Vladimir Pashkov, who left a top Russian regional government post three weeks before Russia’s invasion of Crimea, has now been made ‘acting prime minister’ of the self-proclaimed ‘Donetsk people’s republic’ (DPR’). Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary has denied that this gels badly with Moscow’s claim to have no part in the conflict in Ukraine. According to his version, Pashkov is merely an individual who just happens to be Russian, like the three former or current Russian FSB and military intelligence officers whose trial in absentia over the downing of MH17 is shortly to begin in the Netherlands.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
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Halya Coynash: Russia installs prime minister of proxy Donbas republic
An armed pro-Russian separatist stands guard in the village of Spartak near the airport of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, on April 10, 2015.
