Pressure on Russia from abroad growing as Russian presidential election nears - Peskov
MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax) - Pressure on Russia is growing, and manifestations of unfair competition toward Russian businesses are increasing as Russia's presidential election draws nearer, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 (VGTRK) television station.
"Some first manifestations of possible discomfort and probably unfair competition toward our business are already noticeable today [...] This is simply continued pressure on our country, which tends to intensify as the presidential elections approach," Peskov said.
When asked whether the situation surrounding Russian Senator Suleiman Kerimov is an example of pressure exerted on Russia, Peskov said: "It is difficult to say. An investigation is underway there. Certain accusations have been put forth. Certainly, the state is protecting and will continue to protect Kerimov's interests as our citizen and as a senator. But there are also judicial methods of defense that Kerimov is using. We hope that he will be able to defend his interests in France in the end."