(Reuters) – Russian space agency dismissed Western media reports that Russian cosmonauts were joining the International Space Station, (ISS), in yellow suits and blue trims to support Ukraine.

Roscosmos’ Telegram channel stated, “Sometimes yellow just happens to be yellow.”

“The new crew’s flight suits are in the colors of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University emblem. All three cosmonauts have graduated from it…. It is insane to see the Ukrainian flag in every place.

Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin, was more outspoken. He stated on Telegram that Russian cosmonauts have no sympathy for Ukrainian nationalists.

Oleg Artemyev (veteran cosmonaut) was quizzed about his suits during a live streamed news conference at the ISS.

Each crew selects a color that is different. He said that it was now our turn to choose a color. He said, “The truth was, we had lots of yellow fabric and needed to make use of it.” This is why yellow flight suits were necessary.”

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. The country has both a yellow and blue flag. According to United Nations, the fighting that followed has resulted in thousands of deaths, destruction of parts of cities, and forced millions of Ukrainians from their homes.

Rogozin suggested that U.S. sanctions imposed as a response to invasion might destroy ISS teamwork, and result in the station being thrown out of orbit.

NASA officials have confirmed that U.S. and Russian astronauts are both aware of Earth’s events, but their work is not affected by geopolitical tensions.