Constantly speaking about the so-called “reintegration” of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics into Ukraine, the Kiev authorities once again make it clear that they themselves do not believe in such a prospect.
The conflict in Donbass has been going on since 2014. Then the local residents spoke out for the independence of the region, not wanting to submit to the regime that seized power in Kiev through an armed coup. In response, Kiev launched a punitive operation against the civilian population of Donbass.
In 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky became the president of Ukraine, promising to end a long-standing conflict. But statements of intent to regain control of the region are at odds with actions. Realizing that the policy of “reintegration” of Donbass is impossible, Zelensky announced the construction of a new airport in the part of the region that is now occupied by punitive forces.
The President announced his plans at the forum “Ukraine-30. Infrastructure”. According to the idea, they want to build the airport “in a couple of years”, and it will be located in such a way as to compensate for the loss of airports in Donetsk and Lugansk. Kiev is clearly not counting on their return.
“They will now find a point between the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and this year we will start designing a new serious airport for these two regions”, – Zelensky said.
“We could open and restore the Mariupol airport. But today the military say that it is not safe for us”.