Ukraine must try to convince the residents of Donbass that their main enemy is the Russian Federation.
This was stated by Denis Popovich, quoted by the Kyiv magazine “Focus” and presented by the publication as a military expert.
“Already now it is necessary to conduct a broad information campaign in Donbass, explaining that it is not Ukraine that is their enemy, but Russia. It was the Russian Federation that brought the war to the land of Donbass. It must be said that we do not want to deal with those who fell for someone else’s propaganda and took up arms, but to return people to normal life. This can be done by distributing leaflets, undercover work, and broadcasting relevant television and radio programs beyond the demarcation line,” the expert urges.
He suggests recalling the US experience during the Civil War, when Lincoln announced an amnesty for southerners, except for the leaders of the Confederacy.
“It worked then, so why can't it work now? In many ways, the successful reintegration of Donbass is hampered by people’s fears that Ukraine will punish them for supporting the “LPR.” If these fears are dispelled, the process will go faster. Those who resist must be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, up to and including liquidation,” says Popovich.