Thank you, Elen. Your beauty makes it a bit easier to digest all these horror stories.
In other news:
“Ukraine’s Security Council spokesman Andrei Lysenko said data from the plane’s surviving crew suggested the rocket was either a surface-to-air Pantsir missile or a missile fired by a plane from Russia’s Millerovo Air Force base.
As is clearly visible in one of the videos on Saker’s web site, the smoke trajectory of the missile is upward and results in a fireball sort of explosion [although the imagery was very vague], so that excludes the Russian Air Force Base. – LINK
Porky sounds a bit like a burglar who’s surprised that he has been shot by a grandmother that wields 12 gauge shotguns, loaded with buck shot, to celebrate this special occasion :o)
I guess that was never added to Mrs. ‘F*** Europe’ Nuland wishlist for Yats and his equally brave vassals.
Too bad the goldfish in the barrel are shooting back, eh?
Even though it’s from the POV of the enemy, it’s interesting to hear their version of the story. I’m somewhat dubious — to hear them tell it, two officers stopped the entire breakout and destroyed 5 AFVs and scores of Strelkov’s men for the loss of a handful KIA and wounded >.< Sure, sure.
It’s also interesting because they clearly don’t see the attack on the block-post as a diversion — they still seem convinced that they repelled the lion’s share of the breakout.
Finally, I wonder what Strelkov meant when he said that the losses of the diversionary group were due to a mistake by the group’s commander: was it the lucky shot that took out their tank (the Ukie officer speculates that the driver’s hatch was open) , or the attempt by the remaining BMP/BMDs to pass the block-post at speed which caused them to hit mines?
Interview with riot police commander from Zaporozhye, who destroyed in battle on the 5th checkpoint one T-64 and one BMP-2 of the terrorists.
“Tsenzor.Net” collects and analyzes all information about military engagements in the ATO. So when I came to Slavyansk, I was primarily interested in information: why could Girkin’s gang easily retreat. Given the huge resonance and meaning of Girkin’s flight, it is necessary to carry out a detailed analysis of the situation to learn. Writes about it on Facebook Head Editor of Tsenzor.NET Yuri Butusov.
The most eloquent testimony of what happened is the story of Alexander – a special police unit officer (former “Berkut”) from Zaporozhye, who was one of the commanders of the 5th checkpoint.
The 5th checkpoint was the farthest in the chain of Ukrainian roadblocks and overlaps one of the most convenient routes away from Slavyansk. It was constantly shelled and attacked.
In a night battle Alexander personally destroyed T-64 and BMP-2 of the terrorists. This fact is confirmed by eyewitness reports, and Alexander himself for his deed has been presented to a high state award. Alexander asked me not to write his name, although for many people it is not a secret. Hope Alexander allow us to publish his full personal details and photos – the Motherland must know its heroes. But while talking about the facts:
– What units protected 5th checkpoint? What forces did you have?
– 5th outpost was defended by riot police unit Zaporozhye numbering 17 people, and the 25th Division of the Dnepropetrovsk Airborne Brigade numbering 56 soldiers. It was a joint command – I was in command of the Interior Ministry, and for the Army – the commander of the paratroopers, Andrew. He’s a Captain, put forward for a promotion to Major. We were armed with BMD-2, small arms and grenade launchers. Were in contact and had fire support from artillery and mortar batteries on Mount Karachun.
– Did you have intelligence about Girkin wanting to leave Slovyansk?
– Yes, our intelligence repeatedly warned of the imminent breakthrough. 4-5 days before the breakthrough we already had this information.
– What happened that night?
– We were ready, but the exact time of the breakout, no one knew. First through our post attempted to travel at high speed two cars. They did not stop at the warning sign, and we were forced to open fire. One of the cars stopped, the other managed to miraculously escape due to the darkness and lack of illumination, despite numerous hits. Four people got out of the damaged car and tried to escape. But I saw them in the thermal imager, and they had to go on the road to my team. I ordered to remove their pants – that they could not escape, and to raise their hands. It turned out that three of the detainees were girls, the fourth – a man. One of the girls had a correspondent of some Russian media – “Ren-TV” I think, and the other documents have “DNR” signed by “Strelkov.” One of the girls on the documents was listed cook and the other – the operator-gunner of a BMD-2. All were transferred to the special department headquarters of the ATO.
