"Ukraine with Russian Flag on Fireworks?"... Residents Celebrate Putin's Independence Declaration Moment

Eastern Ukraine Donetsk and Luhansk Regions

Pro-Russian residents are marching on the 21st (local time) in the center of Donetsk city, eastern Ukraine, celebrating Russia's recognition of the region's independence. / Photo by Donetsk

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Images of residents in the Donetsk (DPR) and Luhansk (LPR) regions of Ukraine, which Russia has recognized as independent states, have been broadcast. In these areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists, Russian flags are displayed everywhere, and residents marching can be seen.

On the 22nd, Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the atmosphere in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions through local Ukrainian articles. Locally, dozens of pro-Russian residents gathered in the streets, waving Russian flags and singing the Russian national anthem.

These regions are located in eastern Ukraine. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin approved the independence of the self-proclaimed republics established by pro-Russian forces, the "Donetsk People's Republic" and the "Luhansk People's Republic."

According to foreign media, most residents here are either Russian nationals or Russian speakers, and the majority hope to be integrated into Russia.

They have also abandoned the Ukrainian currency, the hryvnia, and officially adopted the Russian ruble as their currency. Last year, the DPR designated June 12, Russia's Independence Day, as a national holiday.

Economic dependence on Russia is also increasing. Since the 2014 civil war in the east, the Ukrainian government has stopped paying public sector wages to residents in separatist-controlled areas. The heavy industry, which was the lifeblood of the regional economy, ceased operations due to the government's economic blockade measures. A former senior official of the DPR stated, "Salaries and pensions for public sector workers in the DPR and LPR are paid directly by Russia."

On the other hand, Ukrainians outside these regions not only harbor hostility toward President Putin but also criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian who was elected on a promise of a ceasefire in the eastern conflict, calling him a "ridiculous liar who gave up Donetsk Oblast."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.