KIEV, April 11 – Rinat Akhmetov, the wealthiest Ukrainian, in a rare move on Wednesday issued a statement admitting “mistakes” after his developer demolished three buildings on a historical street in Kiev, triggering a public outcry.

The statement came shortly after a group of anonymous protesters attacked his construction machinery, smashing windows with stones, followed by up to 700 people that had turned out for a protest in front of his Kiev office.

The ongoing reconstruction of the Andriyivskiy Uzviz, one of Kiev’s oldest streets, has sparked anger among Kiev residents, and may have serious political implications.

Akhmetov, as well as Oleksandr Popov, an acting mayor of Kiev appointed by President Viktor Yanukovych two years ago, are firmly associated with Donetsk-based Regions Party, which has little public support in Kiev.

Now, Popov’s bid to run for the seat of mayor at an election later this year may be further undermined by the growing protest over the demolitions, and may lead to opposition groups getting control over Kiev, the country’s richest and most important city.

The Kiev mayoral election, which is likely to take place within the next six months, will be an important test for opposition groups before crucial parliamentary elections due in October.

This and other considerations may be the reason behind Akhmetov’s rare statement admitting the “mistakes” and promising swift action to restore the Andriyivskiy Uzviz’s façade.

“Andriyivskiy Uzviz is the symbol of Kiev, its history, and I am thankful to all those who’ve appeared to be not indifferent to the emerged problem,” Akhmetov said.

“Unfortunately, two gross mistakes have been made,” Akhmetov said pointing to the lack of transparency and poor public relations at the company while making decisions. “I promise that the company, SCM, will restore the original look of the destroyed façade.”

The company originally planned to erect a 10-story glass-and-concrete office center with a 500-car underground parking in the heart of Andriyivskiy Uzviz, a quiet pedestrian street known for centuries for its art and craft.

In the statement, Akhmetov said the development plans had changed last month and his company now wants to build a low-rise art center that will be managed by the community.

The demolitions, which have occurred overnight on April 9, have angered political activists and led to spontaneous protests in Kiev.

“Popov for mayor?! Popov is for dismissal, not for mayor!” Anatoliy Hrytsenko, a former defense minister and the leader of opposition Civic Platform, wrote in his blog. “These animals don’t know what they are doing.”

Vitaliy Klichko, a world heavyweight boxing champion and the leader of the UDAR, or Punch, party, whose popularity has been growing rapidly over the past 12 months, joined the protest in front of the SCM office on Wednesday.

“Kiev is ruled by the people that have nothing to do with it and that’s why they destroy our capital without any sentiments,” Klichko, who is likely to run for the seat of mayor from the united opposition, said at the rally. “They build where they are not asked, and destroy what they are not allowed.” (tl/ez)