“We want to Russia!”: Donetsk celebrates second anniversary of its independence

Resident of the Donetsk People’s Republic have marked the second anniversary of the republic independence. On the Republican Day, which is often called one of key holidays, dozens of thousands of people gathered for a celebration march. As EADaily ’s correspondent in Donetsk reports, NGOs, sports organizations, workers’ associations and trade unions participated in the event.

Head of the DPR Alexander Zakharchenko. Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

The march was started by bikers with flags of Russia and DPR. People came with flowers, flags and banners. Some of them have arrived from territories of the former Donetsk Region now occupied by Ukraine to celebrate the anniversary of the independence referendum.

Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

“I don’t change my opinion, and was the referendum held today, I would vote the same – for independence,” says a man who came from Donetsk Region territory controlled by Ukraine. Answering a question on DPR future, he said: “We want to Russia!”

Resident of Donetsk city Viktoria also would vote for independence now like she did two years before. She also sees Donbass as part of the Russian Federation.

Resident of Donetsk city Viktoria with a friend. Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

A former miner Anatoly says the Republican Day is a great holiday for him and his wife. “Of course, we want to be a part of Russia. We are one nation. It would be great if not only Donbass, but the whole Ukraine joined Russia,” he believes.

Residents of DPR Svetlana and Anatoly. Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Donetsk resident Katerina says that May 11 is a holiday for her and many of her compatriots. She believes it would be better for the DPR to be part of Russia.

Natalia and Vita. Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Katerina. Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

Photo: Ramil Safin/EADaily

 The holiday is celebrated as anniversary of the independence referendum. Two years ago, most residents of Donetsk Regions showing a high turnout spoke for independence of the republic.

Kristina Melnikova