President Petro Poroshenko recently decided to legalize the trade blockade in the Donbas after activists and veterans had unofficially blocked roads and railway lines leading to the occupied territories for two months, which was followed by “DNR/LNR” leaders announcing the “nationalization” of all Ukrainian enterprises. Some politicians and experts (and not only in Ukraine) believe that this will estrange the Donbas even more from Ukraine. “DNR” leader Oleksandr Zakharchenko has declared that the contact line shall now be considered the official border. What next? Another referendum or... an appeal to Putin to “bring in the troops”?

“It was quite a demonstrative move! Moreover, the decree was signed during talks in Munich, and all the diplomats were in shock. In fact, they’d all agreed on one thing, but Putin went behind their backs and did the complete opposite!” says political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko.Step 2. THE ECONOMY

“Whatever you call it - expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or simply occupation of Ukrainian enterprises and their transfer into the hands of Russian oligarchs – it has destroyed Ukraine in the Donbas. This is a very dangerous strategy; such action can be extremely dangerous.” stated President Petro Poroshenko.Step 3. THE BORDER

“If the front line reaches Sloviansk in ten days, then that will be the state border. If the front line reaches Kharkiv in 50 days, then the border will move accordingly. You know what I mean… we’re talking about the front line, and we all know that these lines move…” said Zakharchenko.STEP 4. THE ARMY

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“All the officers - from platoon commander to corps commanders – are professional soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Therefore, they don’t want any loose ends – so-called heroes who used to wash cars or guard supermarkets - in the ranks of their army.” points out military expert Oleh Zhdanov.STEP 5. INTEGRATION

“Our historical past, present and future is inextricably linked to “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World).” said “LNR” leader Ihor Plotnytsky.Experts maintain that all these steps focus on one objective - the creation of two independent states, similar to South Ossetia, in the occupied territories of Eastern Ukraine.
