Identity Factor in Terms of the Ukrainian Crisis (the Example of The Donbas Region)

Abstract

The conflict in Donbas, which is the reason of current Ukrainian crisis, caused the most serious challenge for the Ukrainian state for all the years of its modern history. In this respect, the study of typology and mechanisms of the conflict is not only at teoretical, but also anessential practical task, the solution of which, at least at an ex pert level, should help to identify possible ways out of it. This article is aimed to clarify the role of identity in the opposition of the internal Ukrainian subjects of the conflict in Donbas, namely, the Ukrainian side (Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and volunteer battalions) and so-called mili tias, i.e. local pro-Russian separatists.