Tag: Mariupol

Dmitry Tymchuk: Regarding “Akhmetov scenario” for Donbass

Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

The Metinvest Group of Mr. Rinat Akhmetov has called on Ukrainian authorities to stop the ATO–in particular, the operation in Mariupol. “We believe that Ukrainian servicemen, as well as other armed people, should immediately leave the city,” announced the Akhmetov group. Metinvest also stated that “to maintain order in Mariupol, the Metinvest Group, together with the municipal police, will create people’s squads from among the employees of the metallurgical works.”

This scenario can be called nothing but provocation. Here’s why:

First of all, Mr. Akhmetov, a businessman, has no legal rights to form a private army. It would be inaccurate to compare this with the activity of the governors of Ukrainian Regions. The latter have the right to participate in the formation of units of territorial defense, which are created under the law “On approval of the Presidential Decree,” “On partial mobilization,” and the Presidential Decree “On approval of the regulations on the territorial defense of Ukraine.” Thus, these territorial defense units are always included in the legitimate armed forces of Ukraine.

Metinvest, on the other hand, would create some undefined “people’s squads,” which have no legal status and will probably be subject to Mr. Akhmetov only. In this case, it’s unclear how Akhmetov’s “squads” are different from pro-Russian terrorist groups in Donbass in terms of the Act.

Second, the reasons by which Metinvest does not recognize the rights of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and other similar organizations to provide lawfulness and order in Donbass as a territory of the Ukrainian state, or explain why Akhmetov’s private army would have more rights to conduct such enforcement, are unclear.

Third, Metinvest advocates the withdrawal of “Ukrainian military and other armed individuals” from Mariupol. At the same time, it advocates for full control in the city by its “teams.” If these “teams” are armed, then it’s unclear where Metinvest obtained the weapons, and on what grounds it distributed them among civilians. If they are not armed, then the use of such “teams” against armed terrorists in the city is a provocation.

Fourth, the Metinvest statement about Akhmetov’s “teams” being formed “jointly with municipal police” is absolutely unclear. What type of “municipal police” are they talking about? The local Interior Ministry officials that pander to terrorists and are traitors? What right do they have to participate in the creation of armed formations not stipulated by Ukrainian legislation?

Overall, we’d like to state the following: the Metinvest announcement is absolutely incomprehensible and provocative. We observe that Mr. Akhmetov, just like some other Donbas oligarchs, is imposing his ideal scenario on Ukraine. Very important questions arise regarding this scenario, primarily of their adherence to the national interests of Ukraine.

Dmitry Tymchuk: One more update on the situation in Mariupol

Translated by Voices of Ukraine

We deliberately avoided commenting on the situation with [Ukrainian] troops withdrawal from Mariupol yesterday [May 10], since we thought that such explanations should have been provided either by representatives of the highest state leadership or by the special forces command. Yesterday, the National Guard commanders commented on the situation in general. We will try to expand on these statements for [better] understanding.

In the IR memo of May 10 we noted that special forces demonstrated rather significant expertise. But we should also draw your attention to the statement regarding Russian propaganda.

The bottom line is that in Mariupol (unlike in Sloviansk or in Kramatorsk) we saw how local residents, poisoned by propaganda, supported terrorists quite significantly by going into the streets to confront the mythical “Right Sector,” and by perceiving security forces as the enemy—messengers of the “illegitimate Banderite” government.

And, although the majority of these “peaceful protesters” were the local lumpens and marginals (which we saw on the video of events), the large-scale protests against Ukrainian security forces reached a critical level. In fact, the events in Mariupol approximated the format of the civil war that the Russian leadership is so eager to ignite in Ukraine.

In this situation, the security forces had two options. Either to accept the imposed scenario and drown the city in blood. Or retreat.

They chose the second option. Whether it was the right decision or not—decide for yourself.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB
Translation: Maidan Translations

Sergey Pashynsky: Antiterrorist Operation in the Eastern Ukraine is in the final stage

Source: Ukraine Crisis Media Center

Sergey Pashynsky, Acting Head of Presidential Administration of Ukraine, during a press briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center said that the anti-terrorist operation in the region of Krasny Liman – Kramatorsk – Slavyansk is in the active phase. During the operation bases of separatists – terrorists had been destroyed in response to attempts by terrorists to move into action the night before. Commenting on the situation in Mariupol city Mr. Pashynsky added: “In Mariupol situation is very tense, and we do everything in order to reduce the degree of conflict in society, and to find a compromise; in any case we are not going to kill civilians, we are fighting and will fight only with the terrorists.”

