You're reading: Akhmetov: Solution to Donetsk region situation can be found only through talks

The only way to sort out the current situation in Ukraine's Donetsk region is through holding negotiations, influential Donetsk businessman Rinat Akhmetov said.

“People want the voice of Donbass to be heard. People want Donbas to
be respected. What should we do? The only way out is to hold
negotiations. These negotiations should benefit both people, those of
Donbas and Ukraine,” Akhmetov said at a meeting with Ukrainian Prime
Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk in Donetsk on Friday.

Akhmetov said that he had recently met with local protesters, adding
that he would always stand by them if these people’s “actions supported
the decentralization of power and Donbas.”

“I met with the protesters and told them that if you took part in the
rally to protect your right to use the Russian language, I am with you.
If you took part in the rally to demand the decentralization of power
and to persuade the authorities in Kyiv to share power with the regions,
I am with you. If you took part in the rally to demand that Donbas be
respected and be prosperous, and that people in Donbas be able to live a
better life, I will always stand by you,” he said.

“But as far as I am concerned, Donbas is Ukraine. Please, support me
here. I want to say that Donetsk, Donbas, Ukraine will always be in my
heart,” he added.

“I am opposed to buildings being seized. I am opposed to weapons
being seized. I am categorically opposed to any violence and bloodshed,”
Akhmetov said.