March 1, 2014, in Donetsk was not only the first day of spring but also the first day of widespread recognition of the Russian course. Many testimonies and memories have been preserved about the subsequent events that led step by step to an irreconcilable split and war. But what was the day like that marked the beginning of it all? The people of Donetsk expressed their loyalty to the Russian course quite loudly and dramatically.
12:00 Two in One
On March 1, everything mixed together on October Square: Ukrainian and Russian flags, rallies, and ideologies. In the crowd under the Donetsk Regional State Administration, signs saying "We trust Shishatsky" can be seen, along with Ukrainian flags. People listen attentively to the speeches of the speakers while talking among themselves.
However, the left side of the crowd looks like it is holding its own rally. This area is filled with flags of the Russian Federation, and people chant various slogans without pause, starting with "Glory to Berkut!" and ending with "Cowards! Shame!" (the latter addressed to the authorities). But most often, the left side of the rally, where about a dozen young people with their faces covered up to their eyes could be seen, simply chants "Rus-si-a!" They do not fall silent during the minute of silence or during the speeches of the speakers. Not even the speech of a clergyman touched their hearts. When the priest said, "I am not a politician, not a public figure, I am a priest, I call you to prayer!" the crowd angrily shouted, "Then why are you standing here?!".
The real sensation on this "Russian island" is caused by the speech of the governor (at the time) of Donetsk region, Andrei Shishatsky. While Andrei Vladimirovich is repeating the now familiar phrases about how "the country is being rocked," about how the division must not be allowed, and about the need to protect the language, people whistle and shout slogans: "Down with him! Resign! Shame!" But Shishatsky seems to ignore the provocative shouts and finishes his speech with the phrase: "Thank you, dear ones, for your support!"
In fact, it's hard to say for certain why five thousand people gathered at noon on March 1, 2014, on October Square: one part of the crowd participates in the rally in support of the government and Ukraine's territorial integrity, while another part expresses dissatisfaction with the authorities at all levels and advocates for the federalization of the region. Amid all this diversity of beliefs, it seems that the people do not hear each other and are convinced that they are standing for the right cause.
13:00 "People's Assembly"
At this time, a crowd of 5,000 people on Lenin Square had already enthusiastically welcomed the newly elected "governor" — a man named Pavel Gubarev, who introduced himself as the head of the Donbass People's Militia. In addition to the "people's elections," a scuffle had already occurred involving members of the Party of Regions. The regionalists quickly retreated after the clash, leaving the square to be immersed in ideas of federalism.
Behind the monument to the leader of the revolution, journalists gathered. When they were under the stage where the speakers were addressing the crowd, the protesters called them "corrupt media, who have unleashed a war among Ukrainians," and showered them with small change (symbolizing the 30 pieces of silver). With the words "Screw it!" the reporters quickly removed their bright yellow vests, which had been given to them by the police a month earlier in an attempt to ensure the safety of journalists during mass events. The security measure had proven to be too provocative.
Meanwhile, the "people's governor" Pavel Gubarev gives the signal to march toward the Donetsk Regional State Administration building. The square slowly spills over onto the roadway. The Russian tricolor leads the way, followed by thousands of people. "Russia! Russia!" echoes continuously through the air. Within seconds, a traffic jam forms on Artem Street. Cars honk, passersby are surprised, taking photos of the Russian idea parade with their phones, some clap their hands, and others join the march. The huge pro-Russian procession flows into the rally on October Square.
14:00 Gifts and Surprises from the People's Militia
Those who had come from Lenin Square were already greeted with a "gift" – the Russian flag flying on the flagpole in place of the Ukrainian one. The officials left after their rally and retreated into the regional administration building, where they remained inside. The protesters had approached the doors so closely that the entrances had to be reinforced by the special forces unit "Griffon," Cossack squads, and police officers. What else can be said, the official part of the event had come to an end.
Russian flags are now freely waving in the crowd, while Ukrainian flags have mysteriously disappeared. "Donetsk is a Russian city!" "The police are with the people!" the crowd chants. Here, among the people, Pavel Gubarev continues the people's assembly, which had started spontaneously on Lenin Square. Amidst the approving shouts, he reads the "people's ultimatum," invites his comrades to speak, and generally takes charge of the rally. At the same time, the gathering is shrinking before their eyes: from 10,000 people, half have left to take care of their personal matters within just an hour.
