Tag: Odessa

Events of May 2nd

Dmitry Tymchuk, translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Brothers and sisters,

Although it’s a holiday in Ukraine, here is a brief Summary for May 2, 2014– today was a very eventful day.

The bad news:

ODESSA. This lovely city and its wonderful people have become hostages of the maniacal games of pro-Russian scum. Their goal was clear–to divert the attention of security forces from the operation in Slavyansk at any cost. As a result, dozens of people are dead.

Law enforcement officers of Odessa showed their worst side. In one example, according to our data, a bus with ‘Colorado beetles’ [pro-Russian protesters who wear orange and black striped ribbons] was detained at the entrance to Odessa, and then handed over to local police. But by order of a very high police official, they were released immediately. The police commander is being investigated by competent authorities, but the very fact it happened is indicative.

But among the events in Odessa there is a bright moment. Residents of Odessa showed that their good nature and peacefulness have limits. Knuckle-draggers and pro-Russian extremists high on permissiveness were nevertheless repelled by citizens who love both their city and their country. And what a rebuff. Today’s démarche will be remembered by fans of lawlessness-under-a-foreign-flag for a long time.

Odessa–no wonder it’s a heroic city. Heroic people live here. True patriots.

The good news:

The operation in SLAVYANSK. Finally, determination and action. Not without its problems and difficulties, but action.

And it immediately became clear that to appease the terrorists one only needs to fight back and to show strength. It’s like in life, the biggest boor messes around until the first hit to his muzzle, God forgive me. After that, he quickly conducts an internal reassessment of values, corrects his moral scale, and then begins to quietly snuffle under the sofa.

Today is the day of big lessons for all of us, and first and foremost, for the Ukrainian authorities. If we want peace, we must defend ourselves. We cannot continue to love our country and put up with its rape.

Elena Kleyn about the events in Odessa

Odessa, May 2, Elena Kleyn

I will try to describe how everything happened, because there will be versions in the media that will contradict it. So here it goes.

Recently, it has become a common situation in our country, that ultras of football teams join each other in marching for the unity of the state. Today, such an event was scheduled to begin in the Sobor square in Odessa. Since it was anticipated that a hit song about Putin will be performed by its authors, other people decided to join.

Suddenly, ‘colorados’ (pro-russian activists) appeared from the direction of the market store ‘Afina’ . First of all, they began throwing stones at ultras, then they started shooting. Ultras responded by throwing stones. Then the self-defence of Maidan an militia arrived. Part of the latter formed a chain and took stand between both conflicting sides. The other part of militia began arming ‘colorados’ with shields and clubs.

The result – one of the ultras was killed and dozens were wounded. Gunfire is opened from the direction of the market store ‘Afina’. The numbers of killed and wounded victims are growing. Four are already dead. When the ‘Sokol’ squad arrived, they began catching ‘colorados’ and dragging them from ‘Afina’, people went to the the field of Kulikov to remove the ‘colorado’ camp. Because that was too much.

‘Colorados’ entrenched themselves in the labor union building, near the Kulikov field and opened fire from the rooftop. They used guns, Molotov cocktails and pieces of welded armature. If such a lump fell on your head from the rooftop, you would be instantly killed.

According to various sources, the labor union building caught fire either from the burning tents or from poorly thrown Molotov cocktails (although, it is possible that both scenarios are correct). The outcome of the day – 39 dead. Most of them suffocated in the labor union building, while others were being moved from it and transferred to the militia and the doctors (depending on their condition).

Large collection of weapons was found in the building after the fire – iron bludgeons, machine guns and rifles.

All my acquaintances and family are healthy and alive, thanks to those who cared. The essential idea declared in Odessa today – we will not allow a second Slavyansk to happen in Odessa. Odessa is Ukraine. You better don’t mess with us. We were patient for a long time, but there is a limit. Glory to Ukraine!

Glory to heroes!

https://www.facebook.com/elena.kleyn.9/posts/563516440412506

 

Events of April 25th

dmitry_tymchukDmitry Tymchuk, translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Brothers and sisters,

Here’s the Summary for April 25, 2014

The bad news:

1. Unknown degenerates threw a grenade at a checkpoint near Odessa this morning, and as a result seven people were wounded. Later in the day it became known that these same extremists planned to beat veterans on May 9 (Victory Day in Ukraine) “under contract” from a Russian TV Channel (as reported by the SBU).

Personally, I don’t like this fuss in the south. According to our data, with all the events happening in eastern Ukraine, our security forces are keeping an eye on Odessa, Mykolayiv, and Kherson. And this is very right.

But we are anticipating a powerful surge in various similar extremist acts by May 1 (Labour Day) and May 9. Let’s hope that the most heinous plans by pro-Russian “snitches” will be disrupted.

2. As a result of a shootout by terrorists at Kramatorsk airfield, a Ukrainian special forces Mi-8 helicopter and an An-2 plane were burned down.

