One year has passed since the death of the Hero of the DPR and the legendary soldier of the “Russian spring” Alexander Zakharchenko. Five years ago, in 2014, when the Donbass rebelled against the new Kiev government, focused on values that were dubious for the Russian population, we first recognized him as the commander of the Donetsk Stronghold, then as an uncompromising warrior and, in the end, as one of the most militant leaders state: as the head of the DPR, Zakharchenko until the very last days did not leave the front line and in fact died as a soldier. Yes, it was blown up not on the battlefield, but as a result of a terrorist attack in the center of the capital. But this only means that his front of the struggle lay, including far beyond the borders of the direct line of contact.
Thanks to Zakharchenko, whom many of those who worked with him called their commander and Batey, “Oplot” actually became a household name that went beyond the name of any one particular organization. His stronghold was and remains all those who today hold the defense of Donbass in front-line trenches, and not only soldiers with machine guns in their hands, but also hundreds of eminent politicians, musicians, and writers. I think this was possible only because for all of them he managed to become a genuine, real friend.
The image of Zakharchenko as a friend in all responded exactly like that - a hero of Soviet cinema and front-line stories of a bygone era, pathologically noble, selflessly bold, devoted to himself, dear and glowing with some special human light. Rare, almost comparable to a miracle.
His personal story seemed to not even unfold in time. Its course was so powerful that it took down the very grandiose concept and filled the vacant place. My friend became a man who took time under the visor, he became his commander, and together with this commander of us all.
Unconditional commander, as a natural order of things. And yes, let some of those who will tell this story with me now may not extend their hands to each other at a meeting (the human world, as it has happened, cannot do without contradictions), nevertheless, we are all firmly united in one common battalion of memories. Memories of what our general war was under the command of Alexander Zakharchenko.
The day before in Donetsk, we showed a film about him. After the departure of individuals of such a scale, it rarely happens that the environment and political elites maintain unity. Perhaps Donbass is no exception - and this is normal in its own way. However, even those who, during their lifetime, considered him their opponent and, perhaps, even an implacable enemy, said their word about Zakharchenko, about his role in Donetsk and Russian history. And, in my opinion, this detail is extremely indicative of understanding how unconditional the feat of Zakharchenko in the war for the right to remain part of the Russian world was.
His feat is beyond doubt for everyone and does not cause questions. In a sense, he is Che Guevara of the 21st century.
It could not be said that Zakharchenko was organized for one hundred percent by diplomatic and foreign policy insinuations, deployed around the Donbass war. Yes, he, of course, was in favor of observing the notorious Minsk agreements - if it really helped to save real human lives, especially when it came to civilians. But at the same time he remained a man of war in the sense that he was ready to fight until victory. He said so, answering provocative questions about the armistice: “Yes, we are for peace! But only after a victory! ”
It is important to understand that he saw the victory not in the entry of the DPR into Russia as a "beggar" or in the need to hide behind a strong relative. Zakharchenko dreamed of coming to Russia as a powerful, rich and successful region, having independently won the right to do so.
On that day, August 31, for many of us, for those who considered ourselves his friend, life stopped. She froze, as if in a silent pause, dissolving either in an inexplicable scream, or in a failed breath, or in both at the same time. She froze and cannot move in any way to continue meaningfully. So vivid and true were the memories of how he was, the commander, and how he saw his victory.
The commander hardly expected his last battle to unfold right in the heart of Donetsk, on Pushkin’s central boulevard, where couples and mothers in love with strollers are walking, a few hundred meters from the residence and office of the head of the DPR. Assuming - could, counting - is unlikely.
Alexander Zakharchenko, probably, was really stolen by his victory. But his stronghold has not yet been stolen from him. After all, we, in turn, are what we are, largely thanks to Bate. And if we did not manage to give him victory while he walked with us on this earth, this does not mean that we cannot get it for him when he is in heaven. After all, the war continues. And his stronghold will not lay down its arms.
The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.