After the offensive of the Ukrainian Defence Forces, the sentiments of pro-russian residents living in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions changed dramatically. They are dissatisfied with the conduct of the so-called "special operation" and the actions of the russian government. There is a prevailing opinion that russia surrenders the interests of the "republics." These sentiments strengthened after it became clear that russian passports issued in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions do not have legal force in russia. At least those who tried to leave “LPR/DPR” with such a passport are being explained at the russian border that “you are nobody and your name means nothing”.

In addition, information is spreading among the personnel of the russia’s 14th separate special forces brigade (military unit no. 74854) that one of the stages of the "special military operation" should be completed by December 1, 2022. After that, russia allegedly plans to withdraw regular units of its army from part of the temporarily captured territories of Ukraine. Apparently, these territories will be transferred to the control of the so-called "volunteer battalions," like the 1st (Donetsk) and 2nd (Luhansk) army corps.