Reports out of German newspaper Bild am Sonntag are claiming Ukraine’s government has hired 400 American mercenaries from Academi, formerly Blackwater Worldwide, to lead military operations against eastern protesters.
Rumors of Academi subsidiary Greystone’s involvement in the crackdown are nothing new, but the report suggests the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, has actually confirmed that involvement, and informed Chancellor Angela Merkel weeks ago.
The transition from Blackwater to Xe Services to Academi was a long and winding road, but the taint of Blackwater’s notorious involvement in the Iraq War has followed the company every step of the way, meaning its involvement in Ukraine would be particularly controversial.
Academi issued a statement in March disavowing reports of their involvement in the Ukraine, blaming them on “irresponsible bloggers.” They have not issued any further statements, however, and speculation continues to grow.
Academi is no longer a US corporation being based, now, in the UAE.
McLean, VA is in UAE?
Riiiiiiight! the owner is American, the mercenaries are American or mostly American, the payment is coming in American dollars! The reality is UAE is a flag of convenience!
"OLE TALK" urinating on me and say its raining
Not to worry at all, the Russians are very good at dealing with these types. They will all be killed sooner or later by the Russian security forces or their proxy elements. I doubt 2/3 of them speak or understand Russian or ukranian. Hopefully Prince gets a well deserved bullet in his head.
American Mercinaries Hell !!!!They are most probably CIA Trained Killers.
I hope as jebe says that they are dealt with by the RUSSIANS.
but what has academi to say for it self?
"
Press Releases
The Real Facts Behind Recent Reporting on ACADEMI in Ukraine
March 17, 2014
Some irresponsible bloggers and an online reporter have recently posted rumors that ACADEMI employees (operating under the name of Blackwater) are present in Ukraine. They are not and ACADEMI has no relationship with any entity named Blackwater or with the former owner of Blackwater, Erik Prince. Such unfounded statements combined with the lack of factual reporting to support them and the lack of context about the company, are nothing more than sensationalistic efforts to create hysteria and headlines in times of genuine crisis.
The basics: Those who understand the facts know that Erik Prince sold the company (which he had renamed 'Xe') in 2010 and retained the rights to the 'Blackwater' name. The new management of ACADEMI has made tremendous efforts to build a responsible, transparent company ethos, evidenced by the numerous awards ACADEMI has received for being among the most compliant companies in our industry. More information can be found here."
seems like the only part being refuted is that they are operating under the name blackwater.
I especially like the part where they tout their being "…among the most compliant companies in our industry…". If I remember correctly, Bush/Cheney had their lawyers write memos and opinions to "legalize" their torture regime – making them compliant also.
Just words…
I especially like the part where they tout their being "…among the most compliant companies in our industry…". If I remember correctly, Bush/Cheney had their lawyers write memos and opinions to "legalize" their torture regime – making them compliant also.
Just words…
but what has academi to say for it self?
"
Press Releases
The Real Facts Behind Recent Reporting on ACADEMI in Ukraine
March 17, 2014
Some irresponsible bloggers and an online reporter have recently posted rumors that ACADEMI employees (operating under the name of Blackwater) are present in Ukraine. They are not and ACADEMI has no relationship with any entity named Blackwater or with the former owner of Blackwater, Erik Prince. Such unfounded statements combined with the lack of factual reporting to support them and the lack of context about the company, are nothing more than sensationalistic efforts to create hysteria and headlines in times of genuine crisis.
The basics: Those who understand the facts know that Erik Prince sold the company (which he had renamed 'Xe') in 2010 and retained the rights to the 'Blackwater' name. The new management of ACADEMI has made tremendous efforts to build a responsible, transparent company ethos, evidenced by the numerous awards ACADEMI has received for being among the most compliant companies in our industry. More information can be found here."
seems like the only part being refuted is that they are operating under the name blackwater.
Does anyone expect that companies that make a profit killing others to speak the truth?
Ever wonder why they are called the great "SATAN"
Every CIA regime-change operation, like the one in Kiev, may require CIA mercenaries.
That's how Bush-Obama "democracy," works.
Arnold Lockshin, political exile from the US living in Moscow
Since the cause of all the trouble is the presence of armed contractors, apparently Russian Cossacks, in the east, it's a logical move for the Ukrainian government to bring in contractors themselves. Since they don't have an adequate paramilitary police force themselves, they need this kind of commando force to deal with the similar forces they are up against. Slowly but surely, the Ukrainians are winning and all Putin can do is capitulate or get himself clobbered.
Just 4 reasons among many others why they are called The Great Satan. When they invaded Panama in December 1989, they killed about 6,000 unarmed citizens. The FBI (!) killed Gaitan and civil war and ½ million dead followed in Colombia. Fallujah is worse than Hiroshima according to doctors and scientists because of depleted uranium weapons. Torture is torture no matter that Hitler and Bush had their lawyers make it legal. Worse than the Nazis: In Iraq they kidnapped small boys and raped them in front of their mothers while it was filmed by a female soldier. The SS and Gestapo couldn't have done it. The Great Satan is worse.
When the Russian hammer drops, and it will drop, on those cowards Fallujah style, I do not want a*holes in the MSM cry like babies over the oh so innocent mercenaries.