Moscow, April 22 (IANS): A war between Russia and Ukraine is most unlikely, a senior Russian defence official said Tuesday.
"I don't believe the Russians and Ukrainians will fight each other," Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov said.
Russian and Ukrainian military commanders continued to maintain contact, though this had reduced considerably, Xinhua cited Antonov as saying.
Among the issues the two defence ministries are currently discussing are returning Ukrainian weapons left in Crimea and the return of servicemen recruited from Crimea to the Ukrainian army, he said.
Crimea acceded to Russia March 18 following a popular referendum not recognised by Kiev and Western powers.
Antonov also described as false allegations that Russia had beefed up its military presence in the border areas with Ukraine.