Saturday, December 26, 2015
(Brief update)
Alexander Zakharchenko, December 25, 2015
Alexander Zakharchenko State of the Nation Address – Complete Transcript / Quemado Institute (from Zakharchenko official website) / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Insitute / Posted December 26, 2015 / Message of the Head of the DPR to the People’s Council By Alexander Zakharchenko – December 25, 2015 / DONETSK / Zakharchenko: Dear citizens of the People’s Republic of Donetsk! Dear elected representatives! Dear friends, colleagues and associates! Compatriots! My appeal today is radically different from last year, in almost all respects. Last year, we were inspired to win freedom, we took on state-building skills, and have been given the boost of military successes and knowledge that it all turned out that the people won. But 2015 presented us with more complex requirements, and taught us a new way to work with the circumstances. From the creation of the state and public institutions, we moved on to the fundamental, structural change throughout the entire spectrum of social, political and economic life of the country. I think this is an extremely positive development, and the formation of a new milestone. I would like to split this message into two parts. The first part will mark the political . . . MORE>> For full transcript, click here.
TWITTER REPORT: Storm Bringer tweets at about 17:00 UTC December 26: “#BREAKING #Gorlovka. Heavy fighting along the whole front line: all types of weapons used (no MRLS yet) / #BREAKING NAF artillery is back to front line to bring fire down to UAF artillery & troops.” Shinobi tweets at 17:15 UTC: “Incoming Ukraine shells now heard inside Donetsk, ppl getting afraid.” John Delacour tweets: “Anti-Russian Terror Operation: MRLS Grad at work in #Gorlovka. No details at the moment.” Enrico Ivanov tweets: “Breaking! Ukies shelling #Donetsk Oktyabrsky district with mortars from positions in Peski!” Storm Bringer tweets at 21:00 UTC: “BREAKING Donetsk – MRLS Grad went down. Full package. Location not to be determined yet. May be in the north > Airport or Peski. / UAF are actively using western-made devices for NAF communications jamming. / BREAKING Heavy fighting from #Logvinovo & #Debaltsevo reported. UAF strong break-thru attempt or reconnaissance in force.” Givi (@MikhailTolstyk) tweets: “Heavy fighting along the whole front line #Donbass #Donetsk #Ukriane #Lugansk #DPR #LPR #Novorossia.” Pete John tweets at 22:25 UTC: “Ukies using grads, heavy shelling and fights.”
Eduard Basurin (–DAN)
Kiev “Confused in Testimony” About Situation in Buffer Zone – Ministry of Defense / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 26, 2015 / The Ukrainian leadership is increasing tension around the situation in the village of Kominternovo, which is located in the buffer zone in the south of the Donets Basin, but cannot consistently explain what is happening there now. This was announced today at a briefing in the DAN press center by deputy commander of the Corps of the DPR Ministry of Defence [Eduard Basurin]. “Kiev continues to escalate the situation around Kominternovo in the media, but the Ukrainian political and military leaders, entangled in this testimony, show full inconsistency, the inconsistency and the absolute lack of logic in its statements,” said the corps representative. According to him, this is due to attempts to “divert the attention of the world community, including representatives of international monitoring organizations, from the settlements Pishevik, Pavlopol, Vinogradnoye, Gnutova, Shirokino, Bahmutovka and Zhovanka, captured by UAF units and located in the buffer zone.” Eduard Basurin expressed regret that the OSCE observation mission pays less attention to the facts of the capture by Kiev militants of settlements in the “neutral” zone, rather than to Kominternovo “where observers went on the demand of the Ukrainian media.” Recall that today the OSCE observers, accompanied by representatives of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination [JCCC] of the ceasefire and the Ministry of Defense, visited for an inspection in Kominternovo, of which capture by the DPR authorities was previously announced by Kiev. This complete inspection failed because the Ukrainian side has not given guarantees of a ceasefire in the area of the village, and immediately after the departure of the inspection participants, shelling resumed in Kominternovo. “The Ukrainian side under various pretexts did not guarantee the safety of the observers, and they could not get into this place. When we left there, after 15 minutes the shelling of the area continued. The shelling was carried out with mortars,” said the deputy commander. 
On the eve of December 25, Ukrainian invaders subjected Kominternovo to heavy fire from mortars and tank shells, thus confirming the words of Eduard Basurin that previously explained the spread of misinformation about the capture of the village in Kiev’s attempts in advance to justify their own aggressive actions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops, by the latest data, have captured eight settlements in the neutral zone. Moreover, in one of these settlements, the village if Pishevik in the Volnovakha district, the Ukrainian side deployed a checkpoint. As stated yesterday by the head of DPR delegation to the peace talks, Chairman of the People’s Council Denis Pushilin, Kiev’s actions art to provoke the Republic to take forceful measures, but Donetsk will do everything possible to resolve the situation through political means. Editor’s note: According to the map above, Kominternovo (upper right corner, click to enlarge) lies on the DPR side of the contact line (shaded area), about 8 km north of the coastal town of Shirokino. We have always assumed the DPR controlled all communities in its territory. This begs the question as to why there is any ambiguity about who does or should control Kominternovo. We have not been able to ascertain whether the town is still in DPR hands, and if not, why not? Moreover, why would Basurin consider it an international scandal that the Ukraine media claims the DPR controls Kominternovo, when the town belongs to the DPR as defined by Minsk? We are seeking clarification.
