Ukrainian ex-presidents accuse Russia of interfering in Ukraine’s domestic affairs

Yushchenko, Kuchma and Kravchuk- former presidents of Ukraine. Kravchuk, Kuchma və Yushchenko call on Ukrainian Security Service and Prosecutor General’s Office to react toughly to the separatism tendencies. 

Former presidents of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko have issued a statement. APA reports quoting RBK Ukraina news agency that ex-presidents accuse Russia of interfering in Ukraine’s domestic affairs.

The statement says that Russia, which accused the international partners of interfering in Ukraine’s domestic affairs, now itself is directly interfering in the political life of Crimea.

“Russian parliamentarians’ idea to hold referendum on annexation of Crimea to Russia or the relevant appeal of Crimea Autonomous Republic Supreme Council should be condemned as calls to destroy Ukraine’s constitutional structure and violate the territorial integrity,” the statement says.

Former presidents underlined that the scenario to federalize Ukraine is dangerous.

“This may deepen the political crisis, stir up enmity in Crimea and discredit the new government of Ukraine.”

Kravchuk, Kuchma and Yushchenko called on Ukrainian Security Service and Prosecutor General’s Office to react toughly to the separatism tendencies.

“The speculations that the rights of the Russian-speaking people of Crimea are violated, attempts to stir up enmity citing to the historical-cultural diversity of Ukraine’s regions, open disrespect to the Ukrainian language and national emblems must be assessed properly,” the statement says