Moscow calls Kiev's 'Russian occupation' law 'preparation for war'

Russia said Thursday that Ukraine's passing of a new law recognising the conflict with pro-Moscow separatists in the east of the country as a "temporary Russian occupation" amounted to preparation for war.

"You cannot call this anything but preparation for a new war," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement, warning that the move "risked a dangerous escalation in Ukraine with unpredictable consequences for world peace and security."