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Ukrainian oligarchs and businessmen speak in support of Ukrainian unity as Russia commences invasion of Crimea

Ukrainian oligarchs and businessmen speak in support of Ukrainian unity as Russia commences invasion of Crimea
Article by: Yuriy Lukanov
Translated by: Christine Chraibi
Edited by: A. N.

As Euromaidan sent Yanukovych fleeing into Russia, and Russian troops de-facto began a military intervention in Crimea, Ukrainian oligarchs have begun speaking out in support of a united Ukraine and its territorial integrity, and against military conflict.

Henadiy Korban, a partner of Ihor Kolomoisky, believes that the oligarchs are ready to wage a war with Russia and only a united Ukraine can secure their prosperity.

That was Korban’s statement to Espreso.TV. “That’s true, policies established by the new government will shatter the economic positions of the oligarchs in Russia, and they will lose some benefits, but all this is only in a short-term perspective. I will tell you more – I have talked to Akhmetov, Kolomoisky, Novinsky – these people are no longer interested to multiply their money. They want to have a place in history. In the long run, only a united Ukraine will ensure them prosperity in a long run”, Korban says.

We would like to remind people that while Sergiy Taruta accepted a proposal to become a head of Donetsk Oblast State Administration, there are plans to appoint Ihor Kolomoisky as a head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration. Source

Earlier, Donetsk businessman Serhiy Taruta appealed to Ukrainians to unite under threat of Russian occupation.

His open letter was published by Ukrainska Pravda on March 1.

“Dear compatriots, I’m appealing to you not as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ISD Corporation, but as a Russian-speaking citizen of Ukraine and as a resident of Donbas who has both Russian and Ukrainian blood,” he writes.

“I urge all who cherish Ukraine and its future, whose heart is breaking at today’s news, to unite all your efforts to protect the integrity of our country. I’m sure that everyone understands that the decisions taken in Moscow could lead to a division of our country and a long civil conflict with many casualties,” he says. For Taruta, the deployment of Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine can only be viewed as the “military occupation of a peaceful territory.”

“Do I need to explain how all this will end for us?” he asks. “I think not. We simply will lose everything. Everything that we have built and invested in our country over the past 23 years of independence will be destroyed — if not by fire, then through economic collapse. We must defend Ukraine. Yes, imperfect. Yes, multilingual. But ours!”

Taruta also urged Ukrainian businessmen, citizens and politicians to unite. “Today we are all Ukrainians. We are all under our one national flag. It is time to settle scores with each other. Later on we’ll be able to work out how to continue to live as a large family. Today we must defend our country with everything that we have. Because if we do not join forces today, there may not be a tomorrow,” he concluded. Source

1797548_238097919707351_1244102925_nFirtash appeals to Russian businessmen 

Businesses in Ukraine appealed to their business partners in Russia to use all their influence to avoid exacerbating the current conflict.  Dmytro Firtash, head of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, has released his open letter to Alexander Shokhin, head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, asking Russian business partner to help prevent war. The letter was posted on Interfax-Ukraine, on March 3.

“We as business people know better than anyone that most any issue can be resolved at the negotiating table,” Firtash states. He argues that in circumstances where Ukraine and Russia are on the verge of war, business representatives must also take a stand.

“I’m sure you understand that under these circumstances there are and will be no winners. All will lose,” he emphasized. Firtash also pointed out that military conflict will inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences for the economies of both Ukraine and Russia and will drive a wedge between the two nations forever clouding their relationship.
Firtash said that he is making his appeal on behalf of businesses in Ukraine, representing all regions from west to east and north to south. Source 

The oligarch Akhmetov also supports a strong, unitary, and undivided Ukraine

Statement by Rinat Akhmetov, President of Systems Capital Management

My fellow Ukrainians! Our country’s future is at risk. Internal political tension could develop into a continuous conflict and destroy the integrity of Ukraine. The use of force and illegal actions from outside are unacceptable. I believe that peace is the only solution to the crisis. I urge all Ukrainian citizens to unite for the sake of a unitary, undivided Ukraine. Today, this is by far the most important thing. It is essential to keep a cool head, to not react to provocations and make reasonable, justified decisions. Our strength is in the unity of business, government and society. Today, the economy is a real political force. Our task is to ensure the safety of people and their families, and the stable operations of all enterprises in the country. We will work 24/7 to maintain the vital functioning of Ukraine’s infrastructure. This is our main contribution to the country’s integrity.

I appeal to all politicians and Ukrainian officials to do everything possible to ensure territorial sovereignty and the restoration of democracy, and the inalienable rights and freedoms of citizens. I appeal to the business community in Ukraine and business partners of Ukrainian business to join efforts and promote a peaceful settlement, without sparing any material resources. I am certain that, through joint efforts, we can stand up for our future in a strong, united and independent Ukraine. I now state and promise that the SCM Group, which currently represents 300,000 people and represents Ukraine from West to East, and from North to South, will do its best to maintain the integrity of our country. Source

 

Translated by: Christine Chraibi
Edited by: A. N.
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