Tag: SBU

Dmitry Tymchuk’s Military Blog: Summary – May 19, 2014

Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

The bad news:

1. The farther [they go], the less terrorists in Donbass are burdened by moral and ethical standards. This morning, our posts near Slavyansk were shot at by mortars mounted on the territory of a kindergarten.

Using women and the elderly as human shields is no longer a novelty. Firing positions in apartment buildings are also nothing new. The farther [they go], the more cynical and despicable [they get].

2. We don’t observe a withdrawal of Russian troops as was reported by Russian media citing the Kremlin. The media announced that “[military] exercises in Belgorod, Bryansk, and Rostov Regions have been completed” and Putin’s little soldiers would return to the places of their permanent deployment.

This is not the first time Moscow is launching this “duck,” we have grown accustomed to such lies. But today, the withdrawal of Russian troops is extremely important for us.

For one simple reason–I have already mentioned it today. This would not only reduce the degree of tension in Donbass, but would relieve some of the [Ukrainian] forces that are keeping defense along our Eastern border today. And these forces are badly needed for the Presidential elections on May 25 in the region.

But, let’s wait on what happens tomorrow. Maybe Russian troops really will be removed from the border after all. Although to believe Putin–is to deceive oneself. Been there, done that.

3. The SBU received five reports about possible attempts on lives of candidates for the President of Ukraine, the Deputy Head of the SBU Viktor Yagun announced.

In fact, the information received by the SBU does not mean these were 100% attempts on their lives. But the general tendency this announcement reflects: that terrorists can take any possible measures just to disrupt the elections. And the closer it is to May 25, the less boring it will become.

The good news:

1. The governor of Donetsk Region Serhiy Taruta stated today: the support for separatists declined sharply in the Region. Yesterday, only 500 people came to their action in Donetsk. We observe a decrease of terrorist support in Luhansk Region as well.

Ordinary residents of Donbass–even the ones infected with Putin’s propaganda about the “fascist government in Kyiv”–have grown tired. They, like all normal people, want peace and stability.

We still must understand who exactly is fighting for the “independence of Donbass.” When a drunk and cussing creature comes to you, breaks into your home and sets up a “firing position,” or shoots your neighbor for supporting the “Right Sector,” you inevitably begin to wonder who the hell this “independence” is for.

2. Today, over 50 terrorists in 10 vehicles approached the checkpoint near the town of  Amvrosievka  in Donetsk region at the state border with Russia. An armed fight followed. The outcome: none of ours got hurt, one terrorist was killed, seven–wounded, one was captured.

This ratio is encouraging. But what is discouraging is that most reposts from the ATO [anti-terrorist operation] area talk about the terrorists attacking and the security forces defending themselves. For it’s unclear which one of them actually conducts the operation.

Let’s hope that the situation will change. We are sick and tired of this.

3. Dnipropetrovsk Region formed four battalions of volunteers as part of the Ministry of Defense and the Interior Ministry. The self-defense forces provide 4,000 servicemen at the checkpoints.

Actually, it’s the tip of the iceberg. Similar battalions in the Army and the Interior Ministry are forming all over Ukraine.

Unfortunately, the data about the number of these units and the number of personnel are closed. I can only say the following: the scale of the process is impressive. The country is able to defend itself–both from Putin, and from pro-Russian terrorists. If only we could solve the problem of Donbass…

Dmitry Tymchuk: ATO successfully continues

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk Facebook

According to operational data from ‘Inforesist’ the tactics at the current stage of the ATO is very successful.

Nine terrorist checkpoints were eliminated in Slavyansk, Kramatorsk and Krasnyi Lyman. SBU optimized the layout of their checkpoints in order to prevent mutineers’ movement in the region. Also the base of the terrorists was destroyed near Krasnyi Lyman.

SBU also reports about high efficiency of the latest Ukrainian armored transporters BTR-4E, which were recently assigned to the needs of ATO.

ATO  continues.

Dmitry Tymchuk’s Military Blog: Summary – 7th of May, 2014

Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine
The bad news:

1. The closer we get to May 9, the more alarming are the signals we receive of the impending activation of the pro-Russian extremists. Although they can hardly be called passive now.

