Alexander Zakharchenko

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Biography
 * Since 2010, he headed the Donetsk branch of the Kharkiv public organization Oplot (founder, Evgeny Zhilin), later - the volunteer battalion formed on its basis (until July 7, 2014).
 * After the referendum on the independence of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) on May 11, 2014 Zakharchenko was appointed military commandant of Donetsk. He held this post from May 16 to July 6, 2014, later he worked as deputy minister of internal affairs of the republic.
 * August 8, 2014 approved by the Supreme Council of the People's Democratic Republic to the post of chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic, replaced in this post Alexander Boroday. November 2, 2014 Zakharchenko was elected head of the proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (77,51% of the vote).


 * Assassination
 * 2 people (Zakharchenko and a body guard) were killed, 12 wounded, 5 of those hospitalized
 * 'Details of the laying of the bomb that killed Zakharchenko' -Rusvesna, 1 September, 2018
 * By preliminary information, explosives were installed in one of lighting devices. 'Separ' restaurant was owned by Zakharchenko's chief of security detail, apparently was frequently visited by Zakharchenko, and was guarded
 * V Gritsak denied SBU role.


 * Funeral
 * Донбасс прощается с Захарченко (Donbass says goodbye to Zakharchenko), photos, video stream - Rusvesna, 2 September, 2018
 * Noted, 'Tashkent' wounded in the attack is one of (many) attending. Flow of ordinary people passing by, lots of flowers, signs of cross
 * Похороны Захарченко (Zakharchenko funeral), photos -Cassad, 2 September, 2018


 * Investigation
 * Adviser to Zakharchenko told who organized the assassination of the Head of the People's Democratic Republic -Rusvesna, 1 September, 2018
 * Adviser blamed Ukrainian special operation forces, tells that there are suspects cooperating with the investigation


 * Reactions
 * Lavrov said that it is not yet possible to talk about a meeting in the Normandy format -RIA, 1 September, 2018
 * yet not saying anything --Resup (talk) 20:09, 1 September 2018 (UTC)
 * Theater from Poroshenko, thinking 'every day' how to 'bring Ukrainian flag, Ukrainian coat of arms, Ukrainian control' to the 'occupied Donbass', and Crimea (video appeal, report, aired on Poroshenko-owned Channel 5, 1 September, 2018).
 * ДНР после убийства Захарченко: В чьих руках судьба Донбасса? (DPR after Zakharcheko assassination: in whose hands is the fate of Donbass?), interview with Igor Strelkov, НСН - Национальная Служба Новостей ('National News Service'), youtube, 12 September, 2018
 * (Blames either long-running operation by Ukraine or criminal elements in DPR; not Moscow).

He was a local, and one of those who started the movement advocating self determination for Donbass, with strong ties to Russia. He was not a perfect man, and was criticized for his shortcomings. But he was not a coward, he did not stand behind the backs, and he did what he could. He had charisma, despite not being perfect. After his assassination, probably his shortcomings will be of less relevance, and he will be seen as an important statesman and a historic figure.
 * Opinions

It was always feared that Ukraine (as it is now) will attack when Russia is in the weakest/most vulnerable position; this seems to be an illustration. Otherwise, there will be no military or political consequences of this assassination. --Resup (talk) 09:14, 1 September 2018 (UTC)


 * New DPR head
 * Song 'too late', lyrics and music by new acting DPR head Dmitry Trapeznikov, 23 Feb 'Red Army day', 2016.
 * Trapeznikov and Pushilin press conference, 31 Aug. 2018
 * Trapeznikov was soon replaced by Pushilin, and elections scheduled in November.


 * Sources
 * Источник: Путин прислал в Донецк российских специалистов для поиска убийц Александра Захарченко -Rosbalt.ru, 1 September, 2018
 * unconfirmed, source not provided.
 * matching quote? (in the end, here)
 * Specialists of the FSB are working in the DPR to investigate the murder of Zakharchenko - TASS, 3 September, 2018
 * Прощание с непредсказуемыми последствиями -Kommersant.ru, 3 September, 2018
 * (includes comment by Strelkov)