US 'troubled' by reports of Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov visiting India

Washington, Dec 12: The United States is "troubled" by the reports of the 'Head of the Republic of Crimea' accompanying Russian President Vladimir Putin to India.

Sergey Aksyonov, Head of the Republic of Crimea, which in March this year had acceded to the Russian Federation from Ukraine, is on his first visit abroad seeking to woo Indian investments. Crimea's accession to the Russian Federation had led to sanctions against the both by western countries.

"We are troubled by reports that the delegation accompanying Putin may have included Sergiy Aksyonov," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. She, however, noted that New Delhi was not aware of it.

"The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said they were not officially aware of his visit or his participation in the delegation. We're seeking further clarification on that," she said. "I don't think we have any reason to believe they (India) were aware. But that's all the information I have at this point," Psaki further said.

She also said it is not the time for the US to do business with Russia given its action in Ukraine. "We've seen press reporting on India concluding business, nuclear and defense deals with Russia, but not confirmation of those agreements or specifics of what those agreements would entail.

Our view remains that it's not time for business as usual with Russia," the State Department Spokesperson said.

PTI