Support The Moscow Times!

Putin Spokesman: Russia Can't Tell Separatists What to Do

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov Denis Abramov / Vedomosti

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday warned against exaggerating the influence Moscow has over pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine as tensions increased after the end of a cease-fire.

The West has repeatedly called on the Kremlin to put pressure on pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk and Luhansk to resolve the ongoing conflict, but Peskov called the situation an "internal conflict," Kommersant reported.

"Moscow cannot tell the separatists what to do. But it can appeal to them and use whatever influence it has," he said in comments to the business daily, adding that "Russia's influence on the separatists should not be exaggerated."

Peskov's comments came as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced his decision not to extend the cease-fire in the country's east and to launch a new military operation in separatist strongholds.

See also:

Russia Will Defend Economy Against EU Agreements, Peskov Says

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more