Assistant to the Russian President Vladimir Putin - Vladislav Surkov took part in the closed congress of the Union of Donbas Volunteers (the organization unites those who fought against Ukraine on the side of the separatists), and made a number of significant statements. This was reported by Strana.ua with reference to Russian Telegram channel.
"Surkov said that he does not see a serious difference between the teams of Poroshenko and Zelensky. In this way the presidential aide commented on the results of Normandy meeting on the sidelines of 5th Donbas Volunteer Congress," the report said.
Surkov visited the closed part of the event, organized by the "first prime minister of so-called Donetsk People's Republic Alexander Boroday.
"All those present were once again told that no one is going to leave Donbas, and if the situation worsens, the potential of Russia's voluntary movement is ready to be activated as soon as possible in the volumes necessary for the front," the channel reports.
The separatist commander Olkhon, who became famous after the battles near Debaltseve in 2015, also gives similar information in his account regarding this meeting.
After the closed part of the meeting, Olkhon concluded that there would be no “reintegration of Donbas,” Zelensky was considered non-negotiable, and Russia intends to raise the standard of living and the size of social benefits in the uncontrolled part of Donbas to the level of Russian regions.