Frustrated Ukrainian Side Hit by OSCE Inspection in Punitive [tr?] Village of Kominternovo – Defense Ministry / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 26, 2015 / Zaichenko (Volnovakha district) / The Ukrainian side today foiled an inspection of the monitoring mission of the OSCE and the Joint Center for control and Coordination [JCCC] of the ceasefire in the village of Kominternovo, which is located in the buffer zone in the south of the Donets Basin, and came under fire by the Kiev security forces. This was told to DAN by a spokesman for the DPR Ministry of Defence. “We spent a few hours in close proximity to the fire, but could not get there, due to the fact that the Ukrainian side has not reached an agreement on compliance with the ceasefire,” a spokesman said. As the DAN correspondent said from the event, representatives of the OSCE and STSKK in Kominternovo left the area and headed in the direction of Donetsk. Recall that today, representatives of the STSKK, the OSCE and the DPR Ministry of Defence proceeded to Kominternovo to explore the consequences of yesterday’s shelling. On December 25 at the locality, which is situated between the positions of the DPR and the UAF, the occupiers have released within a few hours at least 240 mortar shells. Earlier, Kiev spread misinformation about the DPR militia allegedly taking Kominternovo. In the words of the Corps representative of the DPR Defense Ministry Eduard Basurin, this is nonsensical disinformation put out by the Ukrainian side to justify its subsequent aggressive actions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops on the latest data, have captured eight settlements in the neutral zone. Moreover, in one of these settlements, the village of Pishevik in the Volnovakha district, the Ukrainian side has deployed a checkpoint. As stated yesterday by the head of DPR delegation to the peace talks, Chairman of the People’s Council Denis Pushilin, Kiev’s actions are to provoke the Republic into taking forceful measures, but Donetsk will do everything possible to resolve the situation through political means. Editor’s note: Again, Basurin seems to indicate Kominternovo does not belong to either side, contrary to our impression that it lies on the DPR side of the contact line.
OSCE in Kominternovo (–webnewsliveupdates.com)
Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): SMM visits Kominternove village / OSCE.org / December 24, 2015 / This report is for media and the general public. At 10:25hrs on 24 December, an SMM patrol arrived in Kominternove (92km south of Donetsk, 23km north-east of Mariupol) from the village’s eastern entrance, escorted by armed “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”) members. For the last two days, the SMM had attempted to reach the village to follow up on reports about the presence of armed “DPR” members, but had not been able to do so due to security concerns and the restriction to its freedom of movement imposed by armed personnel (see SMM Daily Reports 23 December and 24 December 2015). The escorting “DPR” members did not allow the SMM to go beyond the main street of the village, citing possible sniper fire. While on the main street, the SMM saw multiple fresh caterpillar tracks, consistent with infantry fighting vehicles and tanks. 
Five residents (three women and two men), in the presence of the escorting armed personnel, told the SMM that armed “DPR” members had entered the village on 22 December and had been present until 24 December, when they had left the village in the early morning. At 13:00 hrs, the SMM left the village. During its time there, the SMM did not observe any armed persons or weaponry, with the exception of the escorting armed “DPR” members; nor did the SMM observe any ceasefire violations. The SMM also conducted a mirror patrol in the west of Kominternove but could not get closer than a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint located 1.7km west of the village as explosive devices (including anti-tank mines) were still on the road between the checkpoint and the village. Editor’s note: If this OSCE report is accurate, armed DPR miliamen (God bless them!) did indeed take Kominternovo on December 22, as we had reported here earlier, and which was later denied by Eduard Basurin. That the DPR was able to escort the OSCE into the village indicates it is not currently held by the UAF.
