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Developments in eastern Ukraine

Militia leader: Donetsk republic has established itself as state

The militia leader praised the people of the war-torn region for their diligence and patriotism and for being an example of unity, bravery and spiritual strength

Alexander Zakharchenko (center) Dmitry Vyatkin/TASS

Alexander Zakharchenko (center)

© Dmitry Vyatkin/TASS

MOSCOW, May 1. /TASS/. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic has established itself as a state, its leader Alexander Zakharchenko said in his speech on occasion of Labour Day on Friday.

"Today we are building our young state enthusiastically. Still not everything comes easily, but despite the intention of our enemies to destroy the republic, I want to state firmly - we have established ourselves as a young state, we are developing and we have won!" the Donetsk news agency quoted him as saying.

Read also

Militia leader not sure if unrecognized Luhansk republic will remain part of "new Ukraine"

The self-proclaimed republic’s authorities are currently restoring infrastructure facilities creating conditions for economic development, Zakharchenko said.

In his congratulatory message, the leader also praised the people of the war-torn region for their diligence and patriotism and for being an example of unity, bravery and spiritual strength.

"I am sure that by our joint efforts we will soon turn our dream into reality and establish a strong, independent and prosperous state created by people and for people," he said.

The Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics declared themselves sovereign states in April 2014 in response to Kiev’s attempts to suppress the opposition in south-eastern Ukraine. After the May 11, 2014 referendums, both regions signed an agreement on creation of the Union of People’s Republics, Novorossiya.

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