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Developments in eastern Ukraine

Ukraine’s former prime minister calls federalization the only way to settle conflict

Mykola Azarov says a dialogue between the authorities and the militias isn't going to lead to any positive results

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Mykola Azarov EPA/VALDA KALNINA

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Mykola Azarov

© EPA/VALDA KALNINA

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MOSCOW, February 11 /TASS/. Ukraine’s federalization is the only way to settle the conflict in south-east Ukraine, Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told Russia’s TV Center channel on Wednesday.

"There can be a dialogue [between the authorities and the militias] that will start but I do not think that it’s going to lead to any positive results. There is no other way out than federalization. As for now, I do not see a mechanism to persuade Donetsk and Luhansk to agree to be part of this state without serious concessions - such as granting real independence and autonomy," the former Ukrainian prime minister said in an interview with the TV Center’s Russky Vopros [Russian Issue] program.

According to him, the Ukrainian authorities are destroying the country and taking its citizens to a collapse and death. "Ukraine has been destroyed. After pondering everything, I gave an absolutely clear definition to this regime. It is anti-Ukrainian," Azarov said.

Azarov said that three Ukrainian voluntary battalions are stationed near south Ukraine's Odessa and they will intervene in case any riots break out in the city. The ex-minister also said 39 battalions are stationed around the country.

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