Sergey Pashynsky also commented on holding a pseudo-referendum on the territory of Luhansk and Donetsk regions: “In fact, no referendum is not carried out, is nothing more than an information campaign started by terrorists to conceal their crimes using the opinion of residents of Luhansk and Donetsk regions. There is no “referendum” at two-thirds of the regions in general, and in some major cities, which are under the control of terrorists, are mini demonstrations, which are fixed on the printer printed bulletins.”

The appeal of the National Guard of Ukraine

Appeal of the National Guard of Ukraine

Authorities of Ukrainian National Guard categorically deny slander about “soldiers participation in shootings at peaceful civilians on 9th of May” being spread via media. The goal of such cynical and faulty information is to discredit our troops, to diminish their role in the process of stabilization of criminogenic situation in Mariupol as well as to intentionally raise tensions among the city residents. We want to remind that soldiers of the National Guard risk their lives doing everything they can in order to stop the violence and to ensure peace in the streets of the city during the anti-terrorist operation. Once again we ask the people to assess actions of the soldiers reasonably and only spread the information coming from official sources, in order not to misjudge the events.

 

video_fragmentas_pistoletas_molotovo_kokteilis

This is the evidence, showing that the “peaceful residents” used guns and had Molotov cocktails.

Source: http://vv.gov.ua/news.php?nid=4760&lang=ua

Concerning the situation in East Ukraine on May 10th

dmitry_tymchukA report by “Info Resistance” group, concerning the situation in East Ukraine on May 10th.

Concerning the progress of ATO

Yesterday events in Mariupol revealed that actions of structure forces finally became adequate.
The heads of divisions of force structures participating in ATO demonstrate abilities to quickly react and give orders which correspond to the tactical situation.

Soldiers managed to cross the psychological barrier of using weapons, which used to arise in direct confrontations with the terrorists. (Taking into account the interests of force structures, we did not mention this problem previously, although, during ATO, it was one of the more serious ones.)

The effectiveness of the National Guard and the Internal army (especially its special-tasks squads) must be stressed. Today, it’s the only unit that does not raise any questions about its activities.

The effectiveness of volunteer units is also impressive (we mean the defence battalion “Dniepr” which was formed by volunteers from Dnepropetrovsk region and came to Mariupol on May 8th). High fighting spirit of volunteers was obvious. It also worth noting that the actions of their commanders were very professional, as they managed to quickly orientate and organize a coordination between units.

The weak link in the chain of defence against terorrists is still the law and order structures. There, the scale of sabotage and betrayal is global. This is one of the most pressing problems and for now there are no obvious solutions to it.

The situation on the border between Ukraine and Russia remains very tense. To effectively resist the entry of Russian sabotage groups and weapons to Ukrainian territory, Ukrainian border guard lacks additional human power, means and aid from other force structures. From this perspective, particularly bad situation is in the regions of Lugansk and Donetsk.

Concerning the capacities of terrorists

For at least two weeks, in terrorists units in the East, we observed mass replacement of soldiers from GRU special forces squads with mercenaries from Russia. First of all, its reserve soldiers, most of whom have served in special forces units and have experience of fighting (e.g. in Caucasus).

Recruitment of such quite professional mercenaries is carried out by the government of Russia in the whole country. According to our information, during the last three weeks, even in Khabarovsk, military recruitment centers recalled experienced reserve soldiers (who served in squads of special forces) and offered them good wages for coming to Ukraine and participating in terrorist activities. This is especially prominent in the Southern federal region of Russian Federation.

At the same time, weapons are conveyed from Russia to terrorist groups in Donbas, in a large scale.
It is also dangerous that in the background of destabilization, enterprises in Donbas are halting and unemployment is on the rise. Many local residents find the wage (100 USD per day) for participation in terrorist actions completely acceptable.

Effective Russian propaganda (exaggeration of the mythical danger of the Right Sector, spreading of stereotypes about Ukraine as a fascist country full of banderovtsy, stories about illegitimacy of the current Ukrainian government, dishonoring of Ukrainian force structures and ATO as if they were “blood-thirsty suppressors of the people’s revolt”, etc.) is also an important factor in the destabilization of situation in the region. The growth of effectivity of false Russian propaganda was observed after the tragic events of May 2nd in Odessa.

As has already been mentioned, the general analysis of the situation (first of all, in Donetsk) has shown that there still remain many questions concerning local police. Sadly, its members are often saboteurs and traitors living on the goods of the nation which they betray.