Pete John on Twitter
Donbass War News – December 26 21:00 UTC
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Sergei Kozlov
LPR People’s Council Approve Sergei Kozlov as Chairman of the Council of Ministers / lug-info.com / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 26, 2015 / LUGANSK / The LPR People’s Council approved as chairman of the Council of Ministers Major-General of the LPRPeople’s Militia Sergei Kozlov. This took place in a plenary session of the Parliament, said the LPR correspondent. “The People’s Council decided to agree on the appointment of Sergei Ivanovich Kozlov for the position of chairman of the Council of Ministers of the LPR,” said the chairman of the People’s Council Alexey Karjakin. “This decision was taken unanimously,” he added. Earlier in the session, the deputies voted for resignation of Gennady Tsypkalova from the post of Chairman of the Council of the Republic. This afternoon, the head of the LPR Igor Plotnitsky said that the chairman of the Council of Ministers approached him with a request for resignation. — Lugansk Information Center, December 26
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Friday, December 25, 2015
(Brief update)
Alexander Zakharchenko (–DAN)
DPR Military Successes Allowed the Country to Make Diplomatic Breakthrough in Minsk – Zakharchenko / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 25, 2015 / DPR Militia advances have allowed the country to make a diplomatic breakthrough at the talks in Minsk. This was announced to day by Head of the Republic Alexander Zakharchenko during the annual address to the National Council. “The military successes have allowed us a breakthrough in foreign policy and on the diplomatic front. This ‘breakthrough’ of course, was the Minsk Treaty,” said the head of state. “Let’s be honest. We were able to do something incredible. During the talks in Minsk, we were able to impose our political will on our opponents, were able to attract as guarantors the leading European powers, and have as the main objective at this stage the cease-fire and an end to the suffering of our people. ” Zakharchenko said that Minsk agreements allowed the start of restoration of public and social services, the economy, and the implementation of structural changes in state government.
Alexander Zakharchenko (–DAN)
DPR Authorities Formed Concept of State-Building and Began its Implementation – Zakharchenko / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 25, 2015 / The authorities of the Donetsk People Republic have formulated the concept of state-building and begun its phased implementation. This was announced today at the annual address to the National Council by DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko. “We were able to formulate the concept of nation-building and begin its phased implementation,” said the head of state. “The concept is very simple and straightforward: the foundation of our political system – it is a democracy, and our ideology – it is freedom, justice, conscience, and equality.” Zakharchenko said that the first letters of the words that make up the ideological concept of the country add up to the abbreviation “USSR”. “Perhaps it is time to recall that the Soviet Union is a huge reservoir of our history. It was the strongest of countries in which the people were happy, there was friendship among the people, a valued love for the motherland, culture and education, respect for the elderly, and child care. The country in which have been carried out the dreams of people about available education and medicine,” said the head of the DPR.
Ukrainian Law Enforcers Use Hundreds of Mines in Donbass / tvzvezda.ru / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 25, 2015 / Ukrainian armed forces fired more than 240 mines in Donbass. This was reported by the Donetsk News Agency, citing a source in DPR law enforcement agencies. Mines of caliber of 82 mm were fired at the village Kominternovo in the south of Donbass. In addition, the UAF bombarded the town with tanks. “The shelling of the village of Kominternovo began about an hour into the day and ended near 16.00. During this time, the enemy fired on the village for at least 240 mines of caliber 82 mm. In addition, the town was shelled by tanks,” it was said in a statement. Also, Ukrainian Security Forces fired mortars at the Donetsk airport. According to DPR Ministry of Defense Intelligence, security forces brought to the contact line a whole convoy of heavy equipment, including “Grad”, tanks and artillery.
Summary of Events of Novorossiya, December 25, 2015 / Novosti Luganskaya (from Anna News) / December 25, 2015 / In the morning Ukrainian fighters opened fire at the settlement Trudovskie in the Petrovsky district of Donetsk and Spartak in the north of Donetsk. The DPR Ministry of Defense reported to the Donetsk News Agency today. Ukrainian battalions shelled the settlement from Marinka and Opytnoe using mortars of 120-mm caliber, anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms. The Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic 9 times. The DPR Ministry of Defense reported to the Donetsk News Agency today. According to the Ministry of Defense, Zaytsevo, Spartak and the area of the airport were subjected to fire from the settlements Peski, Opytnoe and Zhovanka. Ukrainian fighters used mortars, grenade launchers and small arms. They launched more than 15 mines of 82-mm caliber and 20 shots from a grenade launcher for a day – the Ministry of Defense added. Reconnaissance teams of the DPR registered 400 fighters and 24 units of artillery . . . MORE>> Click here.