What’s worse, against this backdrop Putin has begun his next game. ‘Tipping off’ separatists to postpone the referendum, his near-willingness to recognize the Presidential elections in Ukraine–it’s like the guy’s been replaced.

But the Head of the Kremlin’s lie about the alleged withdrawal of Russian troops from the Ukrainian border does not allow for delusions. No one is withdrawing troops. This means that the soothing and nearly peaceful statements by Putin–are likely a show for the most gullible.

We don’t yet understand the reasoning behind this game. But it is clear that we shouldn’t relax. Quite the contrary.

2. The geography of extremist danger keeps on growing.

Today, we have included Zaporizhya Region in the ‘red’ zone (with the threat of extremism at 5 or higher on a 10-point scale), whereas the previously assessed threat was at 4 points.

However, the threat in Kharkov region went down–it dropped from the ‘red’ to the ‘yellow’ zone. So, they cancel each other out. We will present the infographic tomorrow.

3. Today at a press conference, the head of the Anti-terrorist Center at the SBU  Vasyl Krutov announced that during the ATO, 14 Ukrainian servicemen were killed, and 66 servicemen were injured.

We have slightly different data, but it doesn’t matter. What really matters is that every day of confrontation is paid for by human lives.

These fallen guys from the special forces are Heroes. Vechnaya Pamyat (Memory eternal) for them.

The good news:

1. Today we ran a small monitoring mission to prepare the region for possible provocations on Victory Day [May 9].

The situation is better than you might expect. Not the most optimistic picture, however, in Donetsk and Luhansk only.

Especially positive are Kharkov and the southern regions (primarily Odessa and Mykolaiv, and Kherson to a lesser extent). Here, very powerful measures have been taken to counter the threat both by security forces and local authorities. (I am not talking about Dnipropetrovsk­–here the local authorities have initially shown themselves to be up to the mark.)

For example, ‘Kyiv-1’, a special police battalion formed by volunteers arrived in Odessa today. The Defense Ministry conducts activities along its chain of command–I think we will be able to report about them tomorrow.

2. The anti-terrorist operation. Today, we finally got the full information needed to complete the puzzles. We received full confirmation of our fears about the reasons for the apparent lack of effectiveness of the ATO.

Our previous claims to the leadership of the ATO and interactions between the special forces were fully justified. The positive is in the fact that we saw some serious, ongoing work from the “top” to eliminate the problem.

The main problem lies in staff. Our generals have grown used to their comfy office chairs, they are unable to make decisions and fear liability, with a panic. The good news is that there are still adequate people amongst them. Despite the delays, they are still being assigned to key positions.

I think that today, in this grim and joyless environment for Ukraine, a new generation of Ukrainian law enforcers is being born. Commanders and leaders who are ready to take responsibility, and soldiers who are ready to defend their country and its people–not in words but in deeds.

Unfortunately, this birth is payable with blood.

3. As a result of the separatist attack on the bus carrying the ‘Azov’ police battalion, the ‘Minister of Defense’ of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, Igor Kakidzyanov was captured.

Is it just me or are Donbass extremists truly idiots? Is this how they famously ‘attack’, to immediately give up their main ‘commander’? And if their ‘Defense Minister’ is such a unique individual, what should we expect from their ‘soldiers’?  What a dumb ‘army’, to be honest with you.

4. The SBU reported that in Odessa the existence of a Conversion Center was discovered that funded the riots on May 2. As expected, Yanukovych’s ‘Family’ bears responsibility for the financing.

In general, it’s not a big secret: the more the channels which finance extremists are blocked, the more chances there are to succeed in the fight against them. Without money, there will be no terror under the Russian flag. And Mr. Putin and his ilk can tightly roll up and stick their ideas of ​​’Russian World’ wherever they earlier stuck norms of international law.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Dmitry Tymchuk– On the Infiltration of Provocateurs and Saboteurs into Ukraine

Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Concerning reports of provocateurs and saboteurs infiltrating into the territory of Ukraine

1. Antratsyt, Donetsk Region

Concerning yesterday’s sightings of KaMAZ trucks transporting extremists with Russian flags, in the town of Antratsyt [Donetsk Region]. Information about possible attempts of saboteurs to cross the border in this area was received by appropriate Ukrainian state authorities on the morning of May 5, 2014. Rapid measures were taken to increase security at the state border, involving additional forces of the State Border Guard Service, the Security Service of Ukraine [SBU], and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There is no record of any motor transport columns carrying groups of people crossing the state border.

