The Normandy format meeting takes place on December 9, 2019 in Paris. The feelings about this event are running high. On the eve of the Normandy Four’s meeting, the Federal News Agency talked to Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin, they discussed the results of the past year, as well as the prospects of the talks.
— Mr. Pushilin, one year has passed since the election in the DPR, based on its results you became the Head of the Republic. This means a lot in the modern rapidly changing world. In your opinion, what are the main results the Republic has achieved during this time in the economic, political, cultural and, of course, military spheres?
— The most important and long-awaited event for the citizens of the Republic is the possibility of acquiring Russian citizenship through a simplified system. Donbass has endured many trials for the sake of the opportunity to live freely, to move forward together with its historical homeland, Russia.
We continue integration processes with Russia in many other areas as well: in cultural, sports and educational spheres. There have already been many examples of how fruitful our joint work is. Obtaining of Russian accreditation by some higher education establishments of the Republic, participation of our athletes in competitions of all-Russian scale, joint conferences, scientific meetings — all these are the signs of the systematic rapprochement of the Donetsk People’s Republic and Russia.
If we talk about the economy, it is worth noting two very important events. The participation of our delegation in the fifth international exhibition and the conference on investment in projects Rebuild Syria — 2019, as well as the first International Investment Forum, which, as you know, took place in Donetsk. As part of the forum, 34 agreements were signed for a total amount of 135.6 billion rubles in the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as in terms of newly implemented investment projects.
As for the military aspect of the Republic’s life, we are also making progress in this area, working every day to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. I cannot talk much about it, but I assure you that we are fully prepared to repel the onslaught of the enemy from without.
The most important achievement in terms of politics is that Ukraine was forced to sign Steinmeier’s Formula in Minsk, after which it became possible to withdraw forces and equipment in pilot sites. I believe this is an unconditional victory of our negotiators and the Republic in general. I hope that the steps taken for the peaceful settlement of the conflict will have a logical continuation. But it depends not on us, but on our opponents.
— There is an opinion that the negotiating process for the People’s Republics of Donbas is an opportunity to take time, but not a way to return to Ukraine and thus find peace. Do you agree with this statement?
— It is Ukraine who plays for time by constantly sabotaging the negotiating process. We do not, it is not our position that is a stumbling block in Minsk, but the two-faced attitude of the Ukrainian side, which either does not implement or simulates the implementation of the agreements reached. I will repeat once again that there is no alternative to the Minsk negotiating venue. The people of Donbass are tired of the war and its consequences, and every citizen of our country wants a peaceful and calm life.
— What do you expect of the talks in the Normandy format, which are scheduled for December 9?
— It is really difficult to make any predictions. Obviously, the talks will be complicated. At the same time, I do not expect any special progress. There is a long and painstaking work ahead. Vladimir Zelensky as a politician does not have his own will or opinion. He is exposed to the influence of both destructive internal forces and external factors. And we have repeatedly seen over the past six months how the president of Ukraine changed his stance literally by the end of the day. Therefore, the question is not only what they will agree upon at the meeting in Paris, but also whether Ukraine will fulfill its part of the obligations.
— The first results of the DPR population census have been made public. How do you assess its outcome?
— You are mistaken. The first results of the census will be announced presumably in the second quarter of 2020. Now I can speak and asses only the procedure of its carrying-out. A great deal of work has been done. At the moment, we can say with certainty that we have coped with the task. Technically, the census process is a very complicated logistical task. For us it was a serious test, which we passed successfully. Now we are processing the questionnaires. We still have to analyze the data received, and only after that, it will be possible to talk about specific results.