Kiev fears Moscow is planning to disrupt its preparations for a crucial presidential election, as Nato warned Russia not to make a “historic mistake” by pushing troops deeper into Ukraine.
Moscow announced that some troops had returned to base in recent days from close to Ukraine, but Kiev, Nato and western intelligence agencies continue to express great alarm over what they call the continued presence of some 35,000-40,000 Russian troops near Ukraine’s border.
Former president Viktor Yanukovich, who is now in Russia after fleeing deadly protests against his rule in late February, yesterday denounced plans for a May 25th election to find his successor and backed Moscow's calls for a referendum on giving more power to Ukraine's regions.
Such a move would strengthen largely Russian- speaking eastern Ukraine, weaken the new pro-EU government in Kiev, and give Moscow more influence in an already unstable country.
Kremlin agents
Ukraine's national security council chief Andriy Parubiy said a special committee would be established to prevent Russian-backed attempts to undermine the presidential election.
He said Kremlin agents were continuing to agitate for a referendum and fomenting unrest in largely Russian-speaking parts of Ukraine, and intended to push for the appointment of a “president of a southeast republic” in the country. Other “provocative events” were planned ahead of May 9th, when Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany, he said.
Moscow, Mr Yanukovich and other critics of Ukraine’s uprising say it was led by Russian-hating “fascists” who are the heirs of nationalists who sometimes allied with German forces to fight the Red Army in the 1940s.
Constitutional reform
Mr Yanukovich said a referendum on major constitutional reform and the possible federalisation of Ukraine should take place before any elections.
“The legitimacy of these elections are under great question . . . How can the authorities take on responsibilities and fulfil them in conditions of such political instability?” he asked.
Mr Parubiy said he saw no significant reduction in Russian troops near Ukraine’s border, and noted that “medical points and military camps are being built” a few dozen kilometres from the frontier, “which could point to more long-term plans” to keep Moscow’s forces in the area.
"We have seen a very massive Russian military buildup along the Ukrainian borders," said Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
“If Russia were to intervene further in Ukraine, I wouldn’t hesitate to call it a historic mistake.”
