MOSCOW, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Moldova's charge d'affaires on Tuesday over concerns that Moldova could host West-supplied F-16 aircraft to be transferred to Ukraine.
The ministry expressed "serious concern" over media reports that F-16 aircraft, transferred by the West to Ukraine, might be deployed in Moldova and used to bomb Russian territory, it said in a statement.
Russia noted "the ongoing militarization of Moldova" and joint exercises between the country and contingents of NATO member states, said the ministry, adding that it also urged Moldova not to take steps that could lead to the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis.
Moldova's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that it does not plan to host the F-16 aircraft provided for Ukraine.
"Moldova does not and will not host weapons and military equipment, including aircraft destined for Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement. ■