With Yushchenko’s shadow over him, Yanukovych must make Moscow wary

November20200820:49

“Rumors of the likely dismissal of the Tymoshenko cabinet must make Moscow wary. It follows from the rumors that Yanukovych is in talks with Yushchenko to remove Tymoshenko (unlike Yushchenko, Russia’s loyal friend) from power. Such a deal will transfer to Yushchenko all humanitarian and foreign policy issues. Should Russia really rejoice?” Director of the Center for Political Research and Conflict Settlement Mykhailo Pohrebinsky told ZIK Nov. 20.

“Tymoshenko takes a loyal attitude toward Moscow. She even said in western media that Ukraine should be thinking of joining the EU instead of NATO. Regarding gas supplies, Tymoshenko is also more loyal to the northern neighbor. Therefore, the cabinet should apparently have complete Kremlin’s trust. However, Yushchenmo and Yanukovych are conspiring to oust Tymoshenko. What will happen and what kind of government will be in place? For Moscow the situation is still unclear.”

Pohrebynsky also commented on Yanukovych’s recent statement to the effect that relations with Russia will improve only if political power is changed in Ukraine:

“The activities of Viktor Yushchenko, his pocket foreign ministry and SBU are aimed to worsen relations with Russia. A change of power in Ukraine will defuse the existing tension. Such an open anti-Russian rhetoric is unacceptable,” the expert said.