Zakharchenko demands recognition of DPR as an independent state
The leader of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Alexander Zakharchenko, has stated that the separatists are ready to cooperate with Ukraine. In return, they demand official recognition of the so-called DPR as an independent state. Zakharchenko detailed these conditions to the RIA Novosti news agency.
Zakharchenko is awaiting the recognition of the so-called DPR as an equal partner. In addition, he hopes that Ukraine will implement all points of the Minsk Agreements, reformat their entire political system, and establish peace.
“Taking into account the political situation in Ukraine, the fulfillment of all of these requirements is impossible. So today, we associate the prospects of the economic development of the DPR mainly with Russia,” Zakharchenko said in reference to the DPR’s main, and seemingly only, partner.
Zakharchenko had previously urged the citizens of Odessa to follow the example of the separatists in the Donbas region and to organize an illegal referendum. In doing so, the residents of Odessa would be able “to say no to Ukraine.”