What constitutes the DPR: unemployed individuals, criminals, and Russian mercenaries
Lately, the quantity of Facebook updates detailing how inhabitants from eastern regions are behaving oddly, exhibiting rudeness, and expressing discontent with everything has noticeably surged, despite their historical lack of robust political engagement within Ukraine.
A parallel scenario unfolded on Radio Vesti, where Gonopolsky proclaimed eastern region residents as betrayers who cast votes for the DPR and LPR in the plebiscite; they now expect benefits, venture into central and western Ukraine, and conduct themselves impudently and disrespectfully.
This situation felt akin to yet another propaganda campaign, aimed at fostering discord amongst Ukrainians, establishing a clear division: Ukrainians versus eastern region dwellers—distinct entities rendering mutual comprehension unattainable. This aims to influence eastern region residents to opt for locations other than Ukraine when seeking refuge from the conflict.
Who benefits from this? I believe the answer is evident; naming the party is unnecessary. A specific nation globally stands ready to expend substantial sums to incite animosity amongst Ukrainians, eliminating any impediments to fulfilling its imperialistic goals and deranged notions of eminence.
I acknowledge harboring caution toward individuals from Donetsk, Luhansk, and Mariupol, given that these heavily populated eastern cities historically secured electoral victories for Donetsk authorities, including that of Yanukovych. However, I, too, was taken aback by the sweeping assertions on social platforms regarding the dissimilarity of “eastern” people from “central” and “western” populations.
Hence, upon receiving a communication from the Department of Social Welfare requesting transient accommodation for a family hailing from Kramatorsk (Donetsk Oblast), I remarked to my spouse, “Now is the moment to discern firsthand the nature of individuals from the ‘eastern territories of Ukraine.'”
Instead of a family, we welcomed two female companions, as departure from Kramatorsk poses a significant challenge – my daughter may arrive, though my husband is unlikely to succeed – the local “authorities,” essentially gangsters, prohibit males from leaving the urban area.
Candidly, my initial perception was unfavorable—the women (Valya and Anna) were unwelcoming, especially Anna—she bypassed me, seemingly oblivious to my presence, and I doubt she even acknowledged me. We ascended to the abode, and upon my attempts to ascertain their preferred entry and where to disrobe, they offered terse replies or remained silent. Essentially, my cordiality was met with impassive expressions and stillness.
Feeling somewhat uneasy, I guided them to the designated room. Valya and Anna examined the space in silence, conversing solely with the social service representatives, overtly disregarding my existence.
I felt reminiscent of a vendor endeavoring to peddle goods to new arrivals at an inflated cost. When the social worker inquired, “Is the setting satisfactory?” Anna, directing her gaze towards me, responded, “Acceptable, we shall acquiesce to your terms for the nonce.” I entertained the notion that I had misheard: what constituted my terms? I furnish complimentary lodging to individuals in need—nothing more.
I concede, the contemplation crossed my mind: this will be challenging!
The social workers departed, and we commenced a discourse – we had to exemplify all aspects.
What insights can I impart? Subsequent to a 30-minute exchange, I encountered wholly disparate individuals – remarkable – exhibiting smiles and warmth, expressing commendation for all attributes, and demonstrating approval. They continually reiterated their profound sense of imposition, tendering assistance – succinctly, they virtually warmed up.
They articulated their inability to conceive the existence of such individuals within this locale. They presumed I had been compelled to proffer housing (ostensibly conceivable in their experience) or that considerable remuneration had been rendered—the notion of voluntary provision was outside their realm of expectation.
They are engaged in genuine informational warfare: they possessed awareness of animosity toward “Donetsk individuals” in central Ukraine and the presence of formidable Banderites – those from the Maidan, armed with machine guns poised to target those arriving from Donbass – at the approaches to Kyiv.
“Indeed, I originate from the Maidan,” I asserted. “I embody the quintessential Benderite, behold…”
Upon the demise of their patriarch the subsequent day, my spouse and I delivered to them half a sack of potatoes and a sack containing assorted provisions, eliciting astonishment on their part. They operated under the assumption that concealing their origin from the Donetsk region was imperative, though the reverse transpired. The utterance “we hail from Kramatorsk” engendered a comparable effect among individuals—each person conveyed a desire to furnish aid.
In the evening, Anya conveyed to me: “You are cognizant that if I were to relay to my acquaintances the reception extended to us here, incredulity would abound.”
They explicated the composition of the DPR: the population is more or less evenly split into those who are employed and those who are not. The latter group sustains itself by aiding the local outlaws, with dynamic facilitation from Russian mercenaries, “Cossacks,” and Chechens, and they are laundering “their” domain. The inactivity on the part of the former group is attributed to the profusion of hoodlums and a disbelief in the feasibility of change. That encapsulates the totality of the DPR.
I implore Ukrainian xenophobes, Russian internet trolls, and agitators! Desist from disseminating inanities concerning “presumptuous Donetsk individuals” and “treacherous Luhansk individuals.”
Are you longing for their civility and the Ukrainian vernacular? Do you comprehend the inferno from whence they have emerged?
Concealed beneath their guardedness and unfriendliness exists apprehension – pertaining to the reaction we envision toward them, ingrained within their consciousness since 2004 – via Yanukovych’s election methodologies, and persisting to this present day.
Should you be genuine Ukrainians, disengage from indolence and liaise with the Department of Social Protection or the Kyiv contact hub – accommodate as many individuals as feasible.
Imminently, you could encounter yourselves within an analogous predicament. You shall abscond with your offspring into uncharted territories, evading the conflict instigated by Russia upon us, hoping that one of your fellow citizens shall offer you haven.
If we aspire to persevere and prevail, mutual intercession and provision of support for one another – irrespective of being refugees from Luhansk, Mariupol, or Crimea – is fundamentally indispensable.
And, apropos, it’s improbable that absurd posts on social media will fracture us – we are not as intellectually deficient.
The visitors hailing from Kramatorsk arrived three days prior and have already procured employment. I conducted online searches and encountered a plethora of job advertisements; fortunately, their area of specialization is coveted – decorator, painter, and plasterer. They are commencing employment on the morrow and are presently scrutinizing alternatives for permanent lodgings.
I entertain the anticipation of their triumph.