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
Eduard Basurin (–DAN)
Kiev Accuses DPR in Capture of “Neutral” Towns to Justify Their Offensives – Eduard Basurin [Correction to Earlier Reports] / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 24, 2015 / Kiev has chosen the tactics of charging the DPR for the capturing of settlements in the buffer zone to justify its future offensive [by UAF] units. This was stated to DAN by deputy commander of the DPR Ministry of Defense Corps Eduard Basurin. “The Ukrainian side deliberately discredits the DPR military in the public eye, and has accused it of the seizure of villages in the” gray”area [area not controlled by either side at the signing in Minsk]. This action is aimed at preparing the groundwork for further justification for offensive action and the real capture by force of the same localities by the Ukrainian units,” said the Corps representative. Earlier, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said that the militia allegedly seized the towns of Kominternovo, Zaichenko and Vodyanoye located in the buffer zone between the positions of the conflicting parties. This statement on the capture of Kominternovo, delivered on December 22, has already been refuted the DPR Ministry of Defence. Eduard Basurin stressed that in contrast to the Ukrainian insurgents, the DPR observes the agreements signed in Minsk on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbass. “There has been a recent increase in attacks by Ukrainian battalions on villages previously occupied by the Republic in the buffer zone with artillery and mortars. In particular, we are talking about the settlements of Zhovanka, Pavlopol and Shirokino,” summed up the representative of the Ministry of Defense. Earlier in December, DPR authorities reported on the capture by Ukrainian formations the settlements of Pishevik, Pavlopol, Vinogradnoye, Gnutova, Shirokino, Bahmutovka and Zhovanka. Such actions in Donetsk have been called a step towards escalation. Quemado Institute comments: According to Basurin, our reports of December 22 and 23 in this news column stating that the NAF had thwarted a Ukrainian offensive in Kominternovo and taken control of the town were incorrect. This is a disappointment, as we thought the NAF had finally asserted itself. There is however some question about the truth of Basurin’s claim. We had based our initial accounts on what we consider reliable Twitter sources that generally have local information. More updates will appear.
Kominternovo center, Zaichenko just east-northeast, Mariupol (not shown) below left corner (Click to enlarge.)
OSCE Claims Armed Men Prevented Access to Kominternovo / Quemado Institute (source OSCE) / December 24, 2015 / We are seeking verification of reports about activity in Kominternovo, a village in the neutral zone about 20 km east-northeast of Mariupol and 8 km north of the Azov coast town of Shirokino. According to today’s OSCE official report Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 23 December 2015, “The SMM again attempted to reach Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol, 88km south of Donetsk), from both sides of the contact line, to follow up on reports about the presence of armed ‘DPR’ members in the village. “DPR” armed members denied the SMM access to the village* at a checkpoint approximately 1.5km east of ‘DPR’-controlled Zaichenko (4km north-east of Kominternove). The SMM moved about 700m east from the checkpoint and heard two undetermined explosions 2km and 5-6km west of its position. Shortly after that two armed ‘DPR’ members approached the SMM in a civilian vehicle with Ukrainian license plates and told the SMM to move further away from the checkpoint. The SMM moved about 2km away from the checkpoint and heard another explosion more than 5km west of its position.
Whilst at this position, the SMM observed at least four civilian vehicles with Ukrainian license plates heading west to the Zaichenko checkpoint. The SMM was unable to reach Kominternove from the government-controlled, south-western side of the contact line due to security concerns* (see SMM Daily Report 23 December 2015) and reports of explosions in the area, as corroborated earlier by the SMM patrol on the other side of the contact line. […] *Denial of access: Armed men prevented the SMM from proceeding through a checkpoint east of Zaichenko (“DPR”-controlled, 26km north-east of Mariupol) in the vicinity of Kominternove, without giving any explanation. Security concerns prevented the SMM from reaching Kominternove from the government-controlled side of the village. Armed men prevented the SMM from proceeding through a checkpoint in Prymorske (‘DPR’-controlled, 76km south-east of Donetsk).” Prymorske is visible in upper right of second map. Shirokino (not labelled) is on the coast below Kominternovo.
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Denis Pushilin?? (–DAN)
Ukrainian Group Captured Eight Settlements in Buffer Zone – Pushilin / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 24, 2015 / The number of settlements in the buffer zone in Donbass captured by Ukrainian siloviki [sic] factions has reached eight. This was stated by the head of DPR delegation to the peace talks, Chairman of the People’s Council Denis Pushilin. “The eighth (entrapped) settlement falls in Yasinovatskiy area. Now we are waiting for confirmation from the OSCE,” Russian news agency Tass quoted Pushilin. Earlier, on December 16, the DPR Ministry of Defense Corps representative Eduard Basurin [said Ukraine?] raised the flag over the building of the village council of Troytzkovo in the neutral zone of the Yasinovatskiy area [–tr?], but confirmation that the village was occupied by militants of Kiev has still not been obtained. Also named among the captured Kiev settlements in the buffer zone were Pishevik, Pavlopol, Vinogradnoye, Gnutova, Shirokino, Bahmutovka, and Zhovanka. As of today, Pushilin [said] occupiers are not allowing OSCE observers in these settlements. Recall that today Eduard Basurin categorically denied allegations about the capture of Kiev “neutral” settlements by the DPR militia. The Defense Ministry believe that the corresponding spread of misinformation has occured in order to justify future aggressive actions by the Ukrainian side. The Corps representative noted the recent increase in attacks on the territory of the DPR at captured enemy towns and villages in the “gray” area, including Zhovanki, Pavlopolya and Shirokino. Quemado Institute comments: On receiving this news of further defeat, we question the DPR/LPR’s tolerance of Ukrainian offensives at their border. What about the people who live in those settlements? Do their lives not matter? And who cares what the International Community thinks? Not only is there no “International Community,” the crooks that try to pass for that community are incapable of rational thought. They fabricate lies no matter what the DPR/LPR does. It is naive to extend kindness to the gangsters who comprise the Global Financial Elite—a naivete Vladimir Putin, alas, also shares.
