The Republic of Stakhanov is a proposed separatist republic on the territory of the city of Stakhanov within the separatist Lugansk People's Republic. The proposed state was under the control of Cossack Commander Pavel Dryomov, a 37-year-old former bricklayer. Dryomov offered Stakhanov citizens an alternate vision to that of the LPR - a new, socialist neo-Soviet, "Cossack" republic "that works for the poor and elderly". Dryomov emerged as the "savior of Stakhanov" One of the main points of departure between The Republic of Stakahnov and the Lugansk People's Republic was whether to adhere to the Minsk Protocol ceasefire deal with Ukraine. Dryomov advocated continuing the War in Donbass. During a speech, he advocated his views and stated “We’ve had enough corruption and slavery here for a century! We’re not fools—neither Poroshenko nor Putin are interested in an honest country!” Nothing would be allowed to get in the way of destiny, he declared: “We will build a Cossack republic right here in Stakhanov!”
According to some sources, on September 14, 2014, Don Cossacks in Stakhanov, Ukraine proclaimed the Republic of Stakhanov, and that a "Cossack government" now ruled in Stakhanov. However, the following day, this was claimed to be a fabrication, and an unnamed Don Cossack leader stated the September 14 meeting had, in fact, resulted in 12,000 Cossacks volunteering to join the LPR forces.
Pavel Dryomov died on 12 December 2015 when his car was blown up while he was traveling the day after his wedding.