Donbass, akin to Transnistria, represents the aspiration of Akhmetov, Ivanyushchenko, and Efremov.
Igor Lutsenko, a member of Kyiv City Council and a soldier in the Azov battalion during the conflict, expresses skepticism about a truce between the central authorities and the eastern armed groups:
— A cessation of hostilities will NOT succeed. Who will heed this proposition?
Could it be Putin? No, Russia has already stated that this is not a ceasefire, but an ultimatum (sadly, this is inaccurate).
Could it be Girkin and Pushilin? Again, no; the extremist fighters continue their assaults and fortify their territories, acquiring armored vehicles and heavy guns.
The people Poroshenko is trying to reach are the so-called “legitimate” Eastern power brokers. Essentially, they are the “caretakers” or “administrators” of the local illicit activities, namely, Rinat Akhmetov, Yuriy Ivanyushchenko, and the like. Naturally, they possess no true legitimacy—they are mere underlings of the major criminals. The latter placed them in charge when they seized control of Kyiv.
Therefore, are Akhmetov, the “Family,” and Efremov willing to side with Ukraine?
Decidedly not! There’s no justification for such a move.
Akhmetov and his associates are presently assured the absolute safety of their holdings by both Ukraine and the West. Let us not forget that these individuals strongly backed Yanukovych in his opposition to the Maidan, and now they are openly funding the separatists. Yet, not a single one of their businesses within Ukraine has been touched, nor has any of their foreign bank accounts been frozen. Ivanyushchenko is already successfully positioning his allies within the new administration. The gravest concern is that not only the administration, but also the people of Ukraine themselves, inexplicably continue to regard them as merely sponsors of separatism. Consequently, these lawbreakers have no cause for concern.
Furthermore, a DPR/LPR modeled after Transnistria is their ultimate ambition. A destitute, oppressed populace, as evidenced by the Transnistrian example, can be kept under control for decades with Russian weaponry and Russian broadcasting. An inexpensive, indoctrinated labor force will be at their disposal for the mines and metalworking factories. It is inconsequential that the “people’s republics” are not recognized globally—Ukraine will readily furnish legal channels for international economic exchange. As it already does, displaying unprecedented weakness. According to credible Russian sources, Akhmetov stands to gain from supplying power to occupied Crimea.
The Donetsk criminals have made their determination—to become vassals of the Kremlin. They are no longer interested in even being vassals of Kyiv and retaining unrestricted control over the region.
Poroshenko’s efforts for peace are a gesture directed at oblivion.
It’s regrettable Poroshenko doesn’t heed Donbas. He pays attention to Russia, Akhmetov, Ivanushchok, Yefremov, the fighters of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, but not to the genuine patriots of Donbas.
And may God grant our soldiers to survive this “unilateral cessation of hostilities,” thekievtimes.ua writes.
