Return of Yanukovych-era politicians to Ukraine a test for new government - Zhadan

06.08.2019 11:08

Ukrinform

The return to Ukraine of odious politicians who worked under President Viktor Yanukovych is a test of the "strength" of the new authorities and Ukrainian society itself, well-known Ukrainian writer and poet Serhiy Zhadan has said in an interview with Ukrinform.

"This is a question to law enforcement agencies, to the judiciary and to all of us. Why have we not been able to wear down the situation in due time so that those involved in any offenses could be held accountable? Instead, they are not charged with any crime now," Zhadan said.

He noted that a planned concert in Kyiv by Ukrainian singer Taisia Povaliy, who left for Russia after the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, is also demonstrative.

"It is demonstrative. I think it will be a test of how ready we really are for the return of the situation in 2013. This is a signal. Just as is the case with the return of [former Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Andriy] Portnov and the registration of [former Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Andriy] Klyuyev as a parliamentary candidate. [...] I see it as a test of whether Ukrainian society is ready to swallow a certain bait," Zhadan said.