What could well be the first shots of a Ukrainian Civil War were fired today, as the military attacked the city of Kramatorsk as part of what they couched as an “anti-terrorist” operation against protesters seeking autonomy for the nation’s eastern region.
The Ukrainian military’s helicopter gunships attacked the small airport on the outskirts of Kramatorsk, while tanks moved to the area around the neighboring city of Slovyansk, which is largely under the control of pro-protester militias.
The primary fighting so far has been at the airport, however, where Ukraine’s Army reported at least one soldier wounded, and several reports have emerged of
at least four protesters killed. Some claimed the toll could be even higher, with as many as 11 slain.
Ukraine’s government reported the “liberation” of the airport later in the afternoon, along with a police station in the city. Protesters in Kramatorsk continued to condemn the offensive, demanding a referendum on autonomy.
By evening the reports are that the fighting had more or less ended, with the troops apparently taking their time in crushing the protests, and continuing to push for Western and UN aid for the invasion.
The Kiev army of mercenaries, hooligans and Neo fascists are on the march to crush the people's will, It seams that there won't be any election, due to people's uprising in eastern Ukraine, so, for this self proclaimed government is to remain as such, and I am sure that the Swedish government, especially the prime minister and foreign minister will continue their support for Neo fascism, as such all over Europe.
According to French TV, the "protestors" are Cossacks. That suggests that they are indeed mercenaries working for private contractors. The Cossacks are fanatical Russian ultra-nationalists who have the spent the post-communist era going around dressed up in Czarist-era uniforms. Most people thought that was just colourful folklore and no more threatening than the American battle "re-enactors". Politically, they seem to be on the far right, like Svoboda in Ukraine and the Front National in France, for example, or even Putin himself. Conflicting nationalisms set off Europe's bloody 20th century 100 years ago. Thus, they more Europeans generally, and not just Russians and Ukrainians, identify the problem as nationalism gone over the top, the more likely people are to back off from the far right groups.
Most of the blockades are run by middle aged men and babushkas. By all means, listen to the propaganda on your tv.
As it turned out, the Ukraine paratroopers who came to Kramartorsk airport went over to the rebels side as soon as they went into Kramartorsk itself. All it took was a few Russian special forces soldiers, some local grannies and food and tea. The paratroopers hadn't been fed for days. Once again, tea and cookies are decisive, as at the Maidan. Then they drove their APCs into Slovansk with Russian flags flying. Thus ends the vaunted "anti-terrorism operation" of the Ukrainian "government." John Brennan of the CIA should be sacked.
can you cite sources, please? It's very hard to take what's said in comments without attribution anymore. I hope you understand.
BBC and Reuters
Even the Washington Post's lead story reported that defection. Specifically, it referenced six tracked IFV's at the airport.
I agree that vague reports are not to be trusted. However, demand for proof has become a propaganda trick in lieu of a denial, too. It works both ways.
I don't expect the story will be covered/retweeted by the US MSM… thanks.
Actually, it is being slowly reported, albeit inaccurately, but it is still a huge propaganda blow to Kiev and its backers. Kiev and the CIA seem to be thinking about giving it another go, this time with battle tanks from their checkpoint at Izyom (sp?) on the road from Kharkiv. Can't leave the status quo in place going into Thursday.
today's RT has video clips too
CIA head John Brennan did his job. And got his stooges to start a war against the Ukrainian people.
Arnold Lockshin, political exile from the US living in Moscow
Where is John McCain? Where is Victoria (F the EU) Nuland and where are all the hypocrites in DC standing with the protesters in the eastern Ukraine. When the violent gangs ransacked the govt buildings and firebombed the govt in January and February, the U.S. govt applauded but now it is the other way around, they call them terrorists. Now, u know why America is now an oligarchy. And, why America came together at the Bundy Ranch in Nevada to face down tyrants!
What if they declared War, and nobody joined up!
On those six Ukranian APCs that turned:
Very interesting.
So far not a SINGLE comment from UNBIASED, FREEDOM LOVING , Western Media.
How unbiased is the Western Media?