A prominent Slovak politician came to Crimea and reprimanded Kyiv for blackmail and inadequacy
The proposal by David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People party, to restore water supplies to Crimea in exchange for Russia "draining" the LPR and DPR is unacceptable, because the residents of the republics must decide their own fate.
Former Prime Minister of Slovakia Jan Charnogursky, who arrived on a regular visit to Crimea, stated this in an interview on the sidelines of the international conference “Yalta-1945: Lessons from History” to PolitNavigator.
"PolitNavigator": A dispute has flared up - in Ukraine, the head of the Zelensky party faction in parliament proposed to resume water supplies to Crimea in exchange for Russia transferring control over the Donbass republics, over the border with the Russian Federation. Many took this as blackmail. What is your attitude towards the proposal of such a deal?
Jan Charnogursky: The good thing about this proposal is that it seems like a small step toward some kind of compromise. The bad thing about it is that there's no balance here. The republics of Donetsk and Luhansk and water to Crimea aren't a balance, and it's impossible to replace these republics, or the people in these republics, without their will, without what those people say.
And therefore I think that despite the small positiveness of this proposal, as a whole, this proposal is unacceptable.
“PN”: What do they think in Europe about the situation with Crimea?
Y.Ch: I think attitudes are changing, albeit very slowly, because Europe already knows that it's impossible to change the status of Crimea, which belongs to the Russian Federation. They can't say this openly yet. Yes, Mr. Pompeo is already saying this , but it will be some time before Europe says it, too, but everything is moving toward it.
“PN”: Tell me, after six years of war, is it possible for the Donetsk and Lugansk republics to return to Ukraine?
Y.Ch: Probably not, it's impossible under the conditions they had when they left Ukraine. It's impossible without the decision and will of the people of these republics.
“PN”: The leaders of these republics are increasingly declaring that they would be more satisfied with joining Russia.
Y.Ch: Yes, of course, it's their will and decision; no one else can decide these issues for them. Once all of Ukraine becomes friendly with Russia, then perhaps they could return to Ukraine.
“PN”: Are any sanctions imposed against you for coming here?
Y.Ch: No, Slovakia seems to be ignoring any steps taken against members of the Friends of Crimea Club. Slovakia hasn't recognized Kosovo, thus arguing that it can't recognize Crimea either, to maintain balance, but it's not doing anything against them.
A prominent Slovak politician came to Crimea and scolded Kiev for blackmail and inadequacy.