In a commentary for the Moscow Voice Radio - Govorit Moskva radio station, Head of the Donetsk People's Republic Denis Pushilin described a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin as very important and reiterated the wide support provided by the Russian Federation in the form of humanitarian convoys, issuance of passports and vaccination against the coronavirus. According to him, Donbass is part of the "Russian people."
“We have never had reason to admit the idea that Russia would leave us to face hardships and problems alone. We are experiencing its incessant assistance and support. For our part, we will always stand up for the Great Homeland, defending our common values ​​to the last. We have formulated the position of our citizens in the ideological doctrine, and it is no coincidence that it has been called Russian Donbass. It is designed to become the document that will form the basis for making the government decisions of utmost importance. Donbass has always been Russian not only historically, but also mentally, and the events of 2014 and subsequent years have clearly defined the development vector: we are supposed to be together with Russia."
Donbass is on track to enhancing interaction with Russia, the Head of the DPR emphasized.
“First and foremost, I would like to expedite it [interaction - ed.] in the field of ​​economic development. We consider the need to increase the level of economic interaction between the Russian Federation and Donbass through active cross-border cooperation as the first step on that path. I am sure that these processes will ultimately lead us to the future for which we work and fight, for which we held the referendum, withstood the shelling, which we are ready to defend even if it means laying down our lives. Efflorescent, strong Donbass as part of Great Russia!"
During a meeting with editors-in-chief of media outlets, Putin said that Russia will "no matter what" turn its back on Donbass. Before making any decisions on the fate of this region, one should think about the consequences, the president stressed.