How Residents of the Self-Proclaimed “LNR” Reacted to the “Steinmeier Formula”

A TK Media correspondent polled 80 people of different ages and social statuses.

In early October Ukraine agreed to the “Steinmeier formula,” and for two weeks now its discussion has not subsided in all parts of the country, including in the territories of the self-proclaimed people’s republics.

A correspondent of TK Media visited the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic” and asked the opinions of 80 unrelated local residents about the “Steinmeier formula.” All of them agreed to comment only on condition of anonymity and in the absence of cameras.

60% of residents had not heard anything about the “Steinmeier formula,” and many do not want to speak even anonymously

48 of 80 respondents said they were hearing about the “Steinmeier formula” for the first time.

“What is Ukraine to us? Let them do what they want, they definitely won’t be here anymore,” answered 27-year-old Yuri (all names have been changed).

“I’m hearing about it for the first time. But as I understand it, this no longer concerns us, we no longer want to take part in their games,” commented pensioner Lidia.

“Young man, no one is going to tell you anything here. Even without a camera and even anonymously. Especially for a Ukrainian publication,” nervously responded one of the respondents.

More than 100 people categorically refused to comment. Few could clearly answer when asked about the reasons for their fear.

“Most people here really won’t tell you anything. I would comment, but I could lose my job, and my wife would be fired too. You understand what that means. <...> Just don’t set me up, no hidden cameras, voice recorders or anything like that. You asked, I answered, you can write it, but don’t tie me to it in any way”, — explained one of them, voicing the concern of local residents.

15% are against “everything connected with Ukraine”

12 of 80 respondents spoke out against the “Steinmeier formula.” The answers varied, but all of them came down to hostility toward Ukraine.

“They have ruined our lives so much that there’s no point even getting involved. What formula? Let them forget about Donbas and live on while they’re allowed to,” answered pensioner Anatoly.

“I’ve heard about the formula, but it doesn’t matter to me. I’m planning to leave here in summer 2020 for Rostov or Voronezh. My parents are staying here, but I think they’re happy with things as they are now. Neither I nor they plan to return to Ukraine,” shared 20-year-old student Victoria.

Some local residents expressed themselves more categorically and aggressively.

“F**k this Ukraine, we don’t need it. Either let Russia take us in, or we’ll manage on our own, but in power there are d***heads, both the ones from Poroshenko’s time and these new clowns now,” answered a random passerby.

“We don’t have time to think about politics here. Everyone works, trying to feed their families. Neither I nor any of my acquaintances believe that life will get better if Donbas returns to Ukraine. So why the f**k are they crawling back here? I’m against everything connected with Ukraine”, — said 33-year-old factory worker Ilya.

15% are waiting for Donbas to return to Ukraine

12 of 80 respondents want and are waiting for Donbas to rejoin Ukraine.

“I’ve been slaving away for Ukraine all my life, and now I get a pitiful pension here. They took my Ukrainian pension away, those bastards, of course. But I have children and grandchildren in Ukraine, and my pension. Of course I’m waiting for [Donbas to return to Ukraine]”, — shared pensioner Nina Petrovna.

“It doesn’t really matter to me. We didn’t live richly before either, but now it’s gotten worse, that’s true. So if they asked me, I’m for Ukraine,” answered 40-year-old Vladimir.

There were also real patriots of Ukraine among the local residents.

“Surely many have already complained about life here, or will still complain. But for me the main thing is different. I love my city and my region, which is why I stayed to live here. But I love my country no less, which I consider Ukraine. And what is the LNR, the DNR? I don’t know, and nobody knows. Today they exist, and tomorrow they won’t. So I’m waiting for our return to Ukraine,” proudly declared 48-year-old Igor.

“The new government shows that we are not indifferent to them, and that gives hope. I hope Zelensky does not fall for provocations and does everything right: first returns Donbas, and then Crimea too,” answered 26-year-old Svyatoslav.

But among those who support Ukraine there are also doubters.

“Of course, I would like to return to Ukraine, but at this stage it seems impossible to me. I’m not a politician, of course, and maybe I already don’t understand much, but they won’t just let Zelensky return Donbas. At least not for now. Because right after that, the talk will turn to Crimea,” said a former history teacher.

“I don’t believe it. I don’t believe in anything anymore. Yes, my family would like to return to Ukraine, but they had 5 years to do that, so now we don’t believe anyone and just live day to day,” said 34-year-old mother of two Inga.

Only 10% commented on the “Steinmeier formula”

10 of 80 respondents know about the “Steinmeier formula” and were able to state a clear position on it.

“The people will swallow it, and even staged rallies by Poroshenko won’t help. Putin will once again outwit everyone and shift Donbas from Russian taxes to Ukrainian ones, but will keep control over Donbas for himself”, — said a 38-year-old man.

“I’m sure it’s possible. Putin clearly is tired of this unresolved issue and the constant sanctions. The main thing is not to rush and to do everything wisely. We’ve waited 5 years, we can certainly wait another year,” answered 22-year-old student.

“I think the Russian side won’t allow this. ‘Ours’ won’t give up the border and won’t allow free elections, and otherwise Ukraine won’t agree. Russia doesn’t need this, because after Donbas returns, the Crimea question will come back,” said 30-year-old single mother.

Some are sure that Zelensky is being influenced.

“It’s Europe pressuring Zelensky. And on top of that, nationalists demand victory from him, and the opposition puts spokes in his wheels. I don’t think anyone will end up better off if the ‘formula’ is implemented,” said 72-year-old pensioner Nikolai.

“I think someone paid Zelensky off for this. Who, I don’t know. But personally I can’t understand how Ukraine or Donbas will be better off if it returns as an autonomy,” answered 25-year-old waitress Victoria.

Others believe that both sides want to get rid of Donbas.

“I’m not a patriot of the young republic, but I think we’re not needed by either Russia or Ukraine anymore. For 5 years all of this, how shall I put it, has been going on. And if even one side wanted to see us in its ranks, it would have happened long ago. And now there are new political games, at the center of which is Donbas again, who else,” said 29-year-old entrepreneur Anton.

“The ‘Steinmeier formula’ is Europe’s plan, together with Ukraine, to completely cut Donbas off from the outside world and deprive our children and grandchildren of a future. If Russia agrees to it, it will put an end to the conflict, but for Donbas it will be the end”, — said children’s sports coach Andrey.

“I’m sure it will end badly for us. I’ve read a lot about the ‘formula,’ but I don’t fully understand how Ukraine imagines simply returning Donbas like that. We don’t agree, unless Russia goes along with Zelensky and Europe,” answered 33-year-old primary school teacher Olga.

Some also “humbly accept the coming changes.”

“Honestly? For me, 2014 and 2015 were hard years. Otherwise it makes almost no difference to me. Actually, not quite. I follow politics and think I understand the situation. But what can I, a simple factory worker, change? Will anyone ask me? Everything will happen as it will,” said 28-year-old factory worker Mark.

“What difference does it make what I think? Well, my opinion is that this ‘formula’ and the return to Ukraine will only make things worse for us. But who cares about our opinion? All that’s left is to humbly accept the coming changes,” shared 56-year-old taxi driver.

Earlier, the leaders of the “LNR” and “DNR” refused to hand over control of the border to Ukraine. And the party of former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, European Solidarity, called the “Steinmeier formula” a “Putin plan”.

According to a survey, two-thirds of Ukrainians do not know how to assess the “Steinmeier formula”. But this did not stop 10,000 people from coming out to Maidan against the “formula”. After that, head of the Office of the President Andriy Bohdan stated that protesters were paid 100 hryvnias an hour.