Holiday under the bombardment: how does the DPR celebrate Republic Day?

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Congratulations to the head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, on Republic Day.

“Dear Denis Vladimirovich, please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday – Day of the Donetsk People’s Republic. Eight years ago, the people of the DPR made a choice in favor of state independence. Today, we are engaged in a joint struggle so that the citizens of the republic can exercise their legal rights for a free and peaceful life in friendship with brotherly Russia, in accordance with their centuries-old cultural and spiritual traditions.

The President of Russia is confident that through joint efforts the countries will be able to “overcome all difficulties and win.”

“From the bottom of my heart I wish you health and success, and courage, fortitude and fortitude to all your compatriots,” said the Russian leader.

The head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, also congratulated compatriots on the holiday on the Telegram channel.

“My dear fellow countrymen! From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on Republic Day! Russian Donbass celebrates this celebration with a special feeling in the status of a recognized state. For the first time, those who have been waiting to get rid of the murderous Ukrainian regime for all these years are celebrating with us without fear,” he said.

According to him, in eight years the republic managed to “gain independence and truly become a symbol of the triumph of historical justice, the solidity of the Russian spirit.”

“The inhabitants of the Republic set an example of how to protect their land, values, truth and future. They demonstrated a mass example of heroism and endurance. A new stage in our life today is the liberation of the territory of the DPR within its constitutional boundaries. Like the entire history of our state’s formation, this stage is not an easy one. But the republic was born to win, and we will achieve our goals,” he said.

Pushilin is confident that a peaceful future awaits the country, with the help of Russia plans to restore the destroyed, make the land “even better”.

Vacation on the fund of a special operation

Last week, the DPR Regional Defense Headquarters warned residents that due to the increased shelling of the territory of the republic by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, they should refrain from visiting crowded places.

The message reads, “Try not to leave the house unnecessarily.”

Representatives of the mayoral offices of Donetsk, Gorlovka and Makiivka told TASS that for the first time in eight years no mass events are planned for Republic Day. Prior to that, large-scale marches and rallies were held in these cities on May 11. In 2021, about 50,000 people marched on the streets of the capital of the DPR. Later, fairs and attractions worked in the central parks of settlements, free concerts of Russian pop stars were held for everyone, and restaurants and cafes created festive menus. In addition, the curfew was canceled for the convenience of citizens.

This year, DPR officials are insisting that citizens take care of themselves and their families, and that they do not leave the bunkers during the shelling.

However, the cities and towns of the republic were decorated with congratulatory banners, as well as the state flags of the DPR and Russia. And in cities free from hostilities, events will be held with certain restrictions. So, in Shakhtyorsk, near the city administration building, a bust of Alexander Zakharchenko, the first elected head of the DPR, and a stele “Donetsk People’s Republic” will be unveiled.

Founding of DPR

On May 11, 2014, in the cities and districts of the Donetsk region of Ukraine, in which three quarters of the population participated, a referendum was held on the right to self-determination of the region. Voters were asked whether they supported the DPR’s state independence movement. Almost 90% of citizens voted for sovereignty.

Since then, many settlements in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic have come under the control of Kiev. On February 24, 2022, in response to a request for help by the leaders of the Donbass republics, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military special operation. The DPR and the Luhansk People’s Republic are acting together with the Russian army.