The journalists were promised a press conference from the "people's governor," but Pavel did not specify a clear time or location. As a result, the correspondents were taken further away from the rally and left alone. This move was clearly intended to divert attention, keeping the photo and TV cameras away from the main event. Less than 20 minutes later, the protesters pushed past the cordon and tried to break into the Regional State Administration building. However, they were stopped by metal fences installed between the two entrance doors.
15:00 Unexpected Session
The City Council urgently announces an extraordinary session, which will begin in an hour. An hour of waiting in dimly lit corridors, and by five o'clock, a quorum is finally gathered (49 deputies). In a cramped office, the deputies quickly skim through the hastily drafted text of the council's decision. It listed all the hopes of the people of Donetsk: support for their initiatives, including holding a referendum on the fate of Donbass, declaring Russian as the official language in the region, naming Russia as a strategic partner of Donbass, and introducing a moratorium on price increases. The mayor quickly reads it aloud, a few minutes of insignificant debates follow, and then 49 hands rise in favor.
Indeed, the Donetsk City Council had never experienced such a short session: it lasted just over five minutes. "Now we need to quickly go and read this address to the protesters!" declared the city's mayor, Alexander Lukyanchenko, and headed towards the parking lot. Behind him, a nervous group of deputies followed, with the media rushing to catch up.
17:00 It's Our Head!
Along Shevchenko Boulevard, from the regional administration building, a group of a dozen brave young men with St. George ribbons on their sleeves runs to meet the mayor. Are they going to beat the mayor?! No, it turned out they were there to protect him. The initiative of these voluntary order guards seemed strange. Where was the police at that moment, and why were unknown young men creating a path through the crowd for the mayor, instead of people in uniform? It was unclear. The police, in fact, preferred not to leave the threshold of the regional administration that day.
In any case, the young men quickly cleared the way for the mayor through the crowd, but only up to the microphone. After that, the top of the mayor’s head was almost lost from view, as the crowd had surrounded him so tightly. This was a true "walk among the people!" The mayor demonstrated steel nerves and confidence as he "dived" into this rallying mass of emotions and ultimatums. With a voice cracking, either from excitement or cold, Alexander Lukyanchenko shouted the text of the address, causing the crowd to roar in approval with each statement.
In any case, the young men quickly cleared the way for the mayor through the crowd, but only up to the microphone. After that, the top of the mayor’s head was almost lost from view, as the crowd had surrounded him so tightly. This was a true "walk among the people!" The mayor demonstrated steel nerves and confidence as he "dived" into this rallying mass of emotions and ultimatums. With a voice cracking, either from excitement or cold, Alexander Lukyanchenko shouted the text of the address, causing the crowd to roar in approval with each statement.
Realizing that the city authorities supported the people, the crowd pressed even closer to the mayor. The mayor couldn’t escape the midst of the events — he was literally carried by the crowd. Deputies, officials, suddenly arriving police, and the enthusiastic "guards" surrounded Lukyanchenko in a ring, shielding him from the mass's pressure. Among the crowd, ordinary participants of the rally and the press were struggling to stay in the scene. "Guys, this is our head, don’t do it!" a voice cried out amidst the confusion. "Lukyanchenko! Well done!" his supporters began chanting. The mayor's car drove off to applause.
18:00 To Be Continued
After the mayor’s departure, the atmosphere on the square quickly slowed down. It was as if everyone collectively exhaled and suddenly realized that it was already almost dark, that fatigue had set in, and that their heads were heavy from the emotions accumulated throughout the day. The number of protesters had decreased by almost half, and the chants were growing less frequent. It seemed that just a little more, and everyone would begin to disperse.
However, several unknown individuals manage to sneak into the building of the regional administration and replace the Ukrainian flag on the roof with a Russian one. Following the instructions of the "people's governor" Pavel Gubarev, they begin setting up a tent camp and bring a barrel for a bonfire.
It is expected that this weak imitation of the Maidan will last only one day, as Donetsk residents have to work on Monday. Even Yanukovych knows that the Donbass protests only happen on weekends. But this rally will be an exception, and on the first working day, the people's militia will decide to follow the Crimean scenario...
The article is based on the personal archives of the author.