I will not pose as a great strategist, but this event inevitably raises a number of questions. It was fine when Sloviansk separatists walked around the oblast (region) as if it was their home (although one cannot call it normal). But damn it, couldn’t they at least provide protection for the objects used by the Ukrainian security forces during this anti-terrorist operation (ATO)? It’s all very strange.

3. In Sloviansk, terrorists have hijacked a bus with OSCE representatives. This is the epitome of rudeness and cynicism.

It is absolutely clear that extremists are a bunch of drunk criminals and Kazachky (diminuitive of Cossack) led by professional subversives from Russia. Here’s the question to Ukrainian authorities. Do they realize that this egregious case – is a spit in the face? The ATO is under way in the region for a number of days already, and now look at it. Very sad, and I see no excuses.

The good news:

1. The Federation Council of Russia is against the invasion of Ukraine.

Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairman of the Federation Council, insists on continuing negotiations to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. This is as clear as day, she is Putin’s pet “talking head.” When it was necessary, the very same Federation Council happily voted to send troops to Ukraine in early March.

Does this mean that Putin has abandoned his plans to invade Ukraine? I think not. Rather, by playing democracy, he is preparing an excuse in case he considers the invasion to be inappropriate. But this statement does take the pressure down a notch.

2. The work of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry never ceases to delight us.

Today’s statement by the Ministry is quite extensive, but it lays everything out on the shelf. This includes the fact that Ukraine does not need Russian “peacekeepers,” the difference between separatists and Russian-speaking Ukrainians (Moscow is convinced that it amounts to the same thing), and the right of Ukraine to defend itself against terrorism through the use of force.

This rhetoric is relayed in a very educated and convincing manner. We must understand that these very guys are responsible for forming the attitudes of the international community towards events in our country. And they are truly doing a great job.

3. The operation to liberate Sloviansk has not been a complete success, but at least the city was finally blocked. It’s better than nothing.

4. It’s not necessarily “good news,” but rather a few words on the subject. Presidential candidates manifest themselves in the “Eastern crisis” in a very interesting manner.

Mykhaylo Dobkin is sitting in Kharkiv, where he wages his tense and invisible war for the unity of Ukraine. Having survived the egg attack by Luhansk separatists in mid-April, he is trying today to avoid the frontlines.

Serhiy Tigipko also performed ​​a quiet act of bravery in Luhansk a week ago. He bravely entered the SBU building, occupied by separatists “to negotiate.” Everyone held their breath. Half an hour later, Tigipko came out, shook separatists’ hands and said pointedly (if you believe the media), “All right, hang on here.” Leaving behind some innuendos.

Petro Poroshenko “landed” in Luhansk yesterday. He was blocked by a pro-Russian crowd right at the airport. Although it is not clear what they wanted from Poroshenko – it seems that he always demonstrated the ability to maintain composure in dialogue with his beloved Russian separatists. Especially since he always had problems with Moscow on business issues.

Yulia Tymoshenko announced that she came to an agreement with the separatists. Although Luhansk separatists immediately declared that nothing like that ever happened. Hopefully, Yulia Volodymirivna will invite separatist to the televised Presidential debates and convince them in front of all honest people that agreements with them still exist.

After visiting Crimea, Natalia Korolevska visited the “hot spots” – Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and Donetsk Regional State Administration. Then, she made ​​a surprise announcement contrary to the general rhetoric. That in eastern Ukraine, aside from kids running around with guns, there are millions of Ukrainians who are offended by the word “separatist.” These are ordinary retirees, public officials, families with children who have been cut off from the world.

The sensible idea about this is that behind all this “war” (both within the Russia-triggered outrage, and during political battles) ordinary people go into the background. And that’s very bad.

Let us hope that in the future those in power will remember the lessons of today, and realize that human beings are the guarantee of stability in any region.

Rating of extremism in Ukraine, infographic

Here is an info-graphic of extremism in Ukraine for April 22, 2014. The map shows different regions under different levels of threat.

The map shows threat levels for different regions. Click for larger picture.

The map shows threat levels for different regions. Click for a larger picture.

As you can see, levels of threat varies throughout the regions:

  • Donetsk – 8, very high. Lots of armed terrorists and spetsnaz fighters from Russia. Violent incidents, kidnappings, murders, region is partially controlled by extremists groups.
  • Luhansk – 6, high. Lots of aggressive separatists, violent acts, threat of armed incidents, although territory is not controlled by extremists.
  • Kharkiv, Odessa – 5, high. These regions are highly targeted by separatists, but their activity is still under control.
  • Mykolayiv, Kherson, Zaporizhia – 3, moderate. Controlled situation, incoherent groups of separatists.
  • Dnepropetrovsk – 1, low. Situation is under full command, low risk of incidents.

