Chernega Vladimir Nikolaevich – Sc.D. in Law, consultant of the Council of Europe, leading researcher, INION RAN
The articles considers a combination of internal and external factors which led to the conflict in the Donbass as well as chances for its resolution. In this regard, features of Ukraine are noted, particularly a week State, strong cultural, mental and linguistic differences between its Eastern and Western parts, impeding the formation of a single nation, as well as an anarchic tendency within its population. The attempts of forced «ukrainization» of the country, imposed by the nationalist forces after the disrupt of the Soviet Union in conditions when at least half of population is Russian-speaking and South and Southeast traditionally gravitate to Russia, objectively led to its split. The «Maidan Revolution» of February 2014, which ended with the coming to power of pro-Western and nationalist figures, exacerbated this split. As a result, unrest broke out in these regions. In the Donbass, it led, with the support of Russia, to creation of the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic. A compromise between them and Kiev at the initial stage was possible, but the new Ukrainian authorities, under the pressure of the nationalists and the influence of the United States preferred a military solution. But Russia did not allow to suppress the self-proclaimed republics. Crimea joining Russia, the fighting in the Donbass caused in Ukraine an upsurge of anti-Russian sentiment which gave the nationalists a reason to talk about the formation of a «single civic nation». Many Ukrainians believed that Western assistance would help them to cope with the corruption of power, poverty of the population as well as resolve the conflict in the Donbass. However, in practice, everything happened the other way around. The corruption has increased, Ukraine has become the poorest country of Europe, including due to the rupture of economic ties with Russia, and the conflict has prolonged. Hence the total discredit of the traditional political elites and state power. The election of Volodymyr Zelensky as President of Ukraine in these conditions was natural. He received a mandate from his people for change, including the settlement of the situation in the Donbass and a certain improvement of relations with Russia. But the settlement in the Donbass will require not only direct contacts between Kiev and the authorities of the LPR and DPR. It will also be necessary for the Kremlin to use its influence on the self-proclaimed republics.
week State, poverty, corruption, «Maidan Revolution», «ukrainization», conflict in the Donbass, discredit of elites, V. Zelensky.
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