Kremlin Reacts to Rumors of South Ossetia’s Possible Accession to Russia

The appointment of former South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev as an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin is not connected to any possible future accession of the republic to Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Speaking to reporters, Peskov rejected suggestions that the leadership change in South Ossetia could indicate that the territory is moving toward integration with Russia. Kremlin Rejects Speculation About Accession "No, it cannot," Peskov replied when asked whether the change in South Ossetia's leadership could be viewed as a sign of the republic's imminent accession to Russia.