Miners Support Pro-Russians in Donetsk over Ukraine Government

Miners Support Pro-Russians in Donetsk over Ukraine Government

Coal miners in Donetsk came out in support of the pro-Russian forces in charge of “Donetsk People’s Republic” (DNR) at a rally led by self-proclaimed leader Denis Pushilin. Donetsk is in the Donbass region, which is the industrial area of Ukraine.

“I want peace and to be able to work and make money. I want the occupying soldiers to leave and return to their Kiev junta,” said a miner named Valery.

The DNR broke away after a referendum held on May 11 claimed 90% of residents voted for independence. Yet, the entire vote was filled with voting violations, hastily put together, and not recognized by Ukraine and the West.

“Kiev does not rule us any more, we will no longer accept that,” said Pushilin.

“We will drive fascism away,” he continued.

While the DNR claims to hate fascism and that Kiev is filled with fascists, residents inside of the city of Donetsk were not allowed to vote in the presidential election on May 25. Pro-Russians smashed ballot boxes or turned the boxes into trashcans. Billionaire Petro Poroshenko won the election with more than 50% of the votes. He said he would not talk with the “terrorists,” but said he would give regions more local power.

The Union of Mine Workers had the largest presence at the rally, and the group is closely tied to the Party of Regions. Ousted Russian-backed President Viktor Yanukovych belonged to that party. 

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