Akhmetov: A Prosperous Donbas Can Only Exist Within a Unified Ukraine.

Rinat Akhmetov’s Remarks on the Situation in Donbas

According to Novyny.live: Rinat Akhmetov has shared his perspective on the occupied territories of Donbas, stating that the region’s current hardships stem from years of occupation and economic decline. The president of the Donetsk-based football club Shakhtar highlighted that the economic downturn, factory closures, unemployment, and failing basic infrastructure are direct consequences of aggression and a prolonged occupation that began in 2014.

The Path to Rebuilding Donbas

In 2013, Donetsk ranked among Ukraine’s most economically advanced cities, with the Donbas Arena—opened in 2009 for the Euro 2012 championship—serving as a powerful emblem of that prosperity. However, following the onset of Russian aggression in 2014, Shakhtar Donetsk was forced to relocate from the city, marking a dramatic shift in the region’s fortunes.

Akhmetov also offered his thoughts on the potential for Donbas’s recovery, emphasizing:

“A happy Donetsk and a happy Donbas are only possible within a unified Ukraine.” - Rinat Akhmetov

He recalled a 2014 speech at the Donbas Arena, where he addressed Kremlin-backed proxies, calling them “incapable of anything, terrorists, and puppets.” These remarks underscore his unwavering stance on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the urgent need to address the fallout from the war.

The situation in the occupied areas of Donbas remains dire, and restoring the region will demand substantial effort from both the state and society. Akhmetov stressed that Donbas’s future hinges on collaborative work to revive its economy and infrastructure, alongside a steadfast commitment to peace and stability.

Akhmetov’s comments not only highlight the pressing challenges facing Donbas but also reinforce the critical role of national unity in the region’s recovery. His words reflect a deep concern for Donbas’s future and the necessity of collective action to overcome the war’s aftermath. Rebuilding infrastructure and the economy, while securing lasting peace, will be key to steering the region back toward sustainable development.