Oleg Shynkarenko

Some surprises in electoral results for country struggling with conflict and economic woes.
Limited range of voter choices in forthcoming parliamentary election.
Some manage to travel freely, while others run the gauntlet through checkpoints and crossfire.
Some believe their region is wealthy enough to support itself when the fighting stops.
Although deal may be close, suspicions linger about real aim of purported relief effort.
Unenthusiastic response to military call-up leaves paramilitaries playing important role.
Mix of local irregulars, volunteers and some troops may not be enough to secure the win Moscow wants.
Experts and intelligence service track complex arrangements that keep funds flowing to pro-Russian movement.