14:43 18.03.2015

No civil war in Ukraine but Russia is involved – PACE rapporteur

2 min read
No civil war in Ukraine but Russia is involved – PACE rapporteur

PACE rapporteur on the political consequences of the crisis in Ukraine Kristyna Zelienkova has spoken about Russian involvement in the conflict in Donbas.

Russia's participation is not limited to the supply of heavy weapons and fighters (on a 'voluntary' basis or with help of those deemed as laid-off or gone on vacation, or in the form of the regular army), but is also represented in the command structure and political decision-making process, Zelienkova said in a report on the results of her visit to Ukraine on February 15-18, 2015.

According to her, Russia is also involved in an information or propaganda war that is no less dangerous than a conventional one, as it prevents reconciliation and confidence building.

The Ukrainian media are not present in the Donbas, and Russian propaganda claims neo-Nazis are fighting with peaceful people, reads the report.

Zelienkova also said that the forces accused of neo-fascism hadn't gained public support during the last parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

It is absolutely clear that there is no civil war in the eastern regions of Ukraine. There are no religious or ethnic reasons for the conflict, as in other parts of the world, Zelienkova said.

Zelienkova said that a number of people she spoke with said they believed there was a war going on between Russia and Ukraine.

Zelienkova says she plans to prepare a draft report to be considered by the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy in May-June, after which it may be put forward for voting.

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