The Foreign Minister of the Donetsk People's Republic, Natalya Nikonorova, said the situation in the republic is "tense at the moment," but "it is not escalating any further".

"Ukrainian forces are bringing more vehicles, personnel, equipment, and fuel, which could indicate the preparation of some provocative act," Nikonorova said in an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen.

"A few days ago, our explosives experts dismantled a huge number of explosive devices planted in 17 administrative and economic buildings, which forced us to evacuate more than 3,000 employees and workers from these facilities," Nikonorova said, noting that "we hope to find a diplomatic political solution to the current crisis."

She added, "It is clear that the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is influenced by the geopolitical volatility resulting from the confrontation between Russia and the West, and he fears that he will eventually lose, not to mention that the current situation negatively affects the Ukrainian economy."

Nikonorova explained that Zelensky "seeks to minimize the negative consequences for Ukraine resulting from the war hysteria that has emerged in the western narrative. This is why he is trying to ease tensions," noting that to him, "the land, Donbas, is the priority, while the lives, destiny, and future of the people mean nothing."

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The Minister mentioned that her country has been in conflict with Ukraine for more than seven years, and "we are used to expecting anything possible from the Ukrainian side. We must expect any provocations and hostilities at any time."

Russia's support is felt at all times

As for the relationship with Russia, the Minister said, "We always feel the support that Russia provides us. All these years, the Kamaz trucks have not stopped delivering humanitarian aid, such as medicines and food."

"Russia has also provided our citizens with facilities to obtain Russian citizenship. Recently, the Russian President signed a decree on facilitating import and export procedures between us," she added.

With regard to the supply of Russian weapons to Donetsk, she explained that "so far, no official decision has been taken," adding that "if Russia takes such a decision, we will be grateful."

Regarding the Minsk process, she noted that her country is making "every effort to make this process successful, because there is no alternative to this process at the moment, and the only alternative is war and hostilities, while we never want that option."

"We are counting on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, to bring lasting peace to our land," she added.

Nikonorova added that regarding recognizing them, "it is not that easy, and we are constantly discussing it with Russia," adding that "Kyiv has pledged to guarantee us our full rights within the Ukrainian state, but it is not willing to adopt these commitments legally and under the constitution."