We were wondering how long it would take Russia to officially deny Ukraine's latest propaganda that it had shot down a Ukraine Su-25 fighter jet. The answer: just about 4 hours since the story was first "reported" by Ukraine media, give or take. As reported moments ago via RIA, Russia's Defence Ministry denied on Thursday it had shot down a Ukrainian airplane and called the accusation by Kiev "absurd." "It is absurd, just like all the previous accusations from Kiev's leadership against Russia's Defence Ministry," a ministry spokesman was quoted as saying.

So much for that. But what was more troubling was what Russia said in addition:

RUSSIA SAYS ETHNIC CLEANSING HAPPENING IN UKRAINE: RIA

And as is widely known, Russia has repeatedly state that the one reason it could get involved kinetically in Ukraine, is if the local government engages in mass extermination of ethnic Russians. Which probably explains the following veiled threat:

RUSSIA DOESN'T WANT WAR W/ UKRAINE, RIA CITES SECURITY COUNCIL

It doesn't want it. But it will be dragged into it if the "ethnic cleansing" doesn't stop. And certainly Russia's decision will be made that much easier if news like this keeps trickling in:

Four rockets exploded approximately 200 meters away from the Russian customs post Kuibyshevo in the Rostov region, Southern Customs Department press office head Rayan Farukshin told Interfax on Thursday. "Customs post employees have been evacuated to a safe distance. They do not have the opportunity to return and start carrying out their duties for now," Farukshin said. According to Farukshin, they were launched from Ukraine, where gunfire is heard now.

Finally, as if it wasn't clear to everyone by now, Russia concluded with the following:

RUSSIA SAYS U.S. POLICY PUSHES RUSSIA, CHINA CLOSER: RIA

Perhaps it is time to unleash the John Kerry again and make everything better again.