DNR President Pushilin on his assistant's murder, situation in DNR and many more

PM and President of Donestk Republic, Alexander Borodai and Denis Pushilin have attended a press conference. The two had their fare share of troubles as of late, Alexey Boroday even apologized for not looking his best that day, as he had not slept for few nights in a row. Denis Pushilin was in a better shape but probably even more shattered — just few hours before his assistant Maxim Petrukhin was ruthlessly assassinated in broad daylight in Donetsk. It is worth noting that the late Petrukhin looked very similar to Pushilin, and they shared the same car from time to time.

Nevertheless, the discussion began with the «Ukrainian neighbors» and their newly elected President’s inauguration. Pushilin expressed his disappointment over the inaugural speech of the President of Ukraine. According to the DNR leader, it was made of populist affirmations. The talks about elections in the eastern regions, claims to get back the Crimea… And then calling the Donetsk terrorists. «Then it must be the biggest terrorist organization in the world — 7 mln people» says Pushilin. And adds:" In that case there are millions of such like terrorists in the Crimea. If we assume for a moment that Ukrainian forces will manage to regain control over Crimea, they will have to punish many millions. This is called genocide. But I hope Mr Poroshenko, having some common sense, already realized that neither Crimea, nor Donbass will never be Ukrainian again.»

Denis Pushilin also commented on his assistant murder, making it clear that the whole attempt was aimed at him and the latter was unfortunate to be taken for Pushilin by the assassins. DNR leader also emphasized that the crime organizers are known and they are among those who DNR is fighting against.

The present state of affairs was described by PM as serious: with «serious achievements and serious problems». The recent severe fighting saw many casualties among civilians. But there is good news, too — an influx of volunteers they received, as well as many new weapons. So they stand a serious chance to throw the Ukrainian forces out of the Republic. Which can be just in time, given another serious problem which has arisen recently: Donetsk region has as many as 20 penal colonies, which were manned by 6 000 police personnel. Some of the colonies happened to be in the middle of the military actions, which caused serious problems with provisions supply. The security also leave their posts. The hunger riots and escape of many criminals in the area of the civil war can have disastrous consequences.

The government of the DNR is also establishing contacts with humanitarian organizations of the world: UN, OSCE. Right now they are negotiating prisoners exchange (this be said, the ratio of prisoners from both sides is inadequate, with Ukrainian forces retaining hundreds of DNR supporters). Recent order by Vladimir Putin to reinforce the border saw Alexander Borodai unabashed.«There is military action going on, so it’s quite understandable. But you should never underestimate the amazing ability of a Russian man to do something, if he has made up his mind».