A Russian newspaper claims the Kremlin had been exploring a plan to annex eastern Ukraine even before the ouster of pro-Russian Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. According to “Novaya Gazeta”, a relevant document had been presented to Vladimir Putin and Russian officers 20 days before Yanukovych was forced to leave office and the country.

The Russian newspaper presented a document which purportedly shows an “action plan” to annex Crimea and other eastern Ukraine regions to Russia.

The Kremlin responded by charging that such claims are “foolish”.