The rebels are busy fighting against each other, especially in the LNR. The regime of Igor Plotnitsky (who is supported by Putin) is silently exterminating the free Cossacks, who helped him to defeat the Ukrainians a year ago. A large number of their leaders have been assassinated by Plotnitsky's men, including Aleksey Mozgovoy, Yevgeny Ischenko and Alexander Bednov (Batman).
To a degree DNR seems to be better organised and viable as a state. It's quite natural that it's DNR that is claiming legacy to the Donetsk-Krivorozhje People's Republic of 1918.
The land of Don Basin (Donbass) has not entirely healed after WWII and is already being scarred by Nazis again. A reminder of WWII was unearthed these days. Russia is building a railway bypass so as not to cross Ukrainian territory. Along the route, 7 undetonated German bombs weighing between 50kg and 100kg were founded and destroyed.
Newest Defection: High-ranking Ukrainian Officer Says Ukraine Army Used Banned Mines in E.Ukraine
https://futuristrendcast.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/newest-defection-high-ranking-ukrainian-officer-says-ukraine-army-used-banned-mines-in-e-ukraine/
I previously wrote about high-profile defections from Ukraine. This is the latest. This high-ranking officer of the National Guard says he was given unlawful orders to install internationally banned land mines in E. Ukraine. When he refused and blew the whistle, he was fired and had to flee the country.
This new revelation is likely to open a floodgate of investigations into the inhumane and illegal practices of the Kiev junta in E. Ukraine. And this is just the beginning!
The newest revelations will do a lot to withdraw the EU support for the Kiev junta. After EU support is gone, it will be harder and harder for the US to justify theirs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7pqrnaNOIk