Alexander Zakharchenko

Many people have wondered whether the leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk wish their young countries to remain independent republics when the war is over or whether they see their long term future in the Russian Federation.
Today, the answer came from Donetsk People’s Republic leader Alexander Zakharchenko.
Speaking at a press conference during a meeting with Russian politicians, Zakharchenko said,

“We have only one goal, returning to the homeland”.

An historic meeting has taken place in Donetsk, wherein leaders of the Donetsk People’s Republic and representatives of the Russian State Duma and Federation Council have meet to discuss further steps to help integrate the Donbass republics with the institutions of the Russian Federation.

Two roadside bombs have been detonated in the Donetsk People’s Republic on a road beside a Great Patriotic War memorial that is to be a location of activities for tomorrow’s Victory Day celebrations in Donetsk.
The bombs appear to be part of a targeted assassination attempt on Donetsk People’s Republic leader Alexander Zakharchenko. Zakharchenko’s motorcade was to drive down the road where the blasts occurred. Luckily the bombs detonated prematurely and no one was hurt.

Donetsk People’s Republic leader, Alexander Zakharchenko has recently been in Crimea, celebrating the three year anniversary of Sevastopol and Crimea’s reunification with the rest of the Russian Federation.
It was here that Zakharchenko gave his clearest indication yet of where he sees his Republic in the near future. Many have questioned whether the future of the Donbass republics would be as sovereign states engaged in fraternal relations with Russia or whether in time they to would re-unite with their historic motherland.

This article is republished with the author’s permission.  Previously published by Unz and by The Saker.

The Donetsk People’s Republic has entered the war for hearts and minds by launching a new television and radio broadcaster. The transmissions will help explain developments, goals and achievements in Donbass, both in the two republics and to regions like Kharkov and Dnipropetrovsk, where many people also seek to end rule from the fascist regime in Kiev.
Donetsk People’s Republic leader Alexander Zakharchenko spoke of the project in the following way,