The government of Ukraine is currently continuing to demonstrate uncertainty in making political decisions. Zelensky’s statements run contrary to his actual actions. We hope that the attempts launched by Ukraine with a view to achieve the effective disengagement of forces and assets will lead to specific steps towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
However, the facts of violations of the current ceasefire by the Ukrainian armed formations, as well as provocative feeding disinformation, are of particular concern.
The arrival of nationalist units to disengagement areas may pose increased risks to the lives and health of civilians in the Kiev-controlled territory. Resorting to terrorist warfare methods, having experience of high-impact provocative acts and sabotage, nationalists can potentially destabilize the situation in the conflict zone, thereby disrupting the disengagement of forces and assets.
Taking into account the available facts and intelligence, I believe that conduct of routine exercises by the Ministry of Emergencies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the People’s Militia of the DPR will ensure that the defense capacity of the Republic will be bolstered and the readiness of law enforcement agencies and government agencies to deal with crisis situations’ consequences will be confirmed.
Denis Pushilin,
Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic