In occupied Donetsk, the fugitive Yanukovych is suspected of preparing a "Maidan" against Pushilin

In occupied Donetsk, the fugitive Yanukovych is suspected of preparing a "Maidan" against Pushilin

A loud scandal is unfolding in the occupied part of Donetsk. Former allies, who ten years ago fought for the creation of the so-called "DPR," are now exchanging accusations of betrayal and attempts to seize power.

After one of the ideologists of separatism, Andriy Purhin, claimed in an interview that the leader of the "DPR," Denis Pushilin, is profiting from the water crisis in the region by owning drinking water production plants, the occupation administration decided to respond. For this purpose, they brought out of the shadows the old provocateur Oleksandr Khryakov, who caught the attention of journalist Denys Kazanskyi.

He recorded a video in which he accused Purhin, the notorious pro-Russian supporter Tetyana Montyan, and other former allies of allegedly working for the fugitive ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. According to Khryakov, Yanukovych, along with his family and ex-Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, is allegedly preparing a "maidan" in Donetsk to overthrow Pushilin and regain power.

"Participants include newcomer Vlad Filin, the infamous Denysova, who is preparing to hold rallies in the ’DPR,’ Mrs. Montyan... It is all topped off by the ’Antifascist’ website, which belongs to Azarov and Yanukovych’s son, who are eager to return here and lead everyone," Khryakov stated.

He claims that these people are using "USAID methods" to destabilize the situation, comparing what is happening in Donetsk to Kyiv before the Orange Revolution in 2004. Khryakov hastened to label all residents outraged by the lack of water as "agents of Ukrainian special services."

Thus, occupied Donetsk found itself at the center of a new "war of kompromat." However, in reality, this scandal merely demonstrates the internal split among pro-Russian collaborators and the struggle for control over the weakened region.