– Yes, I saw their documents and testimony at headquarters. The prisoners warned of a breakthrough?
– Yes, they immediately informed us that our checkpoint was going to be hit in the next hour, led by tanks and other armored vehicles. So we knew what awaited us. Soon we heard the noise of tanks. Took up positions.
First came the tank, we let it get closer. We could not inflict damage at long range – we only had our BMD.
– Your checkpoint was reinforced with anti-tank weapons after the 1st roadblock was destroyed by tanks?
– When the tank got closer to our position, it fired a shot which unfortunately had very tragic consequences. The first hit covered the trench in which three soldiers were taking refuge. One soldier of the 25th Brigade was killed on the spot, two wounded. Unfortunately, it also completely knocked out one of our BMD crews. Enemy obviously knew our position, because the shots were pin-point, even at night.
The tank continued to fire on our positions, I was knocked down by the blast wave, and neither I nor the other soldiers could fire at the tank with our grenade launchers. At this point, true heroism and self-sacrifice was shown by paratrooper “Bajour” – operator of our other BMD. He turned his searchlight onto the enemy tank and its crew was blinded. “Bajour” opened fire on him to knock his aim off. Afterwards, I asked him: “Why did you turn on your spotlight?” And he said: “To light the target up for you.”
The tank fired another 4 or 5 times, but more did not inflict any more losses on us. “Bajour” diverted the attention of the enemy, and at this point I changed positions and moved into the trench closer to the road. After the 5th shot, I fired my RPG-26 “Aglen” from a distance of approximately 100 meters. Direct hit. The tank stopped firing. Then I could clearly hear the crackle of small arms cartridges from inside, and saw smoke. Then the tank exploded. I do not know where I hit it – perhaps under the tower, possibly the explosion struck the open driver’s hatch.
From this moment the intensity of the battle increased sharply. The group advancing on us had two BMP and BMD, supported enemy infantry riding on the armour, and heavy machine guns. “Bajour” began shelling, and the enemy concentrated their fire on him. All sights and equipment were destroyed on the turret of our BMD – but “Bajour” continued to fight.
Marine Captain Andrew called in artillery on the road in front of us, and adjusted their fire. The enemy vanguard came under artillery and mortar fire from Karachun, solid small-arms fire from ourselves, and our BMD. Fire support from Karachun was very efficient and did not allow the enemy to regroup.
Then they tried to break through at high speed. But before the enemy attack we had established anti-tank mines. And their BMP at high speed hit a mine, and it was hit from several grenade launchers. The BMP exploded. Then the second BMP-2, which had already got past us, was shot by me with an RPG-26 shot in the aft. The last enemy BMD-1, which the terrorists had captured from the soldiers of the 25th Brigade in April, had disappeared from my sight, but came into the sights of Captain Andrei, from the same 25th Brigade. He personally knocked out this armored vehicle with a grenade launcher. The BMD caught fire and then its ammunition exploded.
– Where did Girkin disappear after the defeat of his avant-garde?
– The enemy made no further attempts to break through. Faced with strong resistance, they changed the route. Their main group went not on the highway, and by the private sector and back roads. The group was headed by two T-64 tanks. One of them fell into an irrigation ditch and was abandoned by the terrorists. The remaining forces safely passed through unchecked and uncovered country roads, and disappeared. Unfortunately, we had no posts on that side of town.
– Why was a chase not organised? Why not block the roads?
– I can not understand it. We missed a golden opportunity.
– What losses did the fighters on the 5th checkpoint suffer?
– One Marine was killed and one wounded, two shell-shocked. Among the policemen – one wounded.
– What are the enemy losses in general?