These “guardians of law and order” are a serious resource for extremist forces. Further service of these traitors in the Ministry of Internal Affairs is a grave danger for the national interests. In the case of their mass dismissal, we predict them joining terrorist groups where they will continue their anti-Ukrainian actions. The only difference being the money from Moscow.

Situation in Mariupol 17:30

17:30 Situation in Mariupol is now calm. Special forces squad “Azov” has retaken the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Previously terrorists had captured its ground and first floor. Afterwards it left the town. However, there are still armed and drunk terrorists in town. Insider report.

They have taken the dead and the wounded. At the same time firefighters finished putting out the fire in burning buildings.

According to a journalist, there is no governance in town. The mayor of Mariupol ran away after the first shot was fired and no one knows where he is. Militia is afraid to retake the buildings. Therefore, the situation may still get worse.

The center of Mariupol is in blood

From Euromaidanpr Facebook

The clashes between the Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian terrorists have been going on since today’s morning, May 09, 2014. The building of the local police administration has been burnt completely. The terrorists have kidnapped the head of Police of Mariupol, Valeriy Androshchuk.

Pro-Russian snipers killed the commander of Dnipropetrovsk brigade of territorial protection, Sergey Demydenko. When he was already killed, the terrorists cut his ears and put out his eyes.

The commander of the military unit of National Guard, Sergey Savynskiy was severely injured.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Internal Affiars, Arsen Avakov, reports that up to 20 terrorists were annihilated. Four terrorists were taken captive.

Chronicles of Slavyansk: May 2nd, 2014

By Dmitry Tymchuk, translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

9:30 PM EEST

A group of armed extremists has attacked, using small arms, the servicemen of the 95th Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the vicinity of the village of Andriyivka near Slavyansk, the Defense Ministry announced tonight.

“A violent combat confrontation is underway. At the present moment, two Ukrainian servicemen are confirmed dead,’ the Ministry noted.

Earlier, extremists attempted to prevent the execution of paratroopers’ assigned tasks by blocking the bridge.

At the same time, armed extremists used their usual tactics of terrorist formations–using local local residents, including women, to block [the pathway].

However, according to data reported to Ukrainian Pravda by an informed source, the Ukrainian military were surrounded by armed separatists; they have taken a defensive perimeter and are ‘ready to stand until the very end.’

Source: Pravda.com.ua

8:23 PM EEST

According to ‘InfoResist’ data from the field, in areas of Slavyansk controlled by mutineers, personal transport of locals is being hastily expropriated to stage a suspected break through out of besieged city.

Subversives received special instructions to avoid armed clashes while crossing the state border.

Pro-Russian terrorists in Donbass have been given a full opportunity to confront Ukrainian special forces themselves, without the active support of subversive and reconnaissance groups of the Russian Specnaz.

7:50 PM EEST

Temporary halt in activities by Ukrainian security forces was caused by negotiations with extremists regarding the release of OSCE representatives captured [in Slavyansk last Friday].

Special ops divisions engaged in the operation are fully prepared to continue operations.

5:15 PM EEST

The SBU has established the identity of ‘Abwehr’, whom I had mentioned this morning (he was supposed to take over command from ‘Strelok’).

According to information from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the subversive who went under the call-sign of Abwehr is a citizen of Russia (he also has a Ukrainian passport), Sergey Anatoliyevych Zdryliuk.

Born June 23, 1972 in Vinnytsia Region. Resided in Crimea for a long time. There he went through a special training course in a Russian camp, and on April 12, 2014, he came with Strelok to Donetsk Region to take part in subversive operations.

As a member of a group in charge of intelligence and subversion, he attacked SBU agents on April 13. During this attack, one SBU agent was killed and three were wounded.

5:05 PM EEST

On the possibility of Aksyonov‘s gangs arrival to Donbass from Crimea.

According to the ‘InfoResist’, both of the roads connecting Crimea with mainland Ukraine are currently under full control by the units of State Border Service of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the administrative border of the ARC [Autonomous Republic of Crimea].

Units of [Ukrainian] security forces in the area are in full combat readiness.

Ukrainian border control servicemen have taken measures to prevent the entry of armed individuals from Crimea to the mainland. According to our sources at the State Border Service, the infiltration of militant units from Crimea is out of the question.

