Transition of Power in the Lugansk People's Republic

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

On Friday, President of the Lugansk People's Republic Igor Plotnitsky resigned, citing health reasons.

Head of LPR's State Security Ministry Leonid Pasechnik replaced him as temporary leader, saying:

"In accordance with his decision, I will assume the duties of the head of the Republic until the forthcoming elections," adding:

"…I will do everything that is in my power for the benefit of the inhabitants of Lugansk."

LPR Foreign Minister Vladislav Deinego will represent the republic in future Minsk talks. Pasechnik said he's committed to pursue union with Russia - what Moscow should have agreed to earlier, along with the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), both regions rejecting fascist rule by Kiev.

According to DPR chairman Denis Pushilin, Plotnitsky's resignation will have no impact on implementing Minsk - observed by the new republics, consistently breached by illegitimate US-installed Kiev putschists.

On Friday, LPR's State Security Ministry issued a statement, saying:

"As a result of joint counter-intelligence and anti-sabotage operations with the Ministry of State Security of the Lugansk People's Republic, key members of a criminal group operating under the control of the third special forces regiment of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, have been arrested." 

A Kiev plot, likely orchestrated in Washington, to destabilize and usurp control over LPR was foiled.

According to LPR's Interior Minister Igor Korney, Kiev's plot was discovered and prevented - DPR security forces aiding the sister republic avoid what might have happened.

Kornet arrested LPR prosecutor general Vitaly Podobry and military prosecutor Sergey Razno, both officials accused of working for Ukrainian intelligence.

Reportedly, Plotnisky left LPR for bordering Russia. According to the Russian broadsheet Novaya Gazeta, he left the republic with his administration head Irina Teytsman, its state television and radio company head, Anastasia Shurkaeva, and others.

Were they complicit with a Kiev coup attempt or negligent in not foiling it? LPR is more secure with others replacing them.

Commenting on events in Lugansk, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is committed to the Minsk agreement, stressing there's no alternative.

"The arrival of Plotnitsky in Moscow is not a matter for the presidential administration."

On Saturday, LPR MPs unanimously approved Leonid Pasechnik as acting leader, 38 parliamentarians supporting him.

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