The EU intended to force Ukraine into a neo-liberal free-trade agreement largely cutting its vital economic tries to Russia. The internal conflict over this capitulation allowed the nationalist bloc to seize state power. As the vast majority of the south-eastern population did not want to be ruled by rightist anti-Russian forces a popular rebellion developed which the Kiev regime put down by military force. In Donbass, the old Soviet industrial heartland, they, however, failed while the popular forces could take over with Russian support.

A peaceful solution could be very simple and the Minsk agreement does contain it: autonomy for Donbass. What it does not provide for is democracy for the south-east like Odessa and Charkow which would also vote against Ukrainian nationalism. But Kiev does not comply with what they signed in the aftermath of a crushing military defeat and continues to dream of a military solution. Under US pressure the EU keeps supporting its regime in Kiev thus not only driving civil war in Ukraine but also creating a dangerous confrontation with Russia. Actually the EU is using Kiev as an instrument against Moscow – the contrary of a “peace project”.

The Ukrainian delegation in Chianciano Terme:

Alexej Albu:
ex-deputy of the Odessa Regional Council, coordinator of Union Borotba (Struggle) in the Odessa region, one of the leaders of the Anti-maidan. He gained popularity among opponents of the new regime when calling for a referendum on the establishment of autonomy for Odessa in the session of the Regional Council. Having been victimized in the Odessa trade union building massacre, he had to take refuge in Donbass.

Vasilj Volga:
ex-MP, former head of the State Commission of Financial Services, recently founded the Union of Left Forces. He has been threatened, attacked and beaten by ultra-rightist forces but he carries on with his struggle which is focusing on the social interest of the lower classes and against privatizations.

“Against the Current”
an opposition group operating in Odessa which is much affected by the high level of repression.

Programme of the forum:
http://www.noeurointernationalforum.com