Special services and law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the situation. It is possible that the ‘sighting’ was organized by Donbass-based extremists in order to imitate a ‘breach of the border’ by extremists from Russia.

2. Border with Transnistria

According to our information, up to 250 ‘Putin’s tourists’ and saboteurs were transported to the territory of Ukraine from Transnistria over the past 3 days. Their task is to continue destabilizing the situation in the southern regions of our country. The planned peak of this destabilization is May 9th [Victory Day].

Previously, these individuals had arrived to Transnistria from Russia, coordinated by officers of the Russian Federal Security Service [FSB]. Information Resistance made numerous reports of this during March-April 2014. Currently, [Ukrainian] special services are taking measures to neutralize these extremist groups.

3. Crimea

Extremists coordinated by Russian special services continue arriving in Odessa from Crimea.

Due to the strict entry regulations ensured at the administrative border of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the forces of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, saboteurs and provocateurs adopted a new tactic. Ukrainian citizens residing in Crimea, being hired by Russian special services, travel to the mainland individually or in small groups, posing as peaceful citizens. Following that, they closely cooperate with local separatists and receive weapons after their arrival on-site.

Ukrainian special services are working to neutralize these saboteurs as well.

Dmitry Tymchuk: Events 6th of May

Brothers and sisters, the 6th of May.

The bad:

1. Thehead of SBU, V. Nalyvaichenko, said that the situation in the Donbass is complicated because the locals are under the influence of serious disinformation and do not trust the Interior Ministry, Security Service and the Ministry of Defense.

So here is a question: what did structures of Ukraine did to fight the powerful propaganda machine from Russia for the past 2 months? Where do we start with our counter-propaganda? Who is responsible for our information policy and IPSO (informational-psychological operations) at headquarters of ATO? Where is the coordinating agency of informational resistance, which was supposed to be created under the National Security Council? Many questions and zero answers.

Yes, it’s true that both state structures and among the citizens there are plenty of patriots who are doing this work [information and counter-propaganda] out of sheer enthusiasm. That’s a good thing. But informational resistance against Russian propaganda is a task primarily for the state with all its resources. It is impossible to win a real war while the war is being lost in the minds of people of the East.

2 . M.Koval the Defense Minister says that the government does not want to engage in a military confrontation with civilians of Donbass, so anti-terrorist operation is progressing slowly .

I agree with Mr Koval. Destroyed territory – is not an option. We’re not Russian troops in the Caucasus.

But I will repeat again – government finally somehow allowed the use of weapons during the active stages of ATO. Bless them. But it is not enough – please allow the military to open fire defending attacks on them and their protected objects. They can not fight armed terrorists with prayers and hymns.

3 . Russia sees no point in new negotiations with Ukraine if the Russian supported terrorists are not at the table.
I think for a start we need to ask Russia to share their great experience in conflict resolution, for example – the Caucasus.

And we will try in this list of civilian murders, destruction of entire communities and other bloody crimes, to find at least one allusion to the Russian desire to solve similar situation at the negotiating table.

The good:

1. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recommended that Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov appoint a person responsible for managing the anti-terrorist operation, as part of coordinating the security and defense authorities in the course of the ATO.

The coordination of security forces in the ATO – is a sore point operations. It is vital to solve this problem.

But I do not quite understand the need for another officer? Why can’t the commander of ATO provide such coordination – it is his direct responsibility, isn’t? And they will probably recommend five deputies each one for separate power structure. And then the decisions will be made during the debates. I do not think that such a system will be an efficient and correct for the situation .

Let’s wait and see how this is going to work, it is better than nothing. At least the problem has been noticed and someone is doing something about it.

Ukrainos_kariuomene-807x360

2 . Sergey Chebotar, the Deputy Interior Ministry participated at the press conference in Odessa regarding the tragic events of May the 2nd.

