Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed accusations of Russian involvement in unrest in Europe, calling them “absurd” and saying they were no longer taken seriously.
“Nobody anywhere takes such absurd accusations seriously anymore. Not even in Europe itself,” Peskov told Zvezda News on Monday.
Mass protests took place in Paris and other French cities on October 17, with demonstrations escalating into riots in some locations. Reports said protesters set fire to municipal buildings, looted shops and attacked police stations.
Peskov also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had backed proposals by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin for a government reshuffle.
Mishustin presented the proposals during a working meeting with Putin on Monday morning, Peskov said, without specifying which officials would be affected.
Under Russia’s Constitution, Mishustin will submit the relevant nominations to the State Duma for approval.
Asked whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Russia by the end of this year or in 2027, Peskov said the visit would most likely take place next year.
Under a 2000 declaration on strategic partnership between Russia and India, the two countries’ leaders meet annually. Modi is due to make the next visit to Russia under the established rotation, Peskov said.
Peskov also said Putin’s annual televised call-in show and news conference was traditionally scheduled for December.
