Self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Leader Alexander Zakharchenko proposed on Tuesday a three-year transition period toward a new state called Malorossiya ("Little Russia") as a way to settle the three-year conflict.
"We propose to establish the state of Malorossiya. Malorossiya is an independent young state. A transition period of up to 3 years," Zakharchenko told reporters.
Noting that discussions within the DPR had "come to the conclusion that Ukraine has shown itself as a failed state," he called on the international community to support his proposal.
"We should be supported by the residents of the regions. This solution is possible provided that the international community supports the idea," Zakharchenko said.
Malorossiya has been declared as a sovereign federated state with the capital of Donetsk and successor state to Ukraine. The new state's constitution will be approved after a referendum and broad discussion.