He is one of the richest and most controversial of Ukrainian businessmen. Billionaire Dmytro Firtash, with assets in mining, gas and media, is currently fighting extradition from Austria on an FBI warrant charging him with corruption and bribery. He denies the charges and says they’re politically motivated. The Ukrainian government of getting unfair advantages from the previous Yanukovych administration. He spoke to Euronews Oleksandra Vakulina in Vienna.

OV
Mr. Firtash, welcome and thank you for talking to us. Let me start by asking about your opinion on the current situation in Ukraine – economic and political

DF
I think the situation is very difficult. We’re facing extremely difficult challenges and we’ve wasted the opportunities we’ve had. We see clearly now that in the 23 years of independence in Ukraine we did not do what had to be done and we haven’t learned the lessons.

So the results that we’re seeing today. Firstly, the dire economic situation. Secondly, the results