– They lost two tanks – one of them is fully serviceable, two BMP-2, a BMD-1, two passenger cars, truck “KAMAZ”, several dozen killed and wounded, many of whom had been evacuated.
– And why only officers and commanders fire rocket-propelled grenades, and not ordinary soldiers?
– I have a grown son. I’ve seen and done a thing or two – I served in hot spots as part of the Soviet army, I came here from the “Sokol” unit. Andrei and I did not want casualties among our personnel, so we took all the responsibility. The guys have their whole life ahead.
Thanks for that, an interesting read. I do not believe everything I read from any of the actors in this farce but each adds colour to the picture.
Not a soldier or armchair general but that does not ring true to me.
They knew 4 or 5 days before that there was to be a breakout and yet were entirely unprepared?
The REN TV stringer gave up the rebels? Why? I can kinda believe that, but it seems that this was, in truth, the only warning of a breakout.
Not trusting his men with weapons because they are young? Soldiers, there to do a job?
Honestly, this reads like the story of a bloke covering his arse and, very fortunately for him, the narrative suits the purposes of his seniors. What’s the betting this is the senior officer NOT sanctioned as a result of the Slavyansk breakout?
KIEV, July 15 (RIA Novosti) – Ukraine has halted military aviation flights in the east of the country until further notice after an An-26 military transport plane crashed in Luhansk Region Monday, the special operations’ press service said Tuesday.
And anybody else posting links, video or otherwise, could you please CHECK the links you are posting!!! The http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o78tnHkSpVA “does not exist”. This is not a case of Youtube deleting a video or an account (the message would be different) it’s just the “o78tnHkSpVA” which is garbled, likely by a typo. Do NOT type URLs, ever!, use copy-paste.
Saker, this is from RadioFree Europe (Voice of America) but IMPORTANT! is it true?
the interviewee (a pro-Russian Armenian volunteer who said he fought at the botched Donetsk airport battle 1 month ago –
-it seems they were massacred at the airport by 4 Ukrainian helicopters & 2 jets because former Ukrainian SBU agent/leader Khodavorsky(who never went to the airport) is maybe a double-agent or working for Ahkmetov because it is he who ordered them NOT to take their anti-air MANPADs with them & then had his SBU snipers leave the airport at 1pm & then the bombing started at 2pm
Khodavorsky then ordered them via cell phone to retreat on 2 Kamaz trucks …
but somehow, the rest of the militias outside the airport were given the false rumor that Right Sector was going thru Donetsk in 2 Kamaz trucks, resulting in ‘friendly fire’ where the militias shot the 2 Kamaz trucks with grenade launchers, resulting in 35 killed in the 1st truck & more in the 2nd truck
This also explains why Khodavorsky has refused orders from Strelkov —
Unfortunately, it is true.. at ColonelCassad’s site (best info on Ukraine’s civil war) links below explains that Khordvarsky is on Ahkmetov’s payroll & they were conspiring with the Kiev junta to surrender Donestk (which is why it was not bombed unliked Lugansk) so Khordovasky eliminated new militias that were potentially ‘uncontrollable’ by betraying them–that was one of the reasons why Strelkov had to leave Slavansk to goto Donestk, which caused Khordvasky & Ahkmetov to flee Donestsk
Translation?
Thank you, Elen. Your beauty makes it a bit easier to digest all these horror stories.
In other news:
“Ukraine’s Security Council spokesman Andrei Lysenko said data from the plane’s surviving crew suggested the rocket was either a surface-to-air Pantsir missile or a missile fired by a plane from Russia’s Millerovo Air Force base.
As is clearly visible in one of the videos on Saker’s web site, the smoke trajectory of the missile is upward and results in a fireball sort of explosion [although the imagery was very vague], so that excludes the Russian Air Force Base. – LINK
Porky sounds a bit like a burglar who’s surprised that he has been shot by a grandmother that wields 12 gauge shotguns, loaded with buck shot, to celebrate this special occasion :o)
I guess that was never added to Mrs. ‘F*** Europe’ Nuland wishlist for Yats and his equally brave vassals.
