‘US charges over Ukraine baseless’

Russia has dismissed US accusations of Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine’s tensions, calling them unfounded.

In a phone conversation with US President Barack Obama on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said reports regarding Russia’s “alleged interference” in Ukraine are “based on inaccurate information.”
The Kremlin said in a statement released on the same day that Putin called Obama to do everything possible not to allow the use of force against protesters in eastern Ukraine.
Putin also noted that protests in eastern parts of Ukraine are a result of “Kiev authorities’ unwillingness to take into account the interests of the Russian and Russian-speaking population.”
The two leaders agreed on the need to move forward with efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The situation is escalating in eastern Ukraine amid concerns over an impending military action by Kiev against pro-Russian activists.