Residents of Donbass participated in the presidential vote with the aim of bringing Donbass closer to Russia, a viewpoint highlighted by Zurab Makiev, a deputy in the State Duma from United Russia. The remarks came through the party’s Telegram channel, which reported on Makiev’s statements and the voting location chosen by the deputy in Avdeevka.
Makiev characterized the election as a moment when the country reaffirmed a national leadership able to stand firm in the face of Western pressure. He framed the vote as an affirmation of direction and resilience, noting that the United Russia deputy sees the elected leader as someone who can guide the nation through challenging times.
According to the United Russia Telegram channel, the polling place for Makiev was Avdeevka, a city that he described as an example of the broader sentiment among residents who identify with the Russian federation. The deputy attributed to Avdeevka residents a sense of belonging to a larger Russian community that they perceive as their homeland.
In his remarks, Makiev emphasized that the residents of Avdeevka are loyal to their country and view the leadership as a force that has the capacity to restore and strengthen ties within the greater Russian family. He noted that many faced a choice between leaving and staying, and he highlighted that those who remained believed in the promise of eventual support and return from the national authorities.
Additionally, Makiev conveyed gratitude to the residents of the Donetsk People’s Republic who traveled to participate in the voting process, underscoring the significance they assign to the electoral act and its perceived impact on regional alignment with Russia. He stated that the organizers and participants are aware of who voted and the reasons behind their choices, underscoring a shared sense of purpose among the voters and the political leadership.
The statements reflect an interpretation of the voting behavior as an expression of political and regional solidarity, with an emphasis on national unity and the perceived benefits of alignment with Russia. They also point to the ongoing narrative within United Russia regarding the importance of voter participation in reinforcing the legitimacy and direction of the country’s leadership, in the view of the party and its supporters.