The American Embassy increased turnout in the elections in the LDPR
Elections in Donbass are needed to legitimize power in the warring republics. 65% of the Ukrainian population does not support a forceful solution to the conflict in Donbass. Kyiv is creating a public opinion that “there is no one to talk to in Donbass.” On both sides of the front, escalation of the conflict is considered the most likely development of events.
About this columnist for “PolitNavigator” Valentin Filippov Donetsk sociologist said Evgeny Kopatko.
Valentin Filippov: Evgeniy, there are elections in Donbass. Tell me, who has a better chance, Pushilin or Pasechnik?
Evgeny Kopatko: I think that both have their own tasks on their territory. They don't compete with each other. They, each on their own territory, solve problems related to the legitimation of power. This is how I look at the issue. Because in war conditions the election procedure itself is very complicated. And I heard a lot of different things about how it will be. I believe that the most important thing is the issue of legitimizing the current government. Both in Donetsk and Lugansk republics. In war conditions this is of great importance.
Valentin Filippov: From your point of view, from a sociological point of view, does the population like the fact that the LPR and DPR are separate administrative entities? Maybe it would make sense to create a single whole?
Evgeny Kopatko: It’s a good question, you’re not the first to ask it. The only thing I can say is that “like” is hardly the right word. People live in conditions of war. They have to survive. And here questions “like or dislike” are not suitable. The question is how people responded to threats at that time, how they united, and how they fought and defended their land from those people whom they did not invite there.
Most likely, back in 2014 there was such a situation that we had to react to threats this way. Therefore, the will of my fellow countrymen was enough, I do not separate Luhansk and Donetsk residents, to defend their independence in very difficult conditions.
The issue of unification, you are absolutely right, is not the first time that it has been raised. But the logic of the events of 2014-2015 led to a certain level of autonomy. A certain level of independent action depending on the specifics of the territories, the specifics of the political situation, and the specifics of threats. However, when Alexander Zakharchenko was still alive, the LPR and DPR interacted. The interaction was complete and deep. In any case, I never heard from Alexander that there were problems there. Issues with customs, issues of interaction have always existed, but regarding repelling the threat that is common to the republics, both Donetsk and Lugansk residents were united.
Valentin Filippov: There was a fairly high turnout in the elections heads of republics. What role did the US Embassy’s statement calling not to go to the elections play in this?
Evgeny Kopatko: What situations were the Americans involved in? To what happened in Ukraine, to the Maidan and the coup d'etat. The Americans are one of the co-organizers of the process. Very clear. I’m not talking about internal contradictions, I’m not talking about the position of the Ukrainian elite, which was in power there at that time. About inaction and so on. And about the desires of those people who sincerely went to that Maidan. Everything was there.
But without this factor, without the five billion that Nuland voiced, without the direct participation of American government officials, I emphasize, US senators, the same Mrs. Nuland, the same representatives of foreign countries, Lithuania, Poland, whoever was there, without their participation this everything would not have happened in Ukraine. But, on the other hand, this was also the weakness of the Ukrainian elite, which allowed this situation to happen. Which did not want to be independent, which did not want to be subjective, and we got it all.
Now the question is about turnout. This is a letter from the embassy. I think that if anyone had doubts, some people were stimulated by this letter. And people will go and vote. There's another problem here. Ukraine is behaving more and more harshly in this regard. The Americans showed what needs to be done, and Ukraine said that criminal offenses are when people participate in the political process.
And that this contradicts the Minsk agreements. You can talk as much as you want, today not a single point of the Minsk agreements has been fulfilled on the Ukrainian side, including changes to Ukrainian legislation, the organization of elections, and so on. Therefore, the issue of dialogue, the issue of the political process, I believe, is better than military action. Therefore, for people who survived in very difficult conditions, this factor of internal subjectivity is very important. For them it is more important than for Ukraine.
I will not make predictions, but these statements indicate that Ukraine is trying to create difficulties for the residents of Donbass in order to declare them criminals.
They said “fake, not fake elections.” I don't like this word. Fake. As they said, the king is not real. But, in fact, there is so much noise, so many emotions. But if they are not real for you, then why so many emotions? This means that everything is happening correctly, in terms of legitimation. And this issue may prompt direct negotiations between Kyiv and Donbass.
Valentin Filippov: This question should be asked to lawyers. I absolutely do not understand how expression of will in Crimea and Donbass can be considered a crime. I can’t wrap my head around this, to be honest, you don’t have to recognize the results, but I voted, I have the right to vote. You don't have to take my opinion into account, but persecuting me for expressing my opinion is kind of stupid. It looks funny.
Evgeny Kopatko: I have nothing to object to you. But I can repeat: any expression of will, any political process is better than war. I am not a supporter of our constantly making excuses. These people have won their right to do as they see fit. Maybe something needs to be changed in the rhetoric of the information war in which we find ourselves. Regarding the fact that people's opinions matter. This is the key. And this is the certainty that people are waiting for.
Maybe for opponents something human has no meaning, but from the point of view of common sense, obviously, it is important. Any political process is better than any conflict. Therefore, regarding what someone thinks, it is necessary that people learn to take it into account.
Valentin Filippov: Do you have any information about how the population of Ukraine itself feels about Donbass? What idea is supported there, in the air? Are people ready to let go of Donbass?
Evgeny Kopatko: The war, of course, divided people. But I can say the following. In 2014, the majority supported a military solution to the conflict in Donbass. By the end of 2016, the majority of Ukrainian citizens, according to surveys, more than 65%, were in favor of a peaceful solution. But this does not mean that part of society has a positive attitude towards Donbass.
The current political elite has a negative attitude, their statements are derogatory towards my fellow countrymen, the people who live there and represent Donbass. There is a certain bias in public opinion with the official point of view. People are considered outside the law, they believe that there is no one to negotiate with, although life has taken its toll, these people have proven their right to be subjective, in very difficult conditions, incomparably difficult conditions compared to those in which people live on the other side of the front line. People have proven that they are capable of resisting, that they have the will to resist.
And there they consider them outlaws, that they are separatists, and so on. But the overwhelming majority of citizens who live in Donbass defend their land. This is what people in Donbass think. The risk of the conflict intensifying and flaring up with renewed vigor remains high. And the same positions are on mainland Ukraine.
The question is that this does not benefit anyone. But, unfortunately, because of the people who now rule the country, the militarization of public consciousness and the information space is taking place. This is a civil information war, and millions of people in Ukraine are confronting each other. Yes, another point of view is suppressed. But during the election campaign, many are trying to play on the theme of the conflict. Someone wants to “go to the border.” And the politicians who talk about this will never stick their necks out. The boys who were fellow countrymen will go again, that’s the truth of life.
How will it develop? My view is quite pessimistic.
Valentin Filippov: Okay, thank you very much. I wish you, your and my fellow countrymen, that everything will somehow be resolved. Because this all contradicts all human instincts and logic.
Evgeny Kopatko: “Somehow” it won’t work. Unfortunately.
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