The decentralization of the government system in Ukraine being proposed by Kyiv cannot affect the situation in the eastern parts of Ukraine, says Valeriy Holenko, the chairman of Luhansk Regional Council.
“Decentralization of government is already unable to settle the issue and calm the people down today. In my view, it is necessary to announce resolutely and clearly that Ukraine should become a federal state or at least that Luhansk and Donetsk regions should be granted this status. The Russian language is also an issue. In my view, this is what still can save Ukraine from disintegration today,” Holenko said at an all-Ukrainian roundtable conference in Kharkiv on Saturday.
He called on the roundtable conference participants not to underestimate the results of the referendums held recently in Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
“It’s true that masses of people came to this referendum and that the people truly voted the way it was announced. This was a protest not even for the formula proposed in the ballots. The people protested because they don’t want to live in a country it’s become now, where the people in the southeast, particularly Donetsk and Luhansk regions, are not respected and their opinion is disregarded,” he said.
Ukraine is losing time from day to day and “may reach a point of no return,” he said.
“There is still a chance to preserve the country. It’s necessary to stop the antiterrorist operation against your own people and stop the military actions,” Holenko said addressing the Kyiv authorities.
