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Kremlin says no new comments on Savchenko’s possible swap

Ukraine’s Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko said earlier that "the political talks continue" on Savchenko’s fate, however, Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on that statement

Nadezhda Savchenko inside a glass cage during a court hearing at the Donetsk district court (archive) EPA/STRINGER

Nadezhda Savchenko inside a glass cage during a court hearing at the Donetsk district court (archive)

© EPA/STRINGER

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ST.PETERSBURG, April 7. /TASS/. The Kremlin has no new comments on the possibility of swapping former Ukrainian pilot Nadezhda Savchenko sentenced to 22 years in jail in Russia over killing of journalists.

"I have nothing to add to what I have already said on this issue," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Ukraine’s Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko said earlier that "the political talks continue" on Savchenko’s fate.

Peskov refused to comment on the statement.

Savchenko’s lawyers say that the Ukrainian authorities are taking efforts to have her transferred to Ukraine. Russia’s justice ministry said on Wednesday it has not yet received a request from the Ukrainian side on handing over Savchenko to Kiev.

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In late March, a court in southern Russia found Savchenko guilty of directing the pro-Kiev forces’ artillery fire in Ukraine's south-east that had killed Russian journalists. The judge also said she illegally crossed the Russian border.

Savchenko denied any wrongdoing and didn’t recognize the Russian court’s verdict. However, the Ukrainian said she would not appeal the sentence.

The sentence officially came into force on April 5. On the same day, Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin has made no decision yet on the possibility of handing over Savchenko.

Peskov said earlier he knows nothing about the possibility to exchange Savchenko for Russian citizens Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko who are serving lengthy jail terms in the United States.

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Ukraine crisis Nadezhda Savchenko

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