Too bad the goldfish in the barrel are shooting back, eh?
Thanks Anna.
The sub-titles are easier to read too.
I came across this today, an interesting read:
http://censor.net.ua/resonance/293380/kak_banda_girkina_prorvalas_iz_slavyanska
Even though it’s from the POV of the enemy, it’s interesting to hear their version of the story. I’m somewhat dubious — to hear them tell it, two officers stopped the entire breakout and destroyed 5 AFVs and scores of Strelkov’s men for the loss of a handful KIA and wounded >.< Sure, sure.
It’s also interesting because they clearly don’t see the attack on the block-post as a diversion — they still seem convinced that they repelled the lion’s share of the breakout.
Finally, I wonder what Strelkov meant when he said that the losses of the diversionary group were due to a mistake by the group’s commander: was it the lucky shot that took out their tank (the Ukie officer speculates that the driver’s hatch was open) , or the attempt by the remaining BMP/BMDs to pass the block-post at speed which caused them to hit mines?
Anyway, an interesting read…
Here’s the translation of the article about Strelkov’s breakout from the POV of the Ukie troops (Google-translated, then I went over it):
http://censor.net.ua/resonance/293380/kak_banda_girkina_prorvalas_iz_slavyanska
PART 1/3
How Girkin gang broke out of Slavyansk
Interview with riot police commander from Zaporozhye, who destroyed in battle on the 5th checkpoint one T-64 and one BMP-2 of the terrorists.
“Tsenzor.Net” collects and analyzes all information about military engagements in the ATO. So when I came to Slavyansk, I was primarily interested in information: why could Girkin’s gang easily retreat. Given the huge resonance and meaning of Girkin’s flight, it is necessary to carry out a detailed analysis of the situation to learn. Writes about it on Facebook Head Editor of Tsenzor.NET Yuri Butusov.
The most eloquent testimony of what happened is the story of Alexander – a special police unit officer (former “Berkut”) from Zaporozhye, who was one of the commanders of the 5th checkpoint.
The 5th checkpoint was the farthest in the chain of Ukrainian roadblocks and overlaps one of the most convenient routes away from Slavyansk. It was constantly shelled and attacked.
In a night battle Alexander personally destroyed T-64 and BMP-2 of the terrorists. This fact is confirmed by eyewitness reports, and Alexander himself for his deed has been presented to a high state award. Alexander asked me not to write his name, although for many people it is not a secret. Hope Alexander allow us to publish his full personal details and photos – the Motherland must know its heroes. But while talking about the facts:
– What units protected 5th checkpoint? What forces did you have?
– 5th outpost was defended by riot police unit Zaporozhye numbering 17 people, and the 25th Division of the Dnepropetrovsk Airborne Brigade numbering 56 soldiers. It was a joint command – I was in command of the Interior Ministry, and for the Army – the commander of the paratroopers, Andrew. He’s a Captain, put forward for a promotion to Major. We were armed with BMD-2, small arms and grenade launchers. Were in contact and had fire support from artillery and mortar batteries on Mount Karachun.
– Did you have intelligence about Girkin wanting to leave Slovyansk?
– Yes, our intelligence repeatedly warned of the imminent breakthrough. 4-5 days before the breakthrough we already had this information.
– What happened that night?
– We were ready, but the exact time of the breakout, no one knew. First through our post attempted to travel at high speed two cars. They did not stop at the warning sign, and we were forced to open fire. One of the cars stopped, the other managed to miraculously escape due to the darkness and lack of illumination, despite numerous hits. Four people got out of the damaged car and tried to escape. But I saw them in the thermal imager, and they had to go on the road to my team. I ordered to remove their pants – that they could not escape, and to raise their hands. It turned out that three of the detainees were girls, the fourth – a man. One of the girls had a correspondent of some Russian media – “Ren-TV” I think, and the other documents have “DNR” signed by “Strelkov.” One of the girls on the documents was listed cook and the other – the operator-gunner of a BMD-2. All were transferred to the special department headquarters of the ATO.
