DONETSK/KIEV - A Ukrainian rabbi whose congregation was the target of an anti-Semitic leaflet that drew global media interest and condemnation from the US government believes it was a hoax and wants to put the matter to rest.
But five days after the incident in the restive eastern city of Donetsk, Ukraine's prime minister, anxious to maintain US support against Russia, issued a statement accusing Moscow and told a US TV channel he would find the "bastards" responsible.
Following earlier Russian allegations of anti-Semitism aimed at the new Ukrainian leadership, the rabbi's call for an end to the furor seems unlikely to prevent mutual accusations over minority rights continuing to inflame the conflict.