He informed that the head of the Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs [in Odessa], as well as three of his deputies, had been dismissed. 160 people who participated in the riots on both sides were detained. From now on all people in masks will be detained. Quite a few of Interior Ministry’s personnel were sacked for cowardice.

The sacking business would be a lot more difficult in the East. According to Information resistance data, few police chiefs were paid to turn in their allegedly captured offices and departments. The amounts of $100.000 were mentioned.

I am appealing to  Mr. Avakov, our Interior Minister. To be honest, after complete stagnation of police departments ( I mean ignoring the problems with the local security forces in the East and South) I have no particular reason to trust you. But the current steps do inspire my confidence – I hope not only me, but many of my countrymen . If you will finish to clean the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the benefit – I will be the first raise my hat to you and ask to shake your hand.

3 . All structures of Maidan Self-defense will now operate under the Interior Ministry, the National Guard and Army. This decision was made by Self Defense Council, chaired by  A.Parubiy, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

This is at last a decent answer to Moscow’s moans and wails about the disarmament of illegal armed groups in Kiev under the Geneva Agreement.

Well, Mr. Putin, now it’s your turn to show how you can keep your word. We have no illusions and we expect another avalanche of lies and excuses from Moscow. So let the world for the nth time see the true face of Kremlin.

Battle in Slavyansk – May 5, 2014

By Borislav Bereza
05.06.2014
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

In a fierce battle, Ukrainian special forces, defeated a large group of terrorists who attempted to break out from Slavyansk, which has been surrounded by the Ukrainian military. Several hundred bandits attacked the positions of our troops and were pushed back, suffering heavy losses. Significant quantities of the newest, Russian-made weapons were captured on the battlefield, including what Russian spetsnaz GRU is known to be armed with. The battlefield remains under our control, cleanup is on-going, as the fight subsided literally 30 minutes ago. A crucial role was played by Interior Ministry special forces soldiers of the “Omega” and ” Jaguar” squads, and the special “Alpha” squad of the SBU.

Unfortunately, during the heavy fighting our troops suffered heavy losses. Four Ukrainian soldiers were killed, while one is in critical condition, and about 20 of our soldiers were wounded. Medical assistance was administered and they were evacuated by helicopter to nearby hospitals.

Eternal memory to the fallen in the battle for freedom and independence of our country…

 

Regarding the progress of the anti-terrorist operation, May 4, 2014

By Dmitry Tymchuk, translated by Voices of Ukraine

According to Information Resistance data, after a short period of activation of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO), from May 4 onward an unacceptable downturn in security forces activity begins to take place.

According to our information, the absence of operational command in the area of the ATO, the lack of cooperation between the participating units of law enforcement agencies, and the absence of military orders and goal setting for the use of energy and resources–once again becomes a huge problem.

For example, during the battle near Kostyantynivka on the night of May 3–4, a unit of Ukrainian security forces, which was assaulted by terrorists armed with machine guns and rocket launchers, couldn’t get reinforcements in armored vehicles for over 3 hours. As a result, seven special ops team members of the SBU were wounded.

On the evening of May 4, special forces left Kramatorsk instead of completing their operation for its release from terrorists, or at least blocking terrorist locations.

In such circumstances, the ATO is once again turning into a farce. Which is particularly unacceptable in view of the predicted activation of pro-Russian terrorists on the eve of May 9, 2014.

Activation of the ATO on May 1 miraculously coincided with the arrival of the leaders of the Interior Ministry, Ministry of Defence, and the Presidential Administration into the zone of operations. Soon after, however, the operation began to slip again. Taking into account these “coincidences,” there are more questions for the leadership of the ATO, which for some reason is once again absent beyond the zone of operations.

P.S. On May 16, the ATO commander (a.k.a., the Head of the ATO) will turn 65, after which, according to Ukrainian legislation he can no longer be a public official. Maybe Ukrainian leadership should not wait for this happy moment and instead appoint a man who is able to spare more attention towards the management of operations as Head of the ATO? The clock is ticking.

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 28th

dmitry_tymchukTranslated by Voices of Ukraine

Brothers and sisters,
Here’s the Summary for April 28, 2014

The bad news:

1. The Anti-terrorist operation (ATO) has turned into a farce.

However regrettable it is to admit this, we are in the same boat as our enemy–the Russians, during the recent conflicts initiated by Russia in the Caucasus. While senior leadership “double-crosses” everyone they can, mid-level commanders bear the responsibility for confrontation on their shoulders.

