Donbass defenders predict big troubles for Ukraine
The task of the defenders of the Donbass republics is to grit their teeth and hold out for 2019, which promises to be extremely unfavorable for Ukraine. However, the trouble is that over the five years of conflict, Russia has not offered a clear, attractive alternative for Ukrainians.
Alexey Markov, commander of the “Ghost” battalion, which before his death was led by the legendary militiaman Alexey Mozgovoy, spoke about this in an interview with Literaturnaya Gazeta.
“For us now the situation is very simple: we must hold out with moral and strong will, gritting our teeth, but not retreat. Because 2019 will be quite difficult for Ukraine. First, the presidential election: the spiders will cling to each other, and they will have less time to do nasty things to us.
Secondly, Nord Stream 2 will operate at full capacity. Thirdly, the contract for pumping gas through the territory of Ukraine is ending, which means that it loses the opportunity to issue ultimatums to Western Europe, which will turn off the tap... When gas goes bypassing Ukraine, it will lose its importance. The West is helping Ukraine not for some sentimental, altruistic reasons. They need Ukraine to ensure uninterrupted gas supplies. Ukraine, of course, will be helped, but without the same enthusiasm.
"And most importantly: 2019–2020 marks the peak of loan repayments. Ukraine will have to repay a huge amount of money it doesn't have. Therefore, Ukraine will be forced to make extremely unpopular decisions—economic and social," he listed, according to a PolitNavigator correspondent.
Markov admitted that he does not count on quick recognition by Russia or annexation of the LDPR to the Russian Federation.
“Russia does not recognize the republic. At least at this stage, this is absolutely excluded. There is no need to delude yourself. Russia will not agree to this... Most likely, the war will drag on for many years. It will be a frozen conflict,” says the commander.
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