Russia mocks West over war ‘paranoia’

The Kremlin and senior officials yesterday made fun of Western media for running with February 16 as the "invasion date" when Russia might attack Ukraine, some even went further suggesting western leaders should see a doctor for their war "paranoia".

"I'd like to ask if US and British sources of disinformation ... could publish the schedule of our upcoming invasions for the year. I'd like to plan my holidays," Russia's foreign minister spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova wrote on social media.

Western intelligence had warned that Moscow could choose Wednesday to escalate an ongoing separatist conflict in Ukraine. Some media, citing those reports, specified Russian attacks could begin early Wednesday morning.

"The night passed as usual. We slept peacefully. In the morning we started the day calmly and professionally," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said yesterday.

On Tuesday, Russia's deputy ambassador to the United Nations told western leaders they should see a doctor for their "paranoia" over fears that the 100,000 or so Russian troops massed on Ukraine's borders might invade.

"I think they need to have a good doctor, I recommend them to do it. Specialist on such paranoia cases," said Dmitry Polyanskiy, denying that Russia intended to attack its neighbor, a former Soviet state.

"Our troops are on our territory, (they) represent (a) threat to no one," he told reporters.