Ukraine’s Presidential Administration has said Russia could copy the Trans-Dniester scenario in Donbas.
“What is happening now [in Donbas] is a creeping transformation according to the Trans-Dniester scenario. This is why we don’t rule out fake local elections, which Russia may distance itself from but will de factor support and advertise,” Presidential Administration Deputy Head Kostiantyn Yeliseyev said in an interview appearing in the Kyiv-based Segodnia (Today) newspaper.
Yeliseyev said what ultimately happens may depend on the position of Ukraine and effective cooperation with its allies. He added that Russia is not interested in a cessation of hostilities, shelling provocations and diversions in Donbas.
“Russia through escalation in fighting and destabilization of the political and economic situation in the country is attempting to create so-called ‘controlled instability,’ in order to prevent Ukraine from creating a positive situation for actively and successfully implementing reforms. Russia needs a permanently unstable situation and is working towards that end in Donbas,” he said.
According to Yeliseyev, Ukraine should do everything possible to coordinate and mobilize an international pro-Ukraine coalition and force Moscow to abide by the Minks peace agreements.
“We will, of course, continue to insist on the de-occupation of Crimea,” he said.
