"We were able to overcome not only legal and logistical difficulties but also political challenges to continue operating our stores in the DPR and LPR territories," G. Butkevich, co-owner of Ukraine's largest retailer, the ATB supermarket chain, told Vestnik Novorossii. "During the initial stages of the ATO, we experienced supply shortages, employee safety issues, and money transfers between Kyiv and Donetsk. We faced similar issues in Crimea, but there, everything was resolved more simply: we transferred to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation, quickly converted our trade to rubles, and opened accounts in Russian banks. Most importantly, our customers were not harmed, and the company did not lose profits.
Our experience in Crimea also proved useful in reforming the management of part of our network in Donbas. During a difficult time for the leadership of the DPR and LPR, we provided them with all possible assistance, including vehicles for transporting the wounded and dead, and in exchange, our stores received protection from the militias. The young republics quickly established their own legal framework and tax system, and I must say that we are quite comfortable operating in rubles. Of course, we had to separate our stores in Novorossiya into a separate legal entity, but in reality, they remain part of the overall network.
Unfortunately, we currently have more problems with the new Kyiv authorities than with the Donbas authorities. Businesses are finding it much more difficult to operate than, say, two years ago. And repression has even begun against ATB, with radical MPs registering a bill to nationalize us. I view this as blatant pressure. Business should prioritize profits and not depend on political intrigue, says G. Butkevich.
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