Reports: Poroshenko offered Donets Basin to Putin in Minsk

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko offered Donets Basin to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit in Minsk on February 11 and 12. Putin mentioned it at a closed meeting with the Russian Union of Businessmen and Manufacturers on March 19, Forbes reports.

Russian President quoted Poroshenko, an unknown source told Forbes: “Take Donets Basin”. Are you crazy? I do not need Donets Basin. If you do not need it, give it independence,” Putin replied.

According to another source, the Ukrainian President suggested that Russia financed Donets Basin. But the Russian President said that it was only possible for regions of the Russian Federation.

Petro Poroshenko has not commented on the information yet.

Pro-Russia militants keep controlling huge parts of Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts even after the ceasefire. The areas are called ‘DPR’ and ‘LPR’.

Photo: BELTA