Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that it is very important to avoid any actions that may trigger the escalation of the situation in Ukraine.
"In the context of the unsettled situation in southeastern Ukraine, it is, of course, very important to avoid any actions and steps that will trigger the escalation of tensions and, shall we say, get into lane with provocative actions […] from Kiev, " Peskov said, commenting on the Verkhovna Rada’s decision to pass a law allowing the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine.
He also stressed that it is important to focus on the implementation of the Minsk agreement.
Replying to the question of whether the Russian President can exercise his right to ask the Federation Council to permit the use of the armed forces abroad, Peskov answered affirmatively.
"The President can exercise any constitutional right," Peskov said.
Ukraine, Russia and OSCE representatives signed a ceasefire agreement in February 2014. The agreement provides for a package of important measures, including constitutional reform in Ukraine and autonomous status for the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