There are two differences: Russia waged aggressive wars (in Chechnya and Georgia), and its commanders did not have their hands tied. We wage a holy war–a defensive war. But, despite this, our commanders’ hands are firmly tied. Every move and almost every shot is strictly controlled “from above.” The result is abysmal.

We, the Information Resistance group, have tried to avoid criticism of senior commanders to the end. But we can no longer continue to do so. Our soldiers and officers have become hostages in power games. But this is only one aspect. In essence, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state are the principal hostage in this game.

2. Today brought a lot of blood.

Two people who were injured this morning in Kramatorsk are representatives of the SBU and the Interior Ministry. They were wounded in a gunfight with terrorists, it’s pretty obvious. We can only wish these guys a speedy recovery.

The situation around the death of one, and injury of another, contract soldier of the Armed Forces [of Ukraine] is more complicated. We will not disclose the details (hopefully the MOD will though, because their current explanation can hardly be called intelligible). But the very fact that the security forces keep getting killed in similar circumstances, outside of armed contfrontations, is deeply abnormal.

3. Some insane show is happening in Sloviansk.

Terrorists have instituted “journalist accreditation” there, mostly Russian journalists at that. I find it absolutely incomprehensible how journalists can freely roam around in the area of the ATO (moreover, foreign journalists, and especially–Russian journalists) in the first place, without the accreditation of our law enforcement agencies. How can this be happening by definition?

I cannot imagine that in a civilized country, a journalist could freely enter through the cordon of security forces and approach an aircraft hijacked by terrorists with the following words, “I need to interview their ringleader.” What type of nonsense is that? Especially when we know how the Russian media present the information.

Oleh Tsaryov in Sloviansk

The delivery of “humanitarian aid” to Sloviansk, intended for separatists and distributed at checkpoints by Ukrainian Presidential candidate Oleh Tsaryov looks even wilder. What type of savagery is this? How can this scarecrow, God forgive me, this terrorist accomplice, be an official Presidential candidate? It is beyond my comprehension.

4. Today, an assassination attempt on the Kharkiv mayor Hennadiy Kernes took place.

I will not remind you about certain pages from this gentleman’s biography, I like them no more than you do. The fact of the matter is, that for whatever reason, he is on our side now.

And this assassination attempt – is an attempt to turn Kharkiv, with its very shaky stability, into another separatist snake nest, with another “people’s mayor” and another “people’s republic” under the Russian flag. There is nothing good in this.

The good news:

1. The EU expanded sanctions against Russia today–it increased the number of Kremlin representatives affected by it. The European Union also said that they are actively researching sanctions not only against individuals, but against entire sectors of the Russian economy.

The bad thing is that the Europeans have been threatening this third stage of sanctions for a month and a half now, and to no avail. In fact, they only continually expand the format of the second stage of sanctions. But then, any support is important and necessary.

2. The SBU detained the deputy to the breakaway mayor of Sloviansk. An Igor Perepechayenko.

This person was the “snitch” to one of the subversive and reconnaissance groups of the GRU of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces. A local polizei–and a sellout. Traitors like him were hung on the nearest lamppost in front of all honest people during the Great Patriotic War. Now is the time of humanism, no one will deprive this manure of life. All the same–unfortunately.

Overall, the Interior Ministry complains that there are hardly any vacancies left at the Detention facilities–in some regions, they are crammed to their eyeballs with Russian subversives and their local henchmen. The more these gentlemen busy themselves with intellectual games near the prison “bucket,” the less likely will they be to shit on the loose.

3. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the Ukrainian Prime Minister, has announced that Ukraine and Slovakia signed a memorandum on gas delivery by reversing the direction of gas from the West to Ukraine. Simultaneously, Kyiv is preparing a lawsuit against Gazprom in connection with elevated gas prices.

I don’t know how the current standoff with Russia will end. But if Kyiv doesn’t have the brains and the will to properly carry out the ATO, at least it tries to show resistance on the “energy front.” If only these initiatives were seen through to the end.

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.