On March 12-13, the news broke in the media that the government was likely negotiating with Rinat Akhmetov and the Opposition Bloc’s leader Yurii Boiko about their appointments to lead the occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Immediately, this prospect got surrounded by comments and assumptions, since it is obvious that the Donbas conflict settlement has stalled. On the other hand, despite the fact that Akhmetov and Boiko are closely linked to the region and are associated with it by the public, many have questioned the feasibility of their appointments. Firstly, we should not forget that the local population feels rather negatively about these individuals. Secondly, the schemes of plundering of occupied territories have already developed, thus these appointments can cause another wave of gang wars. Thirdly, even if the Kremlin guarantees security of new “leaders” of “several districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions,” it is still unclear: what concessions would the government of Ukraine need to offer for the settlement to make this step forward? And most importantly, will this combination solve the issue of the occupied territories?
The Petro Poroshenko’s Bloc (PPB) representative Mustafa Nayyem confirmed that negotiations were underway. It is believed that the idea of appointments originated with Viktor Medvedchuk, who was quick to deny these allegations. Akhmetov’s spokesperson stated that they never comment on rumors and speculation, but their patron was “ready to do anything to stop the war.” Meanwhile, Boiko did not give a clear answer to the question about his possible appointment, neither confirming nor denying the possibility when asked about it during a live TV broadcast.
“Unfortunately, the situation is such that a simple and unilinear solution that would satisfy everyone in Ukraine (I do not care about Russia or the separatists) is just not there,” chief of the Ukrainian representation in the Minsk process’s security subgroup Yevhen Marchuk said in a broadcast aired by the 112 TV Channel. “Ukrainian researchers have studied the international practice of resolving such major crises – from Northern Ireland to Indonesia – quite thoroughly. I do not rule out such an option [appointing Boiko and Akhmetov. – Ed.], but I see no way to implement this debatable idea. What should be the conditions of their appointments? The international practice includes the so-called transitional regime, exercised through a temporary administration appointed without amending the constitution. The classic example is Germany. It was defeated, and a temporary administration functioned in that country for four years, but Germany was forced to agree to such an option. It would be unacceptable and impossible here. Now back to the question: what are Vladimir Putin’s conditions? I think they include renunciation of NATO aspirations, that is, no to Euro-Atlantic integration and no to the European vector. It is clear that there will be demands concerning protection of the so-called Russian-speaking population. And then the most painful question will be the question of amnesty.” “Appointing Akhmetov and Boiko as leaders of the occupied territories is just a rumor,” PPB MP Anatolii Matviienko told The Day. “It makes no sense to discuss it. Unfortunately, we live in a virtual rather than real world, and such news only distracts people from the real issues and challenges that must be addressed.”
“I think the whole story is due to the fact that they must somehow divert people’s attention from the tragic story of Nadia Savchenko, where our side demonstrates inability to fully protect the interests of this Ukrainian citizen,” member of the 5th and 6th Verkhovna Radas Volodymyr Landik commented for The Day. “We are discussing now absolutely unfounded pseudo-news of Boiko and Akhmetov’s possible appointments as leaders of the occupied territories. Even were we to assume it is possible, not only Poroshenko’s assent is not guaranteed, but Akhmetov and Boiko’s cooperation is not either. Ihor Plotnytsky and Oleksandr Zakharchenko have created large-scale plundering schemes there. They rob not just the local population, but also siphon off Russian money coming there. In addition, they seize coal shipments, stores, restaurants, and more. The true scale of all this should be understood, as well as the fact that resident gang chieftains Plotnytsky and Zakharchenko will neither concede nor give up such incredibly rich cash flows without a fight. Accordingly, they have more than regular gangs at their disposal, but rather army-sized entities. Therefore, I am convinced that neither Boiko nor Akhmetov, despite the Kremlin’s assurances, will risk being assigned to govern the occupied territories in the short term, because these districts have been turned into an abhorrent cesspool, and no appointments can be discussed before the armed elements are cleared from the Donbas, Ukrainian borders are restored, and the Ukrainian police stationed there. Then you can think about holding elections for local councils as well.”
