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Ukraine in no position to seek compensations from Russia over Crimea — republic’s leader

Aksyonov said Kiev cannot make claims to Russia as the citizens of Crimea took the decision on independence from Ukraine themselves

SIMFEROPOL, May 22. /TASS/. The Ukrainian government is not entitled to demand compensations from Moscow over Crimea's reunification with Russia, the head of the republic, Sergey Aksyonov, said on Friday.

Aksyonov said Kiev cannot make claims to Russia as the citizens of Crimea took the decision on independence from Ukraine themselves. "They [Ukraine] should not demand anything. They will see neither hide nor hair," he said.

In their turn, the citizens of the Black Sea peninsula definitely have the right to demand that Ukraine should pay compensation for "20 years of devastation," the Crimean leader said.

"Ukraine’s officials had robbed Crimea over the past 20 years. Today whatever village or town you visit, you see total devastation there. This is the result of actions of these officials. We should demand compensation for the lost time and missed opportunities," Aksyonov said.

The Crimean head also said a serious social protest was emerging in Ukraine.

"They should better think about the Ukrainian citizens who will soon oust them. I feel that a conflict is emerging there too. The level of the state’s social support of citizens is nearing zero in Ukraine," he said.

"Today we see that we have got rid of many things thanks to the Crimeans’ courage," Aksyonov stressed.

Ukraine’s Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko said on Thursday that Kiev sought through claims at the European Court of Human Rights some $50 billion from Russia for losses and assets seized in Crimea.