Twitter Report by John Delacour
December 24, 2015 13:00 UTC
“#Kominternovo: E. Basuirin comments on Arsen Avakov’s hysterical behaviour.”
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Denis Pushilin (–DAN)
DPR and LPR Say Unnecessary to Consolidate Extension of Minsk-2 with Special Document / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 24, 2015 / The Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republic do not see any need to formalize the extension of full responsibility for the Minsk Agreements into 2016. This was stated by the head of the DPR delegation to the peace talks, Chairman of the People’s Council Denis Pushilin. “There was no choice. Accordingly, what the whole situation boils down to is that we have no other option but to migrate into 2016…. Accordingly, there is a full understanding that there is no need to formalize and sign the document further,” the Russian news agency Tass quoted Pushilin. Recall that last year the meeting in “Minsk” format was held in the capital of Belarus on December 22. Previously it was assumed that the performance of the complex of measures signed on February 12 will be completed by the end of 2015, but the dates have already been called for the next round of negotiations, to take place on January 13, 20, and 27, 2016. Quemado Institute comments: We have lost what respect we may have had for the Minsk process and consider Pushilin and other Contact Group delegates irresponsible for bypassing the legal requirement of formally extending Minsk 2.0. Technically the original document is null and void after 2015. If the delegates can ignore the effective expiration clause, they can also ignore other clauses when expedient. That the representatives themselves do not respect the word of Minsk 2.0 reveals it as the sham many already suspected it was. Both sides, of course, benefit from the relative peace, despite having never intended the completion of the Agreements.
Normandy Four Leaders to Discuss Ukrainian Crisis in Next Few Days – Kiev / Sputnik / December 24, 2015 / Leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France will discuss the conflict in eastern Ukraine in a conference call in the next few days, a Kiev official said Thursday. / KIEV / The Normandy Quartet format, comprising France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine, was created in 2014 to secure a peaceful settlement to the conflict in eastern Ukraine that flared up in April 2014 after Kiev launched a military operation to suppress local militia who refused to recognize the authorities that took power in the country after the overthrow of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. “A phone conference call between the Normandy four leaders is expected in the next few days…Key issues on the agenda will be the security situation in Donbass and the lack of progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements,” Kiev’s envoy to the Contact Group’s humanitarian subgroup, Iryna Herashchenko, said in an interview with Ukrainian Channel 5 television. [… More general background at source.]
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(–civilnet.am)
OSCE: Conflict in Donbas led to groundless imprisonment of people / 112.international / December 24, 2015 / The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Donbas released a report focusing on cases of removing law offices from the militant-held areas onto the government-controlled territory. The ongoing conflict significantly affected that, too, says the [44-page] report. The mission’s members stressed in the report that civilians face difficulties with due access to the courts, which takes place both in militant-held and government-controlled areas of Donbas. OSCE marked that the report’s findings are based on “meetings with judges, prosecutors, civil society and other actors, and focus on the implications of the seizure of government buildings by armed groups and the subsequent relocation of all Ukrainian justice services from non-government-controlled to government-controlled areas”. The report shows that the administration of justice by Ukrainian authorities has been negatively impacted by the relocation process. For example, courts and prosecution offices in government-controlled areas suffer from shortages in staffing and equipment, and court cases have been forced to be suspended or terminated as essential case materials remain in non-government controlled areas or were destroyed by armed groups. “People residing in non-government controlled areas face additional challenges. Due to the lack of postal services, many are not provided with adequate notice of legal proceedings. Even where people are notified, they are required to undertake difficult journeys to reach courts in government-controlled areas. Moreover, for certain areas of Donbas which lie outside government control, many court decisions cannot be enforced”, says the message at the OSCE website posted briefly after the organization’s report was published. The SMM members noted that parallel “justice systems” have begun operating outside of the Ukrainian justice system in non-government controlled areas. “The SMM, however, found that these are non-transparent, subject to constant change, seriously under-resourced and, in many instances, completely non-functional”, reads the message. The OSCE Mission in Eastern Ukraine expressed grave concern because “both the conflict and the relocation of the justice institutions have led to the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of people in both government and non-government controlled areas”. Editor’s note: Could this explain the abduction and illegal detention of DPR’s pro-Novorossiya journalist Valentina Kornienko? If anyone knows her fate, please comment.
