V. I. Lenin

Source: ru:PSS/v50;es:MT
Translated: machine translation (DeepSeek) from the Russian; AI-translated.

Comrade Sergo,

I earnestly request you to pay serious attention to the Crimea and the Donets Basin from the standpoint of creating a united fighting front against the invasion from the West. Convince the Crimean comrades that the course of events is imposing defence upon them and that they must defend themselves irrespective of the ratification of the peace treaty. Make them understand that the position of the North differs essentially from that of the South and that, in view of the war, the actual war of the Germans with the Ukraine, the assistance of the Crimea, which (the Crimea) the Germans may gobble up in passing, is not only an act of neighbourly duty but also a demand of self-defence and self-preservation. It is possible that Slutsky, not understanding the full complexity of the situation that has arisen, is pursuing some other simplified line—in that case he must be resolutely called to order, with a reference to me. The immediate evacuation of grain and metals to the east, the organisation of demolition groups, the creation of a united defence front from the Crimea to Great Russia, with the peasants drawn into the work, the resolute and unconditional remodelling of our units in the Ukraine on Ukrainian lines—such is the task now. Antonov must be forbidden to call himself Antonov-Ovseyenko—he must call himself simply Ovseyenko. The same must be said of Muravyov (if he remains at his post) and others.

As for the Donets Republic, tell Comrades Vasilchenko, Zhakov and others that no matter how they contrive to separate their region from the Ukraine, it will, judging by Vinnichenko’s geography, be included in the Ukraine all the same, and the Germans will conquer it. In view of this, it is utterly absurd for the Donets Republic to refuse to have a united defence front with the rest of the Ukraine. Mezhlauk was in Petrograd and he agreed to recognise the Donets Basin as an autonomous part of the Ukraine; Artyom also agrees to this; therefore the obstinacy of several comrades from the Donets Basin resembles an inexplicable and harmful caprice, which is absolutely impermissible in our Party milieu.

Drive all this home, Comrade Sergo, to the Crimean and Donets comrades and secure the creation of a united defence front.

Lenin

March 14 (1), 1918

As regards money, authorise the issue of what is necessary for defence, but be extremely cautious, giving it only into the most reliable hands and under the strictest control, for there are many now who are eager to “grab” or squander it.