this post was submitted on 11 Aug 2023
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It seems unlikely that the people of Donbass do want to be a part of Russia now that they've had a taste of occupation.
Being conscripted, given third rate equipment or no equipment at all and being send to die is not generally an endearing act.
This is what Ukraine's coup government has been doing for over a year at this point.
They spent 8 years being shelled by Ukraine prior to that
You don't get to instigate a rebellion using your own intelligence and military assets, and then invade your neighbor and claim that you never did, that's just bullshit.
This entire conflict was instigated by Russia.
It's very hard to invent a movement in another country. Were they backed by Russia from the outset? Obviously, but they had real reasons to be upset with what the new administration was doing. This is a little like dismissing the people who disagree with you as bots, it lets you avoid needing to consider that some people might have good reason for opposing your favored side.
Yes, absolutely it was. There have been many books and publications featuring interviews and even video footage of Russian soldiers from the outset of the war. Here's an interview:
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/07/i-was-a-pro-russian-separatist-fighter-in-ukraine/374411/
And Russia seized crimea right afterwards. Coincidence? Nope.
And let's not forget how they"separatists" somehow were operating Russian military air defense systems.
Igor Girkin was found responsible for shooting down MH17 by a Dutch cour.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63637625
... But he was a Russian commander who controlled the so-called Donetsk People's Republic armed forces.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/21/russia-arrests-igor-girkin-ex-security-officer-who-led-operations-ukraine/
Russia used their guys to instigate a rebellion. If you think all rebellions are free from outside influences, you are sorely mistaken and shows complete naivete regarding the current conflict.
I just said they were Russian backed from the outset, but that does not mean Russia invented the sentiment wholecloth.
Good thing they have you to tell them their opinion, oh white saviour.