Ukraine’s euro-integration can prompt Russia to escalate tension in country: Ukrainian MP

Day.Az: How do you comment on new tension in Russia-Ukraine relations?

Oles Doniy: I think the recent actions of Russian leadership  towards Ukraine can be considered unfriendly. We witnessed the fact that Russia has delayed sending ambassador to Ukraine awaiting the onset of “new times”. Even in diplomatic language it means a declaration of war.

The bill on Russian troops deployment abroad is of particular concern related to this kind of action by the Kremlin. It seems that there is a systematic pressure from Russia to Ukraine. It is very unpleasant and worrying period. Especially if you remember the military action by Russia in the territory of one of the independent states of the former USSR, which no one could predict three years ago.

Nevertheless, it already happened in Georgia in August last year. Therefore, the statements regarding Russia can be interpreted as an overt threat  . It is not excluded that Ukraine’s further European integration may prompt Russia to escalate tension in our country.

Q: Can the recent years’ tension in Russia-Ukraine relations be attributed to personality of Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko?

A: I am sure that the tension in Russian-Ukrainian relations is not linked to personality of Victor Yushchenko but to a fact that certain circles in Russia are still unable to accept the fact that Ukraine pursues an independent foreign and domestic policies. Whoever will be the next president of Ukraine, Russia will not cease pressure on it.

Q: Who has more chances to be next Ukrainian president?

A: The main contenders for post of Ukraine’s new president is Victor Yanukovych, Yulia Timoshenko and Arseniy Yatsenyuk. It is clear that in Ukrainian society has a certain disappointment with the team that came to power in Ukraine after the “orange revolution” which adds to number of Viktor Yanukovych voters. In this regard, it is possible that the current action on the part of Russia is precisely targeted at Viktor Yanukovych so that in case he comes to power, he will be obliged to Russia for this.

/Day.Az/