforehand of the dramatic attack on Russia's Kursk region.

'Of course they are involved,' Butina told Reuters when asked if the West was involved. 'When I studied in the United States the main rule was: "Don't poke the bear." What the West is doing today? They are poking the bear.'

(With inputs from agencies.)