Christmas In Donetsk
(Photo –Sputnik News)
Prayerful Thoughts for Donbass
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Finally from me, my Christmas greeting to all of you. All who have lent their precious time to fighting for freedom against Kiev’s thugs. The lying junta of Ukraine are firing random mortar shells into communities consisting primarily of elderly. Ukrainian forces drunk, out of control. In my view it’s imperative we support Russia in her determination to make the USA & EU back down from their aggression. Who knows what 2016 will bring? We must keep up the pressure on the USA @NATO & @EU to halt their aggression against #Russia. And the complicit & compliant prostitutes @Amnesty @HRW & @OSCE who pretend to be unbiased but are in fact agents of the #US @StateDept. Kiev MUST be defeated. It’s crimes against humanity MUST be exposed. It’s drunken thug army MUST be made to leave the #Donbass. The relatives of all those who @Poroshenko’s scum army murdered MUST have their chance to spit in the killers’ faces. @Guardian @BBC @CNN. We MUST see an end to #Ukraine’s specious lies, propaganda and slanderous remarks about a #Russia that has shown integrity throughout. Kiev MUST be defeated. It’s crimes against humanity MUST be exposed. It’s drunken thug army MUST be made to leave the #Donbass. The people of #Donetsk, #Lugansk & elsewhere in the #Donbass MUST be left in peace to love #Russia as they have always done.
Text by @Novorossiyan on Twitter
December 24, 2015
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Wednesday, December 23, 2015
DPR militia (–DAN)
NAF Takes Kominternovo Near Mariupol, Ukraine Threatens Military Action [Correction] / Quemado Institute / December 23, 2015 / The village of Kominternovo was taken on December 22 by the Novorossiya Armed Forces after the Ukrainian military attempted to seize the town. According to reports, the DPR militia now controls of the village. Lying near the contact line in neutral territory not held by either side at the time of signing in Minsk, Kominternovo is located 20 km east-northeast of central Mariupol and some 8 km north of the Azov Sea town of Shirokino. This was scene of intense battles up through early July 2015, when the NAF unilaterally withdrew. Kominternovo’s proximity to Mariupol has caused some panic among enemy officials. In early December, Ukraine captured seven other villages in the so-called “Grey Zone.” As Enrico Ivanov reported yesterday on Twitter: “In the morning NAF thwarted an attempt by Ukrops to take Kominternovo, would have been the 8th town captured in neutral area.” The Ukrainian offensives constitute a de facto invasion (see report), and have led Deputy Commander of the DPR Ministry of Defense Corps Eduard Basurin, according to DAN, to announce on December 4: “Yesterday, the military and political leadership of Ukraine said the seizure of the settlements Pavlopol and Pishevik in the Mariupol region was ‘victorious’. Data on violent capture of settlements by the UAF is a precondition for the resumption of the outbreak of hostilities.” 
The DAN report continues: “Eduard Basurin stressed that the settlements Shirokino, Vinogradnoye, Pavlopol, Pishevik, and Gnutova, located in the buffer zone near the line of contact between the parties, were not under the control of the Kiev authorities at the time of the signing of the agreements. ‘I want to remind you that with the signing of the Minsk Agreements on February 12, 2015, the parties are obliged to withdraw heavy weapons to prevent violent seizure of settlements in the so-called “neutral zone”,’ said the representative of the Defense Ministry. On the eve of December 3, the Ukrainian General Staff announced that Pishevik and Pavlopol previously were in the neutral zone, the security forces brought them under the control of Kiev, and the administrative authorities of Ukraine began work in the villages.” Today, news platform ostro.org reports (edited autotranslation): Zhebrivskyi Sees No Option Except Force to Free Kominternovo and Other Ukrainian Towns (Video) / Chairman of Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavel Zhebrivskyi does not preclude themilitary option to liberate occupied Kominternovo village and other settlements of the Donetsk region occupied by militants [DPR/LPR militia]. He said this today in Mariupol. “We need to liberate Kominternovo and other Ukrainian towns and villages … It’s probably an unpopular thing to say but apart from the power variant I do not see … Of course, we will do all that is necessary. But bullying Ukrainians who live in the temporarily occupied territories, and brainwashing them, lead to such a watershed between families, between friends, who live in the territory and in the regions controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. Actually this abscess, sooner or later will need to be opened. We would like it to be done in a peaceful way, but really, if you cannot, you have to use other ways, because this is Ukrainian territory, where Ukrainian citizens live, and they should be under Ukrainian jurisdiction,” said Zhebrivskyi on video Laid-site 0629. According to the governor, Kominternovo was taken by the DPR in retaliation for Ukrainian forces entering Pavlopol and Pishevik. Zhebrivskyi noted that since Pavlopol and Pishevik, according to the Minsk agreements, are included in the zone of influence of the Ukrainian leadership, the KPVV were transferred to the territory of these settlements. According to the governor, from the DPR viewpoint, the capture of Kominternovo is based on the fact that according to Minsk agreements, the settlement is in the DPR zone of influence. Editor’s note: see also Sputnik article Kiev’s Captured Seven Villages in Buffer Zone in Donbass – DPR Envoy (December 8, 2015. Update: On December 24, Eduard Basurin has denied that the NAF seized Kominternovo. (See above report of December 24.)