Earlier, Putin’s puppet in Crimea by the name of [Sergey] Aksyonov declared about the possible arrival of militants from Crimea to provide ‘assistance’ to pro-Russian separatists in Slavyansk. Also, a video message by the so-called ‘Crimean militia’ was distributed, in which certain individuals in camouflage announced that ‘today, two battalions of Crimea militia were advancing to the southeastern Ukraine.’

1:33 PM EEST

Shortly after our explanation of reasons behind the Russian delegation’s ‘disappearance’ in Donetsk region, Mr. Lukin ‘resurfaced.’

Earlier, after our report about a human shield being organized for terrorists by self-proclaimed mayor Vyacheslav Ponomarev of Slavyansk , ‘mayor’ urgently delivered a video message, in which he called upon the Slavyansk residents to stay home.

We cannot help but to express our satisfaction with such prompt reaction by Russia. We recommend that they keep up the good work.

12:30 PM EEST

According to operational data from ‘InfoResist’, a charter flight with a Russian delegation headed by Vladimir Lukin, which left for Ukraine without issuing a notice to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, landed around 10:00 AM EEST in Donetsk airport.

Currently, as stated by Russian President’s Press secretary Dmitry Peskov, ‘the Russian side can’t yet establish communication with Lukin.’

According to our data, the ‘disappearance’ of Mr. Lukin Russian delegation is talking about is actually a provocation Kremlin planned in advance.

11:30 AM EEST

According to operational data from ‘InfoResist”, terrorists attempted to capture/seize the ‘Moscow-Mariupol’ passenger train.

In particular, an attempt was made to seize a train during its stop in Slavyansk (with train arrival in Slavyansk at 8:06 AM EEST).

Anti-terrorist units have thwarted the scenario of terrorists.

There are no casualties or wounded people.

According to operational data of the ‘InfoResist’, the self-proclaimed mayor of Slavyansk, Vyacheslav Ponomarev, personally organizes the use of civilians in the streets of Slavyansk to ‘protect’ the town from Ukrainian security forces.

The goal is to provide terrorists with a human shield that primarily consists of women and children.

Interestingly enough, our data shows that a few days ago Ponomarev himself arranged for his family to leave the Donbass area. Ukrainian law enforcement have information about their whereabouts.

11:00 AM EEST

According to operational data of the ‘InfoResist’, during the transfer of authority from the Russian subversive group commander ‘Arrow’ in Slavyansk to the Russian subversive ‘Abwehr’ located in Horlivka [Donetsk region], problems arose.

‘Abwehr’ refused to accept the command. This subversive is currently trying to leave the city of Horlivka.

Ukrainian troops are taking appropriate measures to arrest him.

10:50 AM EEST

According to operational data from ‘InfoResist’, currently 2 Mi-24 helicopters of Ukrainian special forces were shot down from MANPADS.

One Mi-8 helicopter was shot at from small arms, but managed to land.

Also, terrorists are actively using civilian population as a shield in Slavyansk.

10:45 AM EEST

According to field data from ‘InfoResist’, as we reported yesterday, a senior representative of Putin arrives in Ukraine–Vladimir Lukin, the former Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation until March 2014.

A number of Moscow representatives arrive to Donetsk on a charter flight with him.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry hasn’t been notified about the arrival of the delegation.

According to our data, the task of the delegation is to make loud accusatory statements over ‘gross violations of human rights’” by the Ukrainian authorities and security forces in eastern Ukraine.

Vladimir Lukin was the representative of Putin who arrived in Kiev on February 20, 2014 to participate in talks between Yanukovych and Maidan as a mediator from the Russian Federation. He became the sole representative of the parties who refused to sign an agreement between Yanukovych and opposition (in ‘non-compliance’ of which Moscow is presently blames the current Ukrainian authorities).

10:30 AM EEST

According to operational data from ‘InfoResist’, terrorists in Slavyansk are still prepared  to implement a provocation with possible loss of life, the planning of which we reported yesterday.

Its purpose is to simulate ‘atrocities’ by Ukrainian security forces. (We do not yet have any information regarding the ‘association’ of the alleged provocation representatives acting on behalf of the ‘Right Sector’ as planned yesterday).

Russian journalists are urgently gathered by terrorist leaders in an area, while they are still controlled by pro-Russian separatists.

Ukrainian troops still can not guarantee that they will thwart the provocation.

10:10 AM EEST

According to operational data from ‘InfoResist’, the commander of Russian diversives ‘Shooter’ with a group of subordinates intends to breakthrough from the Slavyansk.

Local separatists were notified that they should not particularly count on the Russian intervention.

