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Russian PM doesn't rule out diplomatic relations with Kiev could be broken

The prime minister said he considered the subversion act in Crimea a crime against the Russian state and its people

Dmitry Medvedev Alexander Astafyev/TASS

Dmitry Medvedev

© Alexander Astafyev/TASS

SOCHI, August 12. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said he does not rule out that diplomatic relations with Ukraine could be severed, if there is no other option.

"I would not like this to end this way. However, if there is no other option to influence the situation, the president can probably make such a decision," Medvedev said when asked whether severance of diplomatic relations was possible in the wake of Kiev’s attempt to carry out terrorist attacks in Crimea. "The final decision is made by the president who oversees the country’s foreign policy."

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The prime minister said he considered the subversion act in Crimea a crime against the Russian state and its people.

"To my mind, this is undoubtedly a crime committed against the Russian state and the people of Russia living on one of its territories - Crimea," Medvedev said.

"This act of sabotage is an act of crime in its essence, despite the fact that its plot failed, and it should be properly investigated while the persons implicated in it as well as organizers should bear responsibility, criminal responsibility," he said.

According to Medvedev, the legal matter regarding cases related to sabotages and terrorism implies the inevitability of the criminal penalty.

"The criminal process should be running its course within the current framework," he added.

Medvedev also said he regretted the sabotage attempt in Crimea adding that it was likely sanctioned by "a country close to" Ukraine.

"I can only state once again, like President Putin, my regrets that this kind of activity was sanctioned by the authorities of the country close to us, despite the fact that we currently do not have the easiest relationship with them," Medvedev told reporters.

According to Medvedev, "it is very unfortunate" for the people of both countries. According to him, this is an attempt to distract Ukrainians from domestic problems, "to show that the country is in danger, and that domestic problems will be solved after any external issues." The minister added that it was "a clear, absolutely immoral step, which undoubtedly deserves the deepest regret and condemnation."

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