Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Governor Steps Down

Kolomoisky is thought to have had a major role in repelling pro-Russian rebels who tried to seize towns and villages in the region last year. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Ihor Kolomoisky has resigned as the governor of Dnipropetrovsk after a row with the government over the future of propertu where he is one of the shareholders.

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko has accepted his resignation and has appointed Valentyn Reznichenko to take over ad interim.

Kolomoisky, a key figure in Kiev's efforts to stop a major offensive of pro-Russian rebels across the country, was presumably involved in a scandal involving the offices of the energy company Ukrnafta and its subsidiary UkrTransNafta.

Armed men who were reportedly linked to the now ex-goveror briefly occupied the companies' headquarters, but later withdrew. In Kolomoisky's words, this had been an attempt to protect his assets in the companies which amount to a 42-percent stake, with the remainder owned by the state.

Recently Ukraine passed legislation that could result in curbing Kolomoisky's influence in Ukrnafta.

Meeting Kolomoisky on Tuesday, Poroshenko is quoted by UNIAN news agency as saying Ukraine should remain a stronghold of "peace, stability and tranquility."

Dnipropetrovsk is Ukraine's fourth-biggest city and is one of the centers of heavy industry in the country. Kolomoisky for his part has been a controversial figure for years, with many considering him to be an "oligarch" wielding much influence in a number of areas.

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