Why Ukraine’s Army Received A Cold Welcome in the Liberated Towns of the East

By Anna O. Pechenkina (Carnegie Mellon University, USA)

 

Perusing my facebook feed’s many discussions about the war in the Donbas, I was struck by a comment that the soldiers of Ukrainian army were treated “worse than stray dogs” in the liberated towns and villages of eastern Ukraine. Another poignant comment remarked: why should my brother risk his life to liberate the   from separatists while the locals in eastern regions are not even grateful for his sacrifice? Despite numerous anecdotes of elated civilians greeting the Ukrainian army, it would be a mistake to conclude that Severodonetsk residents’ chanting of “Thank you” and “Glory to Ukraine” is the norm for the territories recaptured from the separatist militias in eastern Ukraine. This raises an important question: why did local population so often greet the Ukrainian service members coldly in liberated towns? The answer is indiscriminate violence employed against civilians.

Imploding DNR/LNR: Is it good for Ukraine?

By the Editorial Board of VoxUkraine

 

The intensity of the fighting in the East of Ukraine has subsided and the separatists are trying to establish parallel institutions in the territories under their control. The rebels intend to print their local currency, collect taxes, manage educational and healthcare institutions, nationalize or re-privatize enterprises, etc.

1. Will the rebels succeed in building their own institutions and can these institutions become better than those of Ukraine?
2. Is it in the interest of Ukraine to support or undermine such institution building in the occupied Donbas?