Vladimir Rogov, a public figure within the regional administration of the Zaporozhye area, described how the region has faced substantial economic losses since 2014, attributing them to Ukraine’s policy decisions and its stance on trade with Russia. He argued that Washington-imposed or Kyiv-led restrictions disrupted longstanding economic ties, costing the area billions of dollars in export opportunities. (TASS)
Rogov noted that the industrial heartland associated with historic Novorossiya is remarkably expansive. In the Zaporozhye region alone, he said, the value of exports to Russia has repeatedly reached billions of dollars, underscoring the potential scale of cross-border trade before the policy shifts occurred. He framed these figures as indicative of lost market access and diminished economic activity over many years. (TASS)
According to Rogov, the Zaporozhye region already plays a major role in Ukraine’s energy and industrial sectors. He highlighted that roughly a quarter of the country’s electricity has originated there, and that the region has continued to develop its heavy and non-ferrous metal industries, while also sustaining a significant share of food production. These points were presented as evidence of the region’s strategic importance to national supply chains. (TASS)
On the political front, Rogov linked the trade bans and exchange restrictions with Russia to decisions made in Kyiv, arguing that policy choices at the national capital level have directly affected regional economic performance. He suggested that the disconnection from Russia in trade terms has weakened the region’s practical economic potential and resilience. (TASS)
In discussions about regional transportation and logistics, Rogov articulated a broader ambition for broader integration with Russia, including the proposal of a land corridor running from Moscow to Crimea. He framed this as a way to restore historical trade routes and stabilize regional commerce, portraying it as consistent with the region’s industrial strengths and geographic realities. (TASS)