Turkish Mercenaries Arrive in Ukraine, Plot Subversions Against DPR, Russia / Sputnik / December 23, 2015 / The mercenaries are planning subversions in Russia and the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to the DPR intelligence. / DONETSK / The intelligence service of the self-proclaimed [sic] Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) detected the presence of foreign mercenaries in the eastern Ukrainian cities of Artemovsk and Mariupol, a spokesperson of DPR’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday. “A group of about 100 Turkish mercenaries have arrived in Mariupol. Their main aim is to carry out subversive and inflammatory activities targeting both military and civilian sites in coastal areas in [both] the DPR and Russia,” the spokesperson told reporters. The spokesperson added that some 200 mercenaries with identifying insignia of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but speaking in Polish, Slovak and Turkish languages, arrived in Artemovsk. [… More generic background at source.]
Kherson region (–warfiles.ru)
Local “authorities” are powerless: Kherson Nazis are terrorizing the locals / mianews.ru / December 24, 2015 / In Kalanchak district of Kherson area unknowns in the form with nationalist stripes systematically beaten and robbed local residents. The local “regional administration” sounded the alarm, stating this on its website. During the session of “regional Council” the head “of the Department of education and science” region Evgeniy Krinitsky made a statement saying about prevailing in the area threatening situation. “Persons in camouflage uniforms, under the guise of Patriotic stripes, has carried out several robberies and beatings of people I, as a resident of Kalanchak district, cannot stand aloof from what is happening. This is unacceptable in the border area,” he said. During the meeting, all officials were opposed to this phenomenon and even assured that the investigating authorities already are investigating. However, there were no solutions to this problem and to ensure the safety of local communities was proposed. No one knows how to deal with out-of-control Nazi and not become “the enemy”. According to the testimony of local residents, “the unknowns” are Nazi militants of the “Aidar” battalion, whose antics have brought to despair the local population. Legalization of Nazism in the country 404 begins to give the first sprouts, and it seems that over time the situation will only get worse. It is worth remembering one thing — any patience sooner or later comes to an end.
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(–Russia Insider)
Caught in the act: German state channel accused of faking Russian soldiers in Ukraine / rt.com / December 23, 2015 / A Russian television channel alleges a German state broadcaster hired actors to show Russian involvement in the eastern Ukraine conflict. The scandal centers around a Russian ‘volunteer’ paid by the German company to say he was fighting in Ukraine. The documentary film, entitled ‘Strongman Putin’ produced by ZDF, suggests many Russians are fighting for the separatists opposed to the Kiev government. However, holes in the channel’s story start to open immediately, such as the Ukrainian flag being visible on the soldier’s uniforms. However, this was nothing in comparison to the lengths they went to in order to find a hero for their story, the Russia 1 TV channel found out. “Igor is a volunteer for the separatist fighters, a fact which he is proud of,” the documentary by ZDF says. The only problem was ‘Igor’ was in fact an unemployed 27-year-old from Kaliningrad, Yury Lobyskin, who had never joined the separatists. “A German journalist called Dietmar came to see me as well as a film crew from Germany and said ‘let’s film a documentary about you’ saying that you went from Kaliningrad to Donetsk to fight for the separatists,” Lobyskin admitted. ‘Dietmar’ is ZDF political observer Dietmar Schumann, the Rossiya 1 report states. “[Dietmar] said to me that they needed me to say that I was wounded, despite the fact that I have never be wounded. Firstly they took me to Moscow and then . . . MORE>> Click here.
