Lugansk and the Autonomy Question

Summary

This CIA document describes the political situation in Lugansk during perestroika, marked by tensions between the conservative oblast soviet and a new democratic bloc. The city, with half a million inhabitants, is in a constant state of conflict, with a divided and distrustful public opinion. A survey reveals that only 1.4% trust the Communist Party, while other sectors also lack confidence. The struggle between the Rukh movement and the communist apparatus intensifies, with accusations of manipulation and ideological confrontation. Despite polarization, a growing sense of autonomy, even separation, emerges, reminiscent of a past Soviet republic.

The idea of territorial autonomy arises as a possible future for Lugansk, with historical references to the Donetsk-Krivoy Rog Soviet Republic of 1918. This movement not only seeks political but also economic and social independence. V. Cheker, a local representative, advocates for autonomy within the Soviet Union or, alternatively, within the RSFSR. Meanwhile, figures like Yu. Kozovskiy, from Rukh, express concerns about the Ukrainian identity of the region. The document reflects a region in transition, with strong internal tensions and a potential territorial fracture that could have broader implications for the Soviet Union.