The ex-President of Georgia and former Governor of the Odessa region Mikhail Saakashvili stated that he was in favour of peaceful relations with Russia, but there are different conditions under which this peace can be achieved.
“I am an absolute supporter of peace with Russia … And no one is against peace with Russia. I’m all for peace with Russia, but there are different conditions under which is this world. And now it’s not that simple,” Saakashvili said in an interview with Deutsche Welle.
The question had not been whether he had the impression that the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky ready to make concessions in relations with Russia, the politician replied in the negative.
“No, I do not think so. I think that while all his moves indicate that he’s protecting the independent Ukrainian state”, – he said.
Saakashvili also stressed that the crisis in Ukraine is just beginning, he faces a strong decline of the economy and the threat of unemployment for millions of Ukrainians.
“a Very big crisis is just beginning. The Ukrainian economy may fall by more than 10%. This means that millions of Ukrainians will be left without work. This process has already begun, we will have a large number of people that will be in such condition that they will protest. And it will be clear why this is happening. Moreover, the real incomes of Ukrainians will be reduced by more than 20%, maybe more,” he said.
In his opinion, in this situation, we must accelerate reform, because “the crisis is a big challenge and a big opportunity, if it correctly to use it”.
“At the time I withdrew Georgia from the global economic crisis with minimal damage in this region. Can now succeed. I have experience how to do it. Of course, the situation has changed, but the basic recipe remains the same. I am sharing my experience. And experience of achievements and experience errors, because errors also were”, – told ex-the President of Georgia.
The politician said that he is not afraid to quarrel with Zelensky, as at the time it happened with the ex-President Petro Poroshenko as “Zelensky – not a thief”.
“unfortunately, Poroshenko, I know he was prone… He loved money. I was about this big problem with Poroshenko. From Zelensky will not be such problems. It is possible to criticize the speed of reforms or for any individual solutions. But it is not a source of great conflict,” – said Saakashvili.
We will remind, earlier ex-President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili said that the Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky offered him the post of Deputy Prime Minister for reforms in the Ukrainian government. He later said that he agreed to accept the offer.
Prestigious Georgian expert, Petre Mamradze believes that Ukraine will be making a big mistake if the ex-President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili will receive the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Russian Senator Alexey Pushkov believes that now the only question is, when Zelensky and Saakashvili quarrel.