– Yes, I saw their documents and testimony at headquarters. The prisoners warned of a breakthrough?
– Yes, they immediately informed us that our checkpoint was going to be hit in the next hour, led by tanks and other armored vehicles. So we knew what awaited us. Soon we heard the noise of tanks. Took up positions.
First came the tank, we let it get closer. We could not inflict damage at long range – we only had our BMD.
– Your checkpoint was reinforced with anti-tank weapons after the 1st roadblock was destroyed by tanks?
– No.
http://censor.net.ua/resonance/293380/kak_banda_girkina_prorvalas_iz_slavyanska
PART 2/3
– Tell us about the course of battle.
– When the tank got closer to our position, it fired a shot which unfortunately had very tragic consequences. The first hit covered the trench in which three soldiers were taking refuge. One soldier of the 25th Brigade was killed on the spot, two wounded. Unfortunately, it also completely knocked out one of our BMD crews. Enemy obviously knew our position, because the shots were pin-point, even at night.
The tank continued to fire on our positions, I was knocked down by the blast wave, and neither I nor the other soldiers could fire at the tank with our grenade launchers. At this point, true heroism and self-sacrifice was shown by paratrooper “Bajour” – operator of our other BMD. He turned his searchlight onto the enemy tank and its crew was blinded. “Bajour” opened fire on him to knock his aim off. Afterwards, I asked him: “Why did you turn on your spotlight?” And he said: “To light the target up for you.”
The tank fired another 4 or 5 times, but more did not inflict any more losses on us. “Bajour” diverted the attention of the enemy, and at this point I changed positions and moved into the trench closer to the road. After the 5th shot, I fired my RPG-26 “Aglen” from a distance of approximately 100 meters. Direct hit. The tank stopped firing. Then I could clearly hear the crackle of small arms cartridges from inside, and saw smoke. Then the tank exploded. I do not know where I hit it – perhaps under the tower, possibly the explosion struck the open driver’s hatch.
From this moment the intensity of the battle increased sharply. The group advancing on us had two BMP and BMD, supported enemy infantry riding on the armour, and heavy machine guns. “Bajour” began shelling, and the enemy concentrated their fire on him. All sights and equipment were destroyed on the turret of our BMD – but “Bajour” continued to fight.
Marine Captain Andrew called in artillery on the road in front of us, and adjusted their fire. The enemy vanguard came under artillery and mortar fire from Karachun, solid small-arms fire from ourselves, and our BMD. Fire support from Karachun was very efficient and did not allow the enemy to regroup.
Then they tried to break through at high speed. But before the enemy attack we had established anti-tank mines. And their BMP at high speed hit a mine, and it was hit from several grenade launchers. The BMP exploded. Then the second BMP-2, which had already got past us, was shot by me with an RPG-26 shot in the aft. The last enemy BMD-1, which the terrorists had captured from the soldiers of the 25th Brigade in April, had disappeared from my sight, but came into the sights of Captain Andrei, from the same 25th Brigade. He personally knocked out this armored vehicle with a grenade launcher. The BMD caught fire and then its ammunition exploded.
http://censor.net.ua/resonance/293380/kak_banda_girkina_prorvalas_iz_slavyanska
PART 3/3
– Where did Girkin disappear after the defeat of his avant-garde?
– The enemy made no further attempts to break through. Faced with strong resistance, they changed the route. Their main group went not on the highway, and by the private sector and back roads. The group was headed by two T-64 tanks. One of them fell into an irrigation ditch and was abandoned by the terrorists. The remaining forces safely passed through unchecked and uncovered country roads, and disappeared. Unfortunately, we had no posts on that side of town.
– Why was a chase not organised? Why not block the roads?
– I can not understand it. We missed a golden opportunity.
– What losses did the fighters on the 5th checkpoint suffer?
– One Marine was killed and one wounded, two shell-shocked. Among the policemen – one wounded.
– What are the enemy losses in general?
