Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has criticized the arrest of eleven people accused of involvement in a Russian spy ring on the United States. The suspects were detained in recent days following a reportedly decade-long investigation. Prosecutors have claimed the suspects were directed not to infiltrate US agencies or steal secrets, but to gather information on individuals and issues that could affect US-Russia relations. At a meeting with former President Bill Clinton in Moscow, Putin said he thinks the arrests were heavy-handed but downplayed speculation of a diplomatic fallout.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin: “Back at your home, the police went out of control and are throwing people in jail. But that’s the kind of job they have. I hope that all the positive gains that have been achieved in our relationship will not be damaged by the recent event.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Philip Gordon said the arrests won’t harm US-Russia ties.

Philip Gordon: “We are beyond the Cold War. I think our relations absolutely demonstrate that. But, as I say, I don’t think anyone was hugely shocked to know that some vestiges of old attempts to use intelligence are still there.”