You're reading: Akhmetov calls for talks between Kyiv, east Ukraine

 High-profile Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov has issued a statement insisting that talks are the only way to resolve the crisis in eastern Ukraine. "The situation in eastern Ukraine is extremely complicated today. The crisis is aggravating, administrative buildings are being seized, weapons are being seized. The most terrible part of this is that people are getting killed, something that is unacceptable under any circumstances. Human life is the highest of all values, and we must do everything possible to prevent new fatalities," Akhmetov said in his statement a copy of which has been obtained by Interfax.

 “I have said more than once, and am prepared to repeat this as much
as is needed for me to be heard, that only negotiations and only a
peaceful path can take us out of the crisis. We must pause and think
today what we should do to glue the country together. Not to split it up
but to glue it together. And what kind of glue we need for this. It
surely can’t be weapons, pistols or assault rifles. Weapons can’t
achieve anything,” the tycoon said.

“My position remains unchanged today: Ukraine must be a single and
indivisible country. I am convinced that our sole weapon today is the
negotiating table. The negotiating table alone can end escalating
tensions, it alone can produce a solution that would benefit the whole
country and each Ukrainian. I was born and grew up in Donetsk. I live
here, my home is here, and my team, my friends, my family and other
people close to me are all here. And I will do everything possible for
the voice of Donbas [an industrial area taking up much of eastern
Ukraine] to be heard, for Donbas to be respected, and, most importantly,
for Donbas and Ukraine to be united forever,” Akhmetov said.