Kremlin, Russian FM slam photo, video materials from Bucha as 'fake'

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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the photo and video materials disseminated by Ukraine depicting dead civilians on the streets of the Ukrainian town of Bucha northwest of Kiev cannot be trusted.

Over the weekend, Ukraine published footage it claimed shows evidence of crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Bucha. "All photos and video materials published by the Kiev regime allegedly testifying to some ‘crimes’ committed by Russian soldiers in the town of Bucha, Kiev region, is another provocation," Moscow's Defense Ministry said yesterday, adding that all Russian soldiers had withdrawn from the town as early as March 30.

Peskov said that this information should be seriously questioned, as the facts and timing speak against the reliability of Ukraine's statements.

"We categorically reject any accusations. Moreover, we believe that this topic should be discussed at the highest possible level, so there was an initiative to consider this topic, our initiative to consider the topic in the Security Council. We know that this initiative was blocked," he said. 

Russia's Foreign Ministry, Sergey Lavrov, commented on the matter, saying that the Bucha incident was staged. 

"The other day, another fake attack was launched in the city of Bucha, Kiev region, after Russian military personnel left this place in accordance with plans," Lavrov said during his meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths.

Poland ready to host US nuclear weapons

Peskov also commented on a recent statement by Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who said that the country is ready to host US nuclear weapons.

The Kremlin Spokesperson said that Poland's anti-Russian and war-like stance may lead to more tensions.

"In general, the stance of the Polish leadership has recently caused deep concern: the line is extremely war-like, anti-Russian, and the proposed actions [to host nuclear weapons], of course, can only lead to a further increase in tension on the continent," Peskov told reporters.

No comments on prospects of Moscow-Kiev talks

As for the prospects for the resumption of Russia-Ukraine talks amid the alleged mass killing in Bucha, Peskov refused to comment on the matter.

"We are not commenting on this yet. I do not have information yet about the schedule for the continuation of negotiations, I do not know about it," Peskov told reporters.

Putin congratulates Orban on election victory

Russia's President congratulated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on his electoral victory after the ruling Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance emerged victorious at Monday's parliamentary elections.

"Russian President Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the occasion of the victory of the party coalition led by him in the elections to the parliament of Hungary," the Kremlin said.

Putin wrote in the message that the development of bilateral ties serves the interest of both countries despite the "difficult international situation."

Putin congratulates Vucic on his victory

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, on his victory in the presidential election, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Vucic has declared his victory in the presidential election, saying that he received around 60% support.

"Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Aleksandar Vucic on the occasion of his convincing victory in the presidential election in Serbia," the Kremlin said in a statement.

Putin also expressed the hope that Vucic's activity as head of state will continue to help strengthen the strategic partnership relations between the countries, the statement read.