And in that sense I think it's incorrect to describe the people that have been depicted in the media, in Western media as secessionists or pro-Russian. They're really not. That's an extreme option for them. Their first demand is actually federalism. So I think they're most appropriately called Ukrainian federalists.
DESVARIEUX: So if they were to get what they want with this federalism, for you, what would that look like? Are we talking about what Quebec looks like to Canada? What's your take?
PETRO: Well, that would be a good option, I think, an interesting one. But there really is no single formula for federalism. The one thing that defines a federal structure of government is a negotiated relationship between regions and the central government and the fact that that particular relationship is then enshrined in the Constitution. That's why, for the federalists in the East, they are reluctant to accept the offers from Kiev of simply greater autonomy, because they're fearful that without that autonomy being enshrined in the Constitution, it may be rescinded at some later point, because these sorts of promises of greater local authority, respect for language rights, have been made repeatedly in the past and then not been fulfilled.
PETRO: Thank you.
DESVARIEUX: And, of course, you can follow our stories @therealnews, and feel free to Tweet me questions or comments @Jessica_Reports.
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