Dmitry Peskov: Kremlin will not send any signals to Alexander Lukashenko regarding the recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia or recognition of Crimea as a Russian region

The Kremlin will not send any signals to Alexander Lukashenko regarding the recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia or recognition of Crimea as a Russian region, -Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Our ally and partner will make his own decision when he deems it necessary," Peskov said.

He said Lukashenko was well aware of the "real situation" relating to the status of Crimea, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"There is no need for additional signals," the Kremlin spokesman said.

He said there was a "de jure and de facto situation".

"The states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are recognized by the Russian Federation and we have diplomatic relations with them, while the Russian region of Crimea is an integral part of the Russian Federation," Peskov said, adding that this is a reality that Lukashenko is "well aware of."