Rebels in Ukraine revive Soviet-era nationalism

Young members of patriotic clubs march in Donetsk on May 11, 2016. Youth movements are only one example among many of this infatuation with the Soviet past. They have drawn inspiration straight from the Soviet era “Pioneer” movement, a kind of Communist Scouts that most children would join at age 10. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • They are members of Patriot, a youth club set up by separatist authorities in the self-proclaimed republic who are increasingly glorifying the Soviet past.
  • More than 9,300 civilians and fighters from both sides have perished since the revolt broke out in April 2014.

DONETSK

In camouflage uniforms and red caps, a group of young people gather in the Ukrainian rebels’ de facto capital of Donetsk to sing patriotic songs and talk about the conflict.

They are members of Patriot, a youth club set up by separatist authorities in the self-proclaimed republic who are increasingly glorifying the Soviet past.

The rebels — who view the government in Kiev as right-wing nationalist “fascists” — hope to instill loyalty in the young people as they liken their battle to the Red Army’s World War II fight against the Nazis.

They have drawn inspiration straight from the Soviet era “Pioneer” movement, a kind of Communist Scouts that most children would join at age 10.

Around the campfire, the Pioneers in their distinctive red kerchiefs and caps were taught to revere Lenin, just as the Patriots, with their red caps, sing the pro-Moscow rebels’ praises.

“No one will bring us to our knees, Donetsk guys are made of steel,” spits out 23-year-old Alexander in a “patriotic rap” song he wrote and performed for the group.

They meet monthly at Donetsk’s World War II museum, which is decked out with Soviet flags and military banners, as portraits of Stalin have started cropping up in the city centre.

Only 55 school children and college students have joined the movement since it started just over a year ago, but the organisation has big plans.

“Our goal is to bring up patriots, to develop the new Donetsk People’s Republic as a state,” said its chief Lyudmila Mikhaleva.

Yelizaveta Kozlovskaya, 18, enrolled after her parents dissuaded her from volunteering to fight Ukrainian forces.

“But if someone attacks my family with machine guns, then I will fight back. I will defend my home,” says the round-faced college student.

More than 9,300 civilians and fighters from both sides have perished since the revolt broke out in April 2014.

About 1.8 million people, including 230,000 minors, have fled the tension, according to UN figures.

Kozlovskaya’s parents and brother moved to Russia, which is accused by Kiev and the West of buttressing the rebels and sending regular troops across the border — claims that Moscow denies.

But Kozlovskaya insisted on staying behind with her grandmother.

“The young people are leaving Donetsk. They say this isn’t their war and they don’t want to die. But it is my city. Why shouldn’t I defend it?” she says.

Membership is on a voluntary basis and the Patriots offer no weapons training.