The Russian premier wrote in his Facebook blog that the new authorities in Kiev “lack due legitimacy and, worse, are practically unable to leverage situation in the country.”
“The power in the hands of various radicals, militants and bandits. They have the final say, and, most likely, they will continue having it after the May 25 [elections]. There’s no reason for them to share power with others. A government of this kind inevitably results in a collapse of a state,” he wrote.
- Although Medvedev criticized Viktor Yanukovych for “political powerlessness, weak personality and inaction” that led to the overthrow of his government, he said that the fugitive president remains the only legitimate head of state.
Leaders in the predominantly Russian-ethnic republic refused to recognize the legitimacy of the government in Kiev that came to power amid often violent protests last month, instead seeking reunification with Russia.
- “The peoples of Crimea (Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars) have expressed their stance in a popular vote. The referendum and the decisions made are now history. We should think of what to do next,” Medvedev wrote.
The US and EU announced asset freezes and travel bans targeting a number of Russian officials close to President Vladimir Putin on Monday, following Crimea’s referendum and reunification.
- Medvedev said the West should make efforts to build fair and balanced relations with Russia rather than make futile attempts to punish it.
- Commenting on the current standoff between Russia and the West, Medvedev compared it with the 2008 crisis over Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
“I hope that the reason will prevail again. Russia will never succumb to punishment. But relations with Russia could be built in a correct way,” Medvedev wrote.
http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140321/188641618/Medvedev-Warns-Ukraine-of-Possible-State-Collapse.html
21/3/14
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Russian prime minister angers Ukraine by visiting Crimea...
ReplyDelete(Reuters) - Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev flaunted Russia's grip on Crimea by flying to the region and holding a government meeting there on Monday, angering Ukraine and defying Western demands to hand the peninsula back to Kiev.
But in a gesture that could ease tension in the worst East-West stand-off since the Cold War, Russia pulled some troops back from near Ukraine's eastern border.
President Vladimir Putin told Germany's Angela Merkel that he had ordered a partial drawdown in the region, the German chancellor's spokesman said. The Defence Ministry said a motorized infantry battalion, which numbers between 300 and 1,200 men, had been pulled back to its base.
However, Medvedev's visit taunted Western leaders by underlining their inability to force Putin to relinquish Crimea, seized after the overthrow of Russian-backed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and formally annexed on March 21.
Accompanying Medvedev, outspoken Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin - who has been targeted by Western sanctions - left no doubt about the symbolism of the trip, saying on Twitter: "Crimea is ours. Basta!"................http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/31/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-medvedev-idUSBREA2U0O520140331?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews
31/3/14