East Ukraine rebel cadets pledge allegiance to new 'country' The separatist leader of the Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine calls on military cadets to become the backbone of the 'army' in the new 'country', as he attempts to lay the groundwork for a fully functioning independent republic. An oath swearing ceremony at the Donetsk Lyceum with advanced military and physical training' saw 166 teenagers pledge allegiance to the breakaway DPR. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES