Mr Akhmetov urges Mr Putin to respect Ukraine sovereignty of Ukraine
Kyiv Post reported that Mr Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest man with an estimated fortune of USD 12.5 billion, declared that he stands for Ukrainian independence and that it should not relinquish any part of the country to Russia.
Mr Akhmetov said that “I am sure we will go through this journey with dignity and our heads held high. Ukraine is going through a difficult time and I am sure Ukraine will become stronger.”
Mr Akhmetov said that “We should build stronger relations with Russia, respecting each other’s position and countries. We wish Russia and the Russian people all the best and prosperity. In this situation, we should only use diplomatic language.If we do that, both countries will come out of this situation as winners and the EU can win too.”
Mr Akhmetov urged Mr Putin to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and all those involved to behave in a democratic way adding that Russia remained Ukraine’s friend and strategically partner.
Mr Akhmetov controls great swathes of steel and energy industry in the Donbas region of south eastern Ukraine and so his business is directly affected by threats of secession. If Donbas joins Russia as the worst case political scenario implies, the long standing ally of Yanukovych will have to run his System Capital Management conglomerate under pressure from Putin’s administration known for interfering in business.
Mr Akhmetov was even considered by some as a candidate for the position of Donetsk governor. However, acting President Mr Oleksandr Turchynov decided to appoint Mr Serhiy Taruta owner of Industrial Union of Donbas, as head of Donetsk Oblast State Administration.
Source – Kyiv Post