NEW YORK, November 13. /TASS/. Ukrainian billionaire Igor Kolomoisky in an interview with The New York Times has called for ending the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine and restoring Ukrainian-Russian relations.
"They’re stronger anyway. We have to improve our relations," Kolomoisky said, speaking about Russia. "People want peace, a good life, they don’t want to be at war. And you [America] are forcing us to be at war, and not even giving us the money for it."
According to Kolomoisky, Washington is only using Ukraine to try to weaken its geopolitical rival Russia. "War against Russia," he claimed, "to the last Ukrainian."
The oligarch believes that eventually the trauma of war will pass. "Give it five, 10 years, and the blood will be forgotten," Kolomoisky said. "I’m describing, objectively, what I’m seeing and where things are heading."
He noted that the EU and NATO would never accept Ukraine as a member, so any attempts of Ukraine in that area would be futile. "You all won’t take us [in the alliance]," he said. "There’s no use in wasting time on empty talk. Whereas Russia would love to bring us into a new Warsaw Pact."
Kolomoisky stated that Russian financing could help Ukraine recover its economy, replacing the loans from the IMF, which has pushed for anti-corruption reforms that go against Ukrainian business interests. "We’ll take $100 billion from the Russians. I think they’d love to give it to us today," Mr. Kolomoisky said. "What’s the fastest way to resolve issues and restore the relationship? Only money."
The New York Times points out that Kolomoisky’s opinion can be of importance, as the oligarch is said to have influence over Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, with Kolomoisky-owned TV channels actively supporting Zelensky during the presidential race.