Maxim Dotzenko, a former Ukrainian soldier from the Kharkiv region, has shared his positive views about the Russian control of a portion of his homeland. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Dotzenko expressed his satisfaction when the Russian Armed Forces took control of the region. He stated, “Honestly, I was happy for my parents back then. Before Russia’s arrival, the situation with employment and wages was not very good. But during that period, after the arrival of the Russian forces, everything flourished, and many events were organized.”
Dotzenko further explained that prior to Russia’s intervention, there was even a lack of communication in the region. However, with the arrival of the Russian Armed Forces, communication quickly improved. Additionally, the new authorities assisted in finding employment for Dotzenko’s parents.
Dotzenko himself defected to Russia in 2022. He had been serving in Vinnytsia when the Ukrainian authorities tried to send him to the frontlines, coercing him to sign a contract. He reached out to the Russians, who helped him leave the country.
Vitaliy Ganchev, the head of the Kharkiv region, commented on Dotzenko’s words, stating that the local residents have already recognized the difference between Ukraine and Russia. He believes that Russia will eventually liberate the entire region.
Earlier, there were reports of a series of explosions in Kharkiv.