Terrorist headquarters in Slavyansk is currently being disbanded – similar structure is organized in Horlivka. The command was transferred to a subversive with a callsign ‘Abwehr.’

10:00 AM EEST

According to operational data from ‘InfoResist’, special forces in Slavyansk closed the ‘ring’ around the main forces of terrorists.

There are reports that Russian subversives operating in the city and being the ‘core’ of the terrorist forces, intend to the fight off the encirclement on the border with Russia. Local separatists in this case will solve their own problems.

Ukrainian troops are taking measures to prevent the breakout.

8:00 AM EEST

According to ‘InfoResist’ data from the field, in areas of Slavyansk controlled by mutineers, personal transport of locals is being hastily expropriated to stage a suspected break through out of besieged city.

Also we have noticed signs of panic between petty criminals participating in terrorist activity in Slavyansk. These paid criminals it seems are not prepared to fight against Ukrainian military force for the ‘big ideas from Moscow’.

7:00 AM EEST

According to ‘InfoResist’ data, Ukrainian forces are controlling the majority of Slavyansk while continuing the active phase of anti-terrorist operation. At this moment, checkpoints of terrorists are pulled apart and the television center of the city is under control.

Terrorists are trying to escape. The main sources of resistance are located in the southeastern part of the city.

During the operation, a Mi-24 helicopter used by Ukrainian special forces, has been shot down by terrorists with two shots from MANPADS (the second helicopter that worked in pairs managed to safely retrieve).

Events of April 29th

dmitry_tymchukDmitry Tymchuk, translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Brothers and sisters,

Here’s the Summary for April 29, 2014.

First of all, please forgive me that I “fell out” of the information space–I am now constantly on the move. Once again, we are actively monitoring the situation in the regions, I think tomorrow we will give an IR group statement. The situation is simply breathtaking.

The bad news:

1. Luhansk and Pervomaisk are currently under the flags of pro-Russian extremists. Luhansk Oblast [region] threatens to completely repeat the fate of Donetsk. Kharkiv region is next in line.

If the Ukrainian government initially intended to give up the East, then they should gather all their will into a fist and say one word to Moscow–”take it away!” In the manner of the film character in “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession.”

If there is even a hint of desire to fight for the East, one should not hide that inclination. Show it by doing at least some action. Don’t be shy.

It is necessary to understand that if the vampires under the Russian flag hold their “referendums” (which Vladimir Putin will, of course, immediately admit–otherwise why would he have started all this fuss?), then the fight for the East will be a hundred times harder. Because it will not be a struggle with Russian henchmen, but with Russia itself.

2. Oleksandr Turchynov (acting President of Ukraine) found out the guilty in the separatist Sabbath. He suddenly uncovered (I say, what a prompt epiphany!) “inaction, helplessness, and sometimes criminal betrayal by the employees of law enforcement agencies in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.” In Turchynov’s words, “this is one of the main causes of low effectiveness and poor performance by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.”

I can’t understand–is Turchynov using such delicate banter that I cannot decipher it, or did he previously just turn a blind eye? Simple people like Uncle Vasya, a plumber in Zhmerynka and Aunt Dunya, a cleaning lady in Iljichiovsk, have realized the presence of sabotage on the part of security forces on the ground two months ago. And our acting President has identified and revealed this phenomenon just now.

The RNBO sang the same song before Turchynov today. They obviously conspired.

Therefore, instead of starting to urgently solve this problem in the beginning of, or mid-March, the RNBO and the President have bothered to realize its existence only in late April. How could they even start and carry out the anti-terrorist operation, without being properly informed about the situation in the region? It’s some kind of idiocy.

3. According to the data of our Information Resistance group, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, Mariupol and Berdyansk should expect the separatists scenario that has been enacted today in Luhansk. I am not in the least bit optimistic that Ukrainian authorities will react to this threat.

The good news. There’s crazy little of it:

1. U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt said that the U.S. would react instantly to Russian troops crossing into the Ukrainian border, and that the consequences will be dramatic. This post–is primarily in support of our boys from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, now standing along the border with Russia. In front of them–Putin’s armadas, on their butts are Putin’s mutts. The reassuring promises of the West clearly won’t hurt the situation.

2. And yet, the West, without any haste and in no rush, drives Putin into a dead end. “Gazprom” acknowledged that the sanctions could lead to a “loss of confidence of international investors” in the Russian economy. Just yesterday, the Russians mocked those sanctions. Today comes a sobering up. It is a pity that our extremists become intoxicated from permissiveness faster than Putin sobers up.