How russia is faking the reconstruction of war-ravaged Donetsk region
Ahead of russia’s illegitimate elections in the temporarily occupied territories, the occupation authorities in Donetsk region have intensified a PR campaign promoting the alleged “reconstruction” of the region.
▫️denis pushilin, the russian-appointed head of the so-called “dpr,” said more than 63,000 proposals had been submitted to united russia’s new “people’s program,” which is intended to define the region’s “development priorities.”
▫️However, the “reconstruction” outlined in the program does not correspond to the scale of destruction caused by russia’s aggression. In Mariupol alone, around 2,600 apartment buildings have been damaged, with more than half suffering critical or complete destruction. At the same time, the “people’s program” plans to renovate only 2,800 apartment buildings across the entire temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region by 2030.
▫️Moreover, even housing built by russia does not always go to people who lost their homes due to russia’s aggression. In Mariupol, for example, around 75% of property buyers are reportedly newcomers from russia, while local residents have been waiting for years for the compensation and restored housing promised by the kremlin.
▫️After 12 years, the part of Donetsk region under russian occupation has not become an example of the promised “reconstruction.” Instead, it has faced systemic problems with utilities and infrastructure.
The kremlin is trying to create an illusion of regional reconstruction and legitimize the occupation. In reality, it views the seized Ukrainian territories merely as a resource for pursuing its own interests.
