Putin welcomes first contacts of Kiev and federalization supporters

MOSCOW, May 19 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Vladimir Putin “welcomes first contacts between Kiev and supporters of federalization for the establishment of a direct dialogue that must involve all interested parties,” the Kremlin press service reports on Monday. “Russia calls for an immediate end to a punitive operation and the use of force, the pullout of troops and the settlement of all problems solely by peaceful means,” the report said. The Russian president also issued an order to return troops which participated in military exercises in Rostov-on-Don, Belgorod and Bryansk regions to permanent bases. “Over the end of the planned spring stage of military training envisaging their redeployment and particularly held at firing ranges in Rostov-on-Don, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an order to Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu to bring back troops that participated in the war games to their permanent bases and continue combat training at nearby firing ranges,” the presidential press service said. Learn more on itar-tass.com