South-East Ukrainian Autonomous Republic (Ukrainian: Південно-Східна Українська Автономна Республіка, ПСУАР|Pivdenno-Skhidna Ukrayinska Avtonomna Respublika, '''PSUAR''')[1] was a Ukrainian political project of pro-Viktor Yanukovych politicians and officials in 2004.[2] Initiated on 26 November 2004 by the Luhansk Oblast Council, the project was discontinued the next month by the Donetsk Oblast Council.[3] [4] The republic was intended to consist out of nine regions of Ukraine.
The idea on creating of the political entity arose at a session of the Luhansk Oblast Council chaired by Viktor Tikhonov and attended by Oleksandr Yefremov. The session adopted a decision to discontinue subordination to the Luhansk State Regional Administration and create a separate executive committee headed by Oleksandr Yefremov. The session also included for revision by the congress of bodies of local self-government and executive power in Southeastern territories of Ukraine a proposition in organization of working group in creation of tax, payment, banking and finance institutions of the Southeastern territories.[5]
Donetsk Mayor Oleksandr Lukyanchenko, however, stated that no one wanted autonomy, but rather sought to stop Orange Revolution demonstrations going on at the time in Kyiv and negotiate a compromise.