Ukraine on Wednesday rejected as "groundless" Russian suggestions it was involved in the Syria conflict, after Moscow's UN envoy accused Kyiv of aiding rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Kyiv's foreign ministry said it "categorically rejects the Russian Federation's groundless accusations against Ukraine of alleged involvement in the aggravation of the security situation in Syria".
On Tuesday, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, accused Ukrainian intelligence services of aiding rebels fighting Syrian leader Bashar Assad’s government, saying some fighters were “openly flaunting” the association.
Last Wednesday, rebels launched an attack on regime forces in northeastern Syria in the largest incursion in years and gained large swathes of territory in Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib over the week.
Regime forces, backed by Russia, launched a counter-offensive that managed to regain control of some areas.
At least 602 people have been killed, including 104 civilians, according to a UK-based Syria war monitor.
The United Nations says nearly 150,000 people have been displaced by the fighting since it began last Wednesday.
Israeli strikes kill 17 Palestinians in Gaza
Suspect in German Christmas market attack held on murder charges
Four killed in helicopter crash at Turkish hospital
Five SDF fighters killed in strikes by Turkish-backed forces
