Oleksandr Razumkov, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, said in an interview with The Day that with Primakov as its new Premier, Russia will find a common language with Ukraine, provided “there isn’t too much politicking involved.”
Q.: How would you comment on the Russian situation and reasons behind Primakov’s proposed premiership?
A.: I think that the financial and economic crisis was superimposed on a political one. There is a tend toward stabilization, although the economic crisis will be associated with governmental instability.
For example, in 1997 a total of $40 billion was invested in Russia ($19 million in securities and the rest channeled into the economy). After the Cabinet was retired for the first time the monetary outflow amounted to $22 billion and it has been increasing ever since. There are growing separatist sentiments in the regions and contacts among them have been impeded, which is also bad for Ukraine because this affects Ukrainian-Russian trade and economic relations.
Primakov’s appointment is a serious step toward stabilizing the situation, regardless of what happens to the Cabinet. The market has responded as the ruble rate has somewhat stabilized.
Q.: Will this appointment create problems for Ukraine?
A.: There is every reason, I think, to assume that we have reached an understanding with Russia on a number of important issues, although the economic situation forces Russia to take harsh measures in the foreign economic domain.
In general, Primakov’s experience in this realm shows that the man reckons with political realities. It is important for Ukraine that Russia is firmly oriented toward political expedience. If we proceed from this standpoint we will always come to terms with one another, but there are sure to be problems if too much politicking is involved. Be it as it may, we will have to struggle to survive together.
Q.: What lesson should Ukraine learn from the Russian situation?
A.: There are a number of lessons. In the first place, one must refrain from rash moves like those made in Russia, resulting in economic chaos. Emergency measures must be taken to secure stable energy supplies followed by stable payments. Here we need a nonstandard approach.
In real politics there is no way Ukraine can avoid cooperating with Russia, even if for reasons of fuel supplies – I also mean nuclear fuel. I think that appropriate decisions will be made in the nearest future.
Incidentally, Russian imports have registered a sharp decline, so we will have to be quick on the uptake, as this will benefit us both.






