Denis Pushilin, serving as the interim head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, described the restoration of Mariupol as a moment that sparked fierce anger among Ukrainian authorities. He shared his assessment through his Telegram channel, underscoring a perception that the city’s reconstruction exposed what he called the Kiev regime’s growing frustration with the situation on the ground.
Pushilin asserted that the Kiev regime reacts with mounting ire when confronted with tangible signs of recovery in Mariupol. He claimed that Ukrainian armed formations carried out strikes on the suburbs during the previous night, portraying the actions as an attempt to hinder the stabilization and rebuilding phase witnessed in the city. The statement framed these bombings as part of a broader effort to derail efforts to restore normal life for residents and to challenge the authorities’ narrative about the conflict.
According to Pushilin, the central aim behind Ukrainian moves is to undermine the Donbas republics and to sow disruption in the process of rebuilding. He argued that such actions would not deter the consolidation of authority in these regions, presenting a narrative of resilience in the face of external pressure and calls for accountability. The remarks reflected a focus on the hardships endured by civilians and the strategic attempts by opposing forces to complicate governance and public safety in contested areas.
In a related note, Pushilin referenced the situation in Artemovsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut, describing measures intended to prevent a breakthrough from enemy positions. He suggested that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had deliberately targeted the flanks around the village in an effort to disrupt the movement of Russian units and to slow any potential advance. The account framed the episode as part of a larger pattern of military maneuvers designed to influence the tempo of fighting and the balance of control in the town and surrounding region.
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin announced the decision to initiate a special military operation in response to requests for assistance from the leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. The declaration was framed as a protective measure aimed at safeguarding the interests of residents in Donbass and stabilizing the broader security situation in the region. The subsequent course of events has been the subject of extensive discussion, speculation, and analysis regarding strategic objectives, humanitarian impact, and regional implications for the wider conflict in eastern Ukraine.