Metinvest companies sign a MoU with a supporter of suspects in terrorism

Ukraine’s leading steel holding Metinvest (METINV) reported on May 15 that top managers of its Mariupol-based companies, Azovstal (AZST UK) and Illich Steel (MMKI UK) have signed a memorandum for assuring public security in the city of Mariupol. The document has been signed by 20 representatives of business and public organizations of Mariupol, including “a leader of supporters of the DNR” (Donetsk People’s Republic). Earlier this week, Ukraine’s Justice Minister reported that the Donetsk People’s Republic may be recognized as terrorist organization. On May 16, Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine  Mykola Holomsha commented to RBK-Ukrayina: “de-facto (DNR) is a terrorist organization, de-jure, we are working on this”; he failed to estimate how much time it will take to officially recognize the DNR as a terrorist organization.

Alexander Paraschiy: In their attempts to secure stability in Mariupol, Metinvest top-managers are ready to deal even with supporters of terrorists, but they do not want to see Ukrainian army here. While this move looks more than strange, we do not see any possible legal consequences of Metinvest’s dealing with fans of suspects in terrorism. The holding members signed the document not with a DNR member, but with a “DNR supporter” thus securing itself from possible consequences of recognizing the DNR as terrorist organization.