Russia’s MTS Ukrainian unit sells Crimean assets for 18 mln euros

MOSCOW, Oct 23 (PRIME) -- MTS Ukraine, an Ukrainian affiliate of Russian cellular operator MTS, has sold its telecommunications equipment and other property in Crimea, which became part of Russia in March, for 17.7 million euros, the unit said late Wednesday on its Web site.

MTS Ukraine held a tender and sold the property in parts to two unnamed private investors.

MTS’ spokesman Dmitry Solodovnikov said earlier in October that MTS Ukraine does not work in Crimea.

K Telecom, which market sources say belongs to MTS, and Ukraine’s Astelit, working under the Life brand, work in Crimea.

In August, MTS Ukraine and Ukrainian operator Kyivstar, owned by Amsterdam-based VimpelCom Ltd., suspended work on the peninsula, but K Telecom continues roaming services.

End