Interfax: Russia’s $15 billion loan for Ukraine may be secured by Ukrainian strategic facilities – Klitschko

Russian Naval Vessel in Ukrainian Port

KYIV. Dec 18 (Interfax) – A Ukrainian opposition leader is concerned that President Viktor Yanukovych might have agreed with Russia on a $15-billion loan secured by Ukrainian strategic facilities.

“According to some well-informed sources, a loan agreement for $15 billion secured by Ukrainian property has been signed,” opposition UDAR party leader Vitali Klitschko said at a demonstration on Tuesday.

He suggested that the facilities used as collateral might include the Ukrainian gas transportation system.

Viktor Yanukovych file photo

Viktor Yanukovych file photo

“Only early elections can be a solution for the country. Yanukovych told us at the roundtable that he is not afraid of early elections. I am challenging Yanukovych – he is my personal rival, and I am calling him to the ring,” said Klitschko, a former WBC heavyweight champion.

Arseny Yatsenyuk, the Batkivshchyna party’s parliamentary faction leader, said at the rally in Kyiv on Tuesday that the opposition wants to know what “the Ukrainian president has given up” in exchange for Russia’s financial aid and the discount gas prices. “We want to hear about all the documents that he’s signed from him,” Yatsenyuk said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier on Tuesday that Russia would invest $15 billion of its National Welfare Fund reserves in Ukrainian government securities.

Ukraine Map and Flag

Viktor Yanukovych

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