April 22, 2014 Lithuanian media round-up

lietuva-ukraina-veliavelesDear ukraine.popo.lt readers,

We are glad to announce our new daily column – Lithuanian media round-up. There we will try to briefly summarize main Lithuanian events related with Ukraine crisis and covered by our press.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius on April 22 presented his Annual Report. PM mentioned Ukraine crisis in his Annual Report presenting speech at Lithuanian Parliament. He said: ‘This year (2013-ed.) end showed that Europe transited to a new space of international relations and security. Former President of Ukraine decision not to sign association agreement with European Union caused in Kiev mass society protests, blood spill and change of Government. Unfortunately with that could not reconcile her neighbor Russia, which started war actions against Ukraine – annexed Crimea and continues to threaten Ukraine‘s integrity. We are observing a revival of opposition between democratic West world and fast growing radicalism in Russia‘. (PM Press Office, unofficial translation)

Lithuanian Parliament on April 22 have had to consider a resolution project due support to Ukraine. Unfortunately Members of Labor Party suggested to cross out this plenary session agenda point and that after voting was accepted. As said Valentinas Bukauskas – member of Labor Party – ‘this resolution project after Geneva agreement is outdated and Parliament need to prepare a new one’. (BNS, delfi.lt)

Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Juozas Olekas today in Kiev met with Ukrainian Minister of National Defence Colonel General Mikhail Koval. Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67031/lithuanian-defence-minister-to-pledge-support-in-kiev-201467031/.

Lithuanian ambassador-at-large Vaidotas Verba appointed to lead Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission group in Odessa. Read more in Lithuania Tribune: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67036/lithuanian-diplomat-leading-osce-smm-group-in-odessa-2-201467036/.

On the edge

Today, the fate of Ukraine is being decided in Donbas. Unable to stir the unrest in the whole Southeastern region, Kremlin decided to act gradually and take the control of smaller regions one by one.

It must be understood that the Donetsk oblast is the “pilot project” of the second stage (the first being Crimea) of Putin’s gamble with the purpose of destroying Ukraine. If Moscow manages to achieve its goals there, a similar scenario will be enacted in Lugansk and in Kharkov. And further on.

Hromadske.tv interview with soldiers in Mariupol

Hromadske.tv interview with soldiers in Mariupol

By the way, events in the South may be initiated at the same time. The base for active Russian operations already exists – it is Transnistria. It is no coincidence that 2 000 Russian soldiers were moved there in March. Half of these soldiers are members of the special forces, already dressed as “the green men”  – groups prepared to carry out sabotage acts.

While Ukraine’s attention is directed towards Donbas, the time is suitable for implementing the same plan in Odessa. Without Odessa Ukraine would loose the whole South.

Nonetheless, Southeast is not the endpoint of the scenario. While Vladimir Putin is waving his devil’s pitchfork with the name of Viktor Yanukovych, we cannot be sure that he is not intending to go for Kiev with the pretext of “reestablishing the legitimate government in Ukraine”.

This scenario can be partly hindered by the effective work of law enforcement on the four criminal cases against Yanukovych. If they would clearly show the whole world that the “legitimate president” is a thief and a murderer, it would be more difficult for Putin to use him in his puppet-play.

Still, this is only a small fragment. What is the most important is the actions involving the use of direct force. For some decades already, there exists a prevailing pacifist notion of a flower blossom placed in a gun barrel. Our government loudly declared the beginning of the anti-terrorist operation, but at the same time limited the actions of our force structures and put those flowers into their guns.

Yes, the casualties of the supposedly “peaceful residents” are unnecessary and unwelcome. Yet, what is preventing the government from declaring the state of emergency in this turbulent region? And explaining people that those who are preventing the force structures from fulfilling their duty are outside the law?

For instance, yesterday, during the assault on the military unit in Mariupol, soldiers have wounded several participating extremists. At once, the latter declared that they were simply promenading near the military compound at around midnight, and thus were accidental victims. What is the conclusion? Of course, the soldiers are bloodthirsty maniacs. The fact that within the zone of the anti-terrorist operation, someone is attacking the soldiers, taking away their guns and attacking military units, is a complete nonsense. Certainly.

In the end, it should be understood that you cannot attempt to swaddle the soldiers following the “rules of peacetime” and hope to get miraculous results. You cannot use a knife if you haven’t pulled it out of its sheath.

I am strictly against bloodshed. Yet, there are moments when one side or the other must make a decision – to defend itself or cease to exist. If we decided to become the most peaceful nation within the Great Russia, we must say so. There is no need to be modest because it is misleading.

Yet, if we do not want to be a part of Russia, we must defend ourselves. Maybe, for some it is a difficult decision. But it must have been made already yesterday.

Yes, today are all walking on the edge. On the one hand there is a danger of “provoking” Russia into an open invasion, which would mean casualties and the loss of the country. On the other hand the country would be lost without casualties.

I respect the Christian morality. But at the same time I cannot remember any example in the history of world, when an indecisive nation was declared great and worth respect.

At the same time, government decisions are not the only problem. There are many issues concerning the chosen tactics, for instance, the actions of the command of separate units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Yesterday, the whole country was astonished by the “fighting actions” carried out by the troopers. Yet, the causes of this phantasmagoria lie not in the soldiers’ torn boots, but rather in the shoulder straps of senior officers. It is these factors that have to be analyzed and eliminated immediately.

Tomorrow, it will be too late.