Putin Warns Ukraine of Operation against Own People
Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday called “anti-terror operation” conducted by Ukrainian troops in its east “a serious crime,” warning of ” consequences” if Kyiv used the army against its own people.
“If the regime in Kyiv started using troops against its population, this is a grave crime,” Putin told a media forum in St. Petersburg.
Using armed forces for “punitive operation” will have consequences for those who made that decision, including on the inter-state level, he warned, adding that in that case Ukraine’s authorities deserved to be called “a junta” and “a clique.”
Putin accused the Kyiv government of exerting excessive force in dealing with federalist elements in the east of the country and of legitimizing extremist groups rather than opening up a genuine national dialogue.
“We took part in the meeting in Geneva. We signed a series of agreements there, according to which both sides were to disarm, abandon public buildings, and so on,” Putin said. “We shouldn’t be going down this road, but rather down the road of dialogue among all people in the country, wherever they happen to live.”
On Wednesday, Kyiv resumed an “active anti-terror” operation against pro-Russian activities in the embattled eastern regions after pro-Russia activists allegedly kidnapped and tortured several journalists and murdered a pro-government politician.
Kyiv suspended its “counter-terror” measures last week following an agreement with Russia, the United States and the European Union (EU) in Geneva, which calls on all sides of the conflict to refrain from violence.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said Thursday five “separatist militants” were killed during “counter-terror” actions at three checkpoints set by a pro-Russia militia outside the city of Slavyansk.
The current events in eastern Ukraine just proved that Russia acted correctly by supporting people in Crimea, Putin said. “If it was not for Russia’s support, residents of Crimea were unable to express their will in a civilized way.”
He dismissed fears that Crimea’s development would be undertaken at the expanse of cutting social programs in other parts of Russia.
“We have a federal surplus of 240 billion rubles (6.7 billion U. S. dollars) this year, and the total amount of aid needed by Crimea will not exceed 100 billion (2.8 billion dollars),” Putin said.
He also played down effect of Western sanctions against Russia, calling them “absolutely non-critical” and being of mostly political nature.
On Wednesday, Kyiv voiced outrage against Russia’s intention to set up border control between Crimea and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian autonomous republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol became Russian regions in mid-March following a referendum recognized by Moscow. Kyiv rejected the referendum and Crimea’s annexation to Russia, saying it was unconstitutional.