Before the presidential election in Ukraine, the south-east of the country finally decided to declare independence from the power of EuroMaidan. The regions that suffer from the punitive operation conducted by the Ukrainian authorities called themselves Novorossia, or New Russia. The status has not been legally established yet, but most of the people residing in the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk are confident: Ukraine is no longer their country.
Denis Denisov, Director of the Ukrainian branch of the Institute of CIS countries
"As far as we know, there is no dialogue being conducted either on an official or unofficial level. The Kiev authorities were preoccupied with the elections that took place on several territories of Ukraine. After the new president takes office, it will be possible to start the talks. We know that in past few days, representatives of the Donetsk republic occupied the main residence of Donetsk oligarch Rinat Akhmetov. If they do it, it would mean that they do have real power in their hands."
