Video
Cheers in Donetsk, incomprehension in Kiev
Celebration mood late Monday evening in the center of the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. Russian President Putin had previously recognized the independence of the breakaway provinces in eastern Ukraine and signed a corresponding decree. In addition, Putin also signed a cooperation and friendship treaty with the breakaway regions. Fireworks were set off in Donetsk and people waved Russian flags. Putin ordered troops sent to eastern Ukraine. Peacekeeping troops would be sent to the breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, according to a decree from Putin to the Defense Ministry that was published on Tuesday night. On the outskirts of the city of Donetsk, columns of military vehicles rolled through the streets. Among them were tanks, reports an eyewitness. The speech by the Russian President was also followed with excitement in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev. Many reacted with incomprehension: “I don’t know whether I should be afraid or not. At the moment I don’t think there is anything to be afraid of. But when I see all this on TV, I just can’t believe what’s happening. I think it’s all about money.” “I think that destroys the Minsk agreement. That’s crazy, because diplomacy is over here. What I’m saying is that it’s crazy, because we don’t want war.” “I think that’s complete nonsense. That shouldn’t happen. Because this is our country, not their country, not independent. Our country. I think most citizens also think it’s Ukraine.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba meets his counterpart Blinken in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the worsening of the crisis in Ukraine. The people of Kiev can only wait and see.
Russian President Putin’s recognition of the breakaway provinces in the east of the country has sparked mixed reactions in Ukraine.