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Mikheil Saakashvili (–rt.com)
Inside Ukraine’s violent, messy battle for power / by Oliver Carroll / politico.eu / December 23, 2015 / KIEV / Conflict at the highest levels of the Ukrainian government has become so sharp in recent weeks that the battles have turned public and the fights have gone viral, as the jostling for power undermines efforts to deal with war, corruption and a nose-diving economy. The tensions tearing apart Ukraine’s ruling classes was full display at a meeting of Ukraine’s reform council, which turned into a shouted exchange among top officials. “You’re a thief and will go to jail,” an emotional Mikheil Saakashvili yelled at Ukraine’s Interior Minister Arsen Avakov last week. “You are an asshole and clear out of my country,” responded Avakov, throwing a full glass of water in his direction. Reduced to the role of spectator, Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine’s president and the man who appointed Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia, as governor of Odessa, had reason to hold his head in his hands. The spat showed Poroshenko was unable to command authority among his colleagues, who are engaged in an often literal fight to the political death. They’re warring over the whether Prime Minister Arseniy Yatstenyuk, whose popularity has dropped to the low single digits, should stay, and what role, if any, Saakashvili should play at the top of Ukrainian politics. Political brinksmanship: “It seems like there are on-going battles behind the scene for key leadership roles/positions,” wrote Timothy Ash, an emerging markets analyst with Nomura, the investment bank. Two days after the water-throwing incident, the president, prime minister and parliamentary speaker issued a joint statement urging unity, and insisting Yatsenyuk’s resignation was not up for discussion. But despite the unusual statement, pressure continues to grow on Yatsenyuk. A vote of non-confidence in the prime minister is likely in the New Year. Oleg Barna, an MP who tried to lift Yatsenyuk off his feet and bodily carry him out of parliament a couple of weeks ago — providing another viral sensation — is said to have gathered 90 of the necessary 150 signatures required to call such a vote, according to parliamentary sources. Focused on political battles, the legislature is stalled on a key vote on decentralization, a crucial part of the Minsk peace agreement meant to end fighting with Russian-backed rebels in the east of the country. And added to those problems, parliament is having trouble agreeing on a budget acceptable to the International Monetary Fund, jeopardizing Ukraine’s crucial financial lifeline. “It is clear that 24 years of warped development, with oligarchic capture of the political, judicial and governmental process in Ukraine, has left corruption endemic and ingrained,” wrote Ash. According to Taras Berezovets, a Kiev-based political analyst, parliament is headed for paralysis. Early parliamentary elections in 2016 now look likely, he said, the question is when: spring or autumn.
Angela Merkel (–euractiv.com)
Angela Merkel Is Personally Responsible For The Extension Of Sanctions Against Russia / Novorossia Today / December 23, 2015 / Russian State Duma’s International Affairs Committee chairman Alexey Pushkov has said Wednesday that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is personally responsible for the decision to extend European Union’s sanctions against Russia. “I do not see any real possibilities to improve relations with the United States. The relations will remain very difficult. The United States will cooperate with us only in those spheres where they have no other options. The situation with Europe is somewhat different though one should not underestimate US influence on Europe, on Germany in particular, and on Angela Merkel as well,” Pushkov told a press conference in Moscow. “If not for Merkel’s position, I think EU could have already moved maybe not to lifting sanctions altogether, but at least to easing them,” Pushkov noted. Merkel’s tough position on this issue is connected with American influence on Germany, he added. “That is why I think that if there are improvement in relations with Europe in the future, it will only happen in separate spheres,” the lawmaker said. He reminded that Germany expressed interest in the Nord Stream-2 project. “This is the choice in favor of energy cooperation with Russia though Poland and most of East Europe spoke against it. In cases where arguments are too large to be ignored, EU will cooperate with us. In cases where there are no such arguments, it will remain on the same positions,” Pushkov concluded. The European Union (EU) will try to review sanctions against Russia in spring, he noted. “I can assume that (they) will start looking more actively for possibilities to review sanctions against Russia in spring, and I hope that it will lead to results in summer,” Pushkov said. “Sanctions were adopted (at the end of 2015) in the situation of serious disagreements despite seeming unanimity,” the lawmaker said. “I think that these disagreements will only grow by summer 2016,” he added. On December 21 the Council of the European Union formally extended sanctions against Russia by six months, thus endorsing the decision agreed by the envoys of the 28 EU member-countries on December 18. The sanctions against Russia were extended until July 31, 2016. The EU leaders initially linked the duration of sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk Agreements that expire on 31 December 2015. “However, since the Minsk agreements will not be fully implemented by 31 December 2015, the duration of the sanctions has been prolonged whilst the Council continues its assessment of progress in implementation,” EU said in a statement.
In Catalonia will be formed its own government / mianews.ru / December 24, 2015 / Parties of Catalonia, which advocate independence for the region, took the decision to form a local government, which would fight for independence from Spain. The Executive authority will adhere to the pursuit of the Spanish region’s independence. It will include delegates of the party’s far-left “Candidate of national unity”, and representatives of the block “Together for independence”, which includes the party: “the Democratic convergence of Catalonia” led by President of Catalonia Arthur Mas, “Left-wing Republicans Catalonia”, “leftists” and “Democrats of Catalonia”. Both political forces have agreed on a plan of economic development, as well as the shape of the head of the government — it will be Arthur Mas. The decision on formation of the government of Catalonia was natural. On Sunday, Spain held General elections in which the ruling party still won though and lost most.
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Tuesday, December 22, 2015
(Brief update)
Densit Pushilin (–Sputnik)
Upcoming Constitutional Changes in Parliament Demonstrate Kiev’s Lack of Peaceