Moscow’s scripted aid, truth behind 'humanitarian help' in Donbas
Russian military in Donbas (Photo: Getty Images)
In the occupied part of Donbas, another PR campaign is underway, which the local authorities are presenting as an improvement of water supply, according to the National Resistance Center.
Under the guise of a humanitarian initiative, a large-scale scheme is unfolding in Donbas to appropriate Russian funds, where the real problems of residents are replaced with showy activity and propagandistic reports.
Illusion of care
According to the National Resistance Center, Moscow has allocated tens of millions of rubles for the restoration of water supply systems and the provision of water to cities.
Denis Pushilin is reporting the installation of plastic tanks, calling it a significant achievement. In just the past four days, 35 new tanks have appeared in Donetsk, bringing the total to over a thousand.
However, analysts note that behind these numbers lies not an improvement in conditions, but another method of cashing in the allocated funds.
Empty tanks and fake campaigns
Residents of Makiivka, Horlivka, and other cities spend hours at empty blue reservoirs, from which either no water flows or the water is unsafe for consumption.
Instead of real repairs to the utilities, the occupation authorities organize aid marathons and distribute plastic buckets, creating the appearance of support.
At the same time, Pushilin announced a month of volunteering, involving about two hundred people who deliver water to homes and upper floors.
Experts say these actions are an attempt to cover up large-scale embezzlement and report to Moscow on the completion of tasks.
Propaganda media are filming staged reports in which Pushilin showcases his care for the population and rewards volunteers.
In reality, water still does not reach homes, while the money ends up in the pockets of officials.
The Kremlin has launched a new program for resettling occupied Ukrainian territories, officially calling it returning residents home. In practice, however, the initiative is aimed at changing the demographic composition of the regions and consolidating Russia’s control over them under the guise of humanitarian policy.
Russian administrations continue to bring so-called teachers from Russia into the occupied territories of Ukraine. They are offered contracts with higher pay to replace local educators who refused to work under the imposed occupation programs and Russian education standards.
