Ukraine: Separatist leader outlines prospects for “independent Donetsk republic”

(Interfax – Moscow, May 7, 2014) If the 11 May referendum votes on independence from Kiev, Donetsk Region may unite with other southeast regions of Ukraine into an independent Novorossiya, co-chairman of the government of the Donetsk people’s republic Myroslav Rudenko has said.

“An independent Donetsk republic is an element necessary for creating a new state. After the referendum, if the decision on independence [Rus: nezavisimost’] is taken, we plan, together with the Luhansk people’s republic and later with Kharkiv, Odessa and Mykolayiv regions, to unite on principles of federalism into a new state, Novorossiya,” Rudenko said in a telephone interview with Interfax.

He went on to add that the new state would not be integrated into Russia but would remain independent. “However, we shall adopt a Eurasian course and may join the Customs Union. In addition, we intend to build constructive relations with adequate [sensible] politicians in central Ukraine. But we shall have no dialogue with the current government,” Rudenko said.

He went on to explain that the Eurasian choice is based, among other things, on strong economic ties between eastern Ukraine and Russia as well as on joint history. “Our enterprises have close economic ties with Russian regions. We have been working closely together for a long time. We cannot afford to lose these ties, since that would be the end of the industry of Donbass [Donetsk Region]. That is why we have decided to maintain and develop these ties. All the more since, historically, we had close relations with Russia,” Rudenko said.

He expects an inflow of investment if Novorossiya is formed. “We want to create a favourable investment climate, to attract investors in the development of our enterprises, our industry. It is no secret that machinery at many of our enterprises needs to be upgraded. We are interested in cooperation with the Customs Union in that area,” Rudenko added.