Russia Puts It's Man In Charge Of Rebel Forces In Eastern Ukraine

Vladimir Antyufeyev, deputy prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, listens during an interview with a Reuters journalist in Donetsk July 25, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

Pushing Locals Aside, Russians Take Top Rebel Posts In East Ukraine -- Reuters

(Reuters) - As Ukrainian troops gained ground in eastern Ukraine in early July, separatist leader, Aleksander Borodai, a Russian national, left for Moscow for political consultations.

After what he described as successful talks with unnamed people there, he returned to the rebel stronghold of Donetsk to introduce a new senior figure in his self-proclaimed republic, a compatriot seasoned in the pro-Russian separatist movement in Moldova and a war between Russia and Georgia.

Vladimir Antyufeyev was named "deputy prime minister" by Borodai on July 10, one of several native Russians to have taken charge of the separatist rebellion in Ukraine's eastern regions.

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My Comment: The locals are fighting the war .... but Moscow wants to manage the political aspects of this conflict. The appointment of Vladimir Antyufeyev is a sign that Moscow wants it's man in charge if (and when) the political discussions between Kiev and the separatists forces begin. Everyone recognizes that in order for this conflict to end .... a political resolution and agreement will need to be reached. If not .... partisan and guerrilla warfare will a fact for life in this part of Ukraine for years .... a condition that no one really wants. But in the event that there is no political solution to the conflict .... Vladimir Antyufeyev is also the man who knows how to cause havoc and mayhem for Ukraine federalist forces in this part of the country .... a fact that both Moldova and Georgia can bitterly attest to.