Who Supports Pro-Russian Separatists in Ukraine: A Comprehensive Guide

Ukraine's eastern region has seen conflict and unrest since 2014. Much of this has been fueled by the presence of pro-Russian separatists, who have been supported and supplied by Russia. This article attempts to clarify the situation by introducing the key individuals and groups involved.

Russian-Backed Separatists in Eastern Ukraine

The term 'Russian-backed separatists' may suggest that these are foreign invaders, but it's important to note that many are actually Ukrainian citizens. These separatists receive training and support from Russia, but they are fighting against their own government. Here, we outline some of the main players in the separatist movement in Eastern Ukraine.

Pavel Gubarev

Lead Figure: 'The Man with the St. George Ribbon'

Pavel Gubarev, a 31-year-old advertising agent turned separatist, gained prominence in the conflict that started in early 2014. Before politics, Gubarev worked as an advertising agent and even appeared in a YouTube video where he dressed as Father Frost, a Soviet equivalent of Santa Claus.

On March 6, 2014, Gubarev was arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and was detained in Kyiv until April 2014. An SBU officer ordered him to remove his St. George ribbon, and when Gubarev refused, the officer said, 'It is an orange-and-black ribbon.' Gubarev was part of the Russian nationalist group Russian National Unity in the 1990s.

Vyacheslav Ponomaryov

Masked Leader of Slovyansk

Ponomaryov, a 49-year-old veteran of the Soviet Navy, seized security services and government buildings in Slovyansk on April 12, 2014. Since then, he has been the public face of the separatists in Slovyansk. Ponomaryov's forces have been accused of kidnapping people, including an American journalist and Ukrainian journalists, and were added to the EU blacklist of sanctioned individuals.

Denis Pushilin

Leader of the Self-Proclaimed Republic

Denis Pushilin, born in Makiyivka and based in Donetsk, emerged slightly later than Ponomaryov but quickly became a key figure. Pushilin is described as more refined and dapper than his colleagues. He has a varied past, having worked as a casino dealer and financial product pusher after his military service. Pushilin also faces sanctions from the EU.

Aleksandr Borodai

The Donbass Republics' Leader

Aleksey Aleksandrovich Borodai, aged 41, is from Moscow. He joined the separatist movement later but is quickly becoming a key player. Borodai's strategy includes a call for an end to looting by separatists, leading to the raiding and clearing of the regional administration building. His background includes a stint as an editor of an ultranationalist newspaper and defending the Russian White House in 1993.

Aleksandr Mozhayev

Known as 'Bearded Insurgent'

Aleksandr Mozhayev, known by the moniker 'Bearded Insurgent,' is a mysterious figure. His past is largely unclear, but he appears to have had ties to Russian nationalist groups and was involved in the Russian White House defense in 1993.

Igor Girkin

The DNR's Face

Igor Girkin, better known by his pseudonym 'Stojko,' is a central figure in the separatist movement. The SBU claims he was an undercover GRU officer and the brains behind the separatist operations. While his background is unclear, images show that reenacting historical battles is one of his hobbies. Girkin is also on the EU's list of sanctioned individuals.

Valery Bolotov

Leader of a Militia?

Valery Bolotov, a 44-year-old leader of a self-styled militia, rounds out this list. His role and the nature of his group are less clear, but he is significant enough to be mentioned.

These individuals and groups have played crucial roles in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, supported and trained by Russia. Their actions and motivations have had far-reaching implications for the region and the ongoing conflict.

For more detailed information and the latest updates, consult reputable news sources and official announcements from Russian and Ukrainian authorities.