Unity, self-confidence help LPR become part of Russia - Pasechnik

Society 
Unity and self-confidence have helped the Lugansk People’s Republic to become a part of the Russian Federation, LPR Acting Head Leonid Pasechnik said in an interview with the Lugansk Media Center as the LPR marked Day of the Republic.
 
He recalled the spring of 2014, “when it became absolutely clear that Kiev wanted to destroy Russian people and all things Russian.” There were radicals’ attacks outside Korsun on the buses carrying Crimean residents back home, the Slavyansk assault and the first indiscriminate strikes at civilians, Pasechnik said.
 
“Lastly, Odessa became the Rubicon for us when nationalists, as the Banderites in Khatyn in 1943, herded people together and burnt 48 of them alive.<...> It became the point of no return to all of us,” he said.
 
Back then, it was clear that Lugansk would be next if this was not stopped, the LPR leader said.
 
“The people’s unity was amazing (as they rallied) next to the building of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and during the preparation for the referendum as huge crowds were eager to vote. Ordinary civilians stood up for their right to speak their native Russian language and live in friendship with the people of Russia. This unity, self-confidence and strength helped us overcome all the difficulties, defend our history and the right to be Russian, and fulfill our dream to become a part of Russia,” Pasechnik said.
 
Day of the Lugansk People’s Republic was established by the LPR Head’s decree and is celebrated annually on May 12.
 
Nine years ago, on May 11, 2014, the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics and several areas controlled by Kiev forces, held a referendum on LPR and DPR self-determination. Voter turnout in Lugansk Region made up 81 percent and in Donetsk Region 75 percent. LPR and DPR independence was supported by 96.2 percent and 89.7 percent of voters, respectively. The Republics proclaimed their state sovereignty on 12 May 2014.
 
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The Ukrainian government launched the so-called anti-terrorist operation against Donbass in April 2014.  The peace talks failed to reach tangible results due to Kiev’s position to settle the conflict by force.
 
President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation  on February 24, 2022 to protect Donbass residents from Ukrainian aggression. Prior to that, LPR and DPR Heads Leonid Pasechnik and Denis Pushilin asked the Russian leader to provide military assistance.
 
The Lugansk People’s Republic acceded to Russia on September 30, 2022 following the unification referendum.*i*v

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