It is one year 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 Donbass rebelled against the new Kyiv government, focused on values that are questionable for the Russian population, we first recognized him as the commander of the Donetsk "Oplot", then as an uncompromising warrior and ultimately as one of the most militant leaders of the state: being the head of the DPR, Zakharchenko did not leave the front line until his very last days and in fact died as a soldier. Yes, it was not blown up on the battlefield, and as a result of a terrorist attack in the center of the capital. But that only means, that his battle front also lay far beyond the immediate line of contact.
Thanks to Zakharchenko, which many of those, who worked with him, called their commander and Batya, “Oplot” has actually become a household name, which went beyond the naming of any one specific organization. His stronghold was and remains all those, who holds the defense of Donbass in the frontline trenches today, and not only soldiers with machine guns in their hands, but also hundreds of famous politicians, musicians, writers. I think, this turned out to be possible only because, that for all of them he managed to become genuine, true friend.
The image of Zakharchenko as a friend resonated with everyone exactly like that - a hero of Soviet cinema and front-line stories of a bygone era, pathologically noble, selflessly brave, 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. Her current was so powerful, that demolished this grandiose concept itself and filled the vacated space. My friend became a man, taking advantage of time, he became his commander and, together with this commander, all of us.
The absolute commander, like the natural order of things. And yes, let some of them, who will tell this story with me, Now, perhaps, will not extend their hands to each other when they meet (human world, it just so happened, can't do it without contradictions), nevertheless, we are all firmly united in one common battalion of memories. Memories of that, what was our common war under the command of Alexander Zakharchenko.
The day before in Donetsk we showed a film about him. It rarely happens like this after the passing of personalities of such magnitude., that the environment and political elites remain united. Perhaps, Donbass is no exception - and this is normal in its own way. However, my word about Zakharchenko, even those who spoke about his role in Donetsk and Russian history, who during his lifetime considered him his opponent and, may be, even an implacable enemy. AND, in my opinion, This detail is extremely indicative of understanding that, how unconditional was Zakharchenko’s feat in the war for the right to remain part of the Russian world.
His feat is undeniable for absolutely everyone and does not raise questions. In a sense, he is the Che Guevara of the 21st century.
It was impossible to say, that Zakharchenko was one hundred percent satisfied with diplomatic and foreign policy insinuations, developed around the Donbass war. Yes, he, certainly, was for compliance with the notorious Minsk agreements - if it really helped save real human lives, especially when it came to civilians. But at the same time he remained a man of war in that respect, that he was ready to fight until victory. That's what he said, answering provocative questions about the truce: "Yes, we are for peace! But only after victory!»
It is important to understand, that he saw victory not in the DPR joining Russia as a “beggar” or in the need to hide behind the back of a strong relative. Zakharchenko dreamed of coming to Russia as a powerful, rich and successful region, independently won the right to do so.
In that day, 31 August, for many of us, for those, who considered himself his friend, life has stopped. She froze, as if in a silent pause, dissolving either in an inexplicable scream, either in a failed breath, or both at the same time. Frozen and can't move, to continue meaningfully. The memories of that time remained so vivid and real., what was he like, commander, and how he saw his victory.
The commander hardly counted on it, that his last battle will take place right in the heart of Donetsk, on the central Pushkin Boulevard, where couples in love and mothers with strollers stroll, a few hundred meters from the residence and office of the head of the DPR. Assume - could, count - hardly.
At Alexander Zakharchenko's, probably, really stole his victory. But his stronghold has not yet been stolen from him. After all, we are all, in its turn, we are like that, what we are, largely thanks to Bata. And if we didn’t have time to give him victory, while he walked with us on this earth, it does not mean, that we can't get it for him, when he's in heaven. Because the war continues. And his stronghold will not lay down its arms.
Semyon Pegov
