MOSCOW, May 27, (AFP): Russia Tuesday called for an "immediate end" to violence in eastern Ukraine after 40 people were killed in fighting between government forces and pro-Moscow rebels.
Maintaining Moscow's tough tone after the weekend election of Ukraine's new president Petro Poroshenko, President Vladimir Putin again accused Kiev of carrying out "punitive" operations in eastern regions.
In a call with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Putin "underlined the need for an immediate end to the military's punitive operation in southeastern regions and the establishment of peaceful dialogue between Kiev and regional representatives," the Kremlin said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also called for an end to the fighting, accusing Kiev of using the military against civilians.
"The number one task for the Kiev authorities and the test of their durability... is bringing an immediate end to the use of the army against the public and an end to any violence by all sides," Lavrov said in Moscow at a news conference with Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu.
Lavrov said there were no immediate plans for Ukraine's new leader to travel to Moscow for talks on the long-running crisis.
"The question of a visit to Russia by Poroshenko is not being considered and is not being discussed through diplomatic or any other channels," Lavrov said.
But he repeated promises that Moscow was ready to work with Poroshenko.
"We hope that he will act in the interests of all the Ukrainian people. If that is the case he will find us a serious and reliable partner," Lavrov said.
"We have an interest in resolving the crisis in Ukraine and working with all of those who want the same thing."
Lavrov mocked those calling for new sanctions on Russia, saying: "It's funny, people are busy trying to find some reason to put pressure on us, it's laughable."
Russia for end to violence in Ukraine
FE Team | Published: May 28, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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