– They lost two tanks – one of them is fully serviceable, two BMP-2, a BMD-1, two passenger cars, truck “KAMAZ”, several dozen killed and wounded, many of whom had been evacuated.
– And why only officers and commanders fire rocket-propelled grenades, and not ordinary soldiers?
– I have a grown son. I’ve seen and done a thing or two – I served in hot spots as part of the Soviet army, I came here from the “Sokol” unit. Andrei and I did not want casualties among our personnel, so we took all the responsibility. The guys have their whole life ahead.
Yuri Butusov
Thanks for that, an interesting read. I do not believe everything I read from any of the actors in this farce but each adds colour to the picture.
Not a soldier or armchair general but that does not ring true to me.
They knew 4 or 5 days before that there was to be a breakout and yet were entirely unprepared?
The REN TV stringer gave up the rebels? Why?
I can kinda believe that, but it seems that this was, in truth, the only warning of a breakout.
Not trusting his men with weapons because they are young? Soldiers, there to do a job?
Honestly, this reads like the story of a bloke covering his arse and, very fortunately for him, the narrative suits the purposes of his seniors. What’s the betting this is the senior officer NOT sanctioned as a result of the Slavyansk breakout?
KIEV, July 15 (RIA Novosti) – Ukraine has halted military aviation flights in the east of the country until further notice after an An-26 military transport plane crashed in Luhansk Region Monday, the special operations’ press service said Tuesday.
Military Aviation in Eastern Ukraine Halted Over An-26 Plane Crash
Dear The Saker,
Video apparently of the plane being brought down.
An-26 being hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o78tnHkSpVA
Rgds,
Veritas
@Veritas
And anybody else posting links, video or otherwise, could you please CHECK the links you are posting!!!
The http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o78tnHkSpVA “does not exist”.
This is not a case of Youtube deleting a video or an account (the message would be different) it’s just the “o78tnHkSpVA” which is garbled, likely by a typo.
Do NOT type URLs, ever!, use copy-paste.
Saker, this is from RadioFree Europe (Voice of America) but IMPORTANT!
is it true?
the interviewee (a pro-Russian Armenian volunteer who said he fought at the botched Donetsk airport battle 1 month ago –
-it seems they were massacred at the airport by 4 Ukrainian helicopters & 2 jets because
former Ukrainian SBU agent/leader Khodavorsky(who never went to the airport) is maybe a double-agent or working for Ahkmetov because
it is he
who ordered them NOT to take their anti-air MANPADs
with
them
& then had his SBU snipers leave the airport at 1pm & then the bombing started at 2pm
Khodavorsky then ordered them via cell phone to retreat on 2 Kamaz trucks …
but
somehow, the rest of the militias outside the airport were given the false rumor that Right Sector was going thru Donetsk in 2 Kamaz trucks,
resulting
in ‘friendly fire’ where the militias shot the 2 Kamaz trucks with grenade launchers, resulting in
35 killed in the 1st truck & more in the 2nd truck
This also explains why Khodavorsky has refused orders from Strelkov —
http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-i-was-a-separatist-fighter/25455466.html
Economics Expert http://www.MythFighter.com said…16 July, 2014 04:15
“Saker, this is from RadioFree Europe (Voice of America) but IMPORTANT!
is it true?”
I’m not Saker, but it’s not true. Consider your source. :D
Unfortunately, it is true.. at ColonelCassad’s site (best info on Ukraine’s civil war) links below explains that Khordvarsky is on Ahkmetov’s payroll & they were conspiring with the Kiev junta to surrender Donestk (which is why it was not bombed unliked Lugansk) so Khordovasky eliminated new militias that were potentially ‘uncontrollable’ by betraying them–that
was one of the reasons why Strelkov had to leave Slavansk to goto Donestk, which caused Khordvasky & Ahkmetov to flee Donestsk
How Strelkov lead Donestk & Lugansk to crushing victory over the Kiev junta forces trying to encircle them
http://cassad-eng.livejournal.com/2014/07/17/
http://cassad-eng.livejournal.com/16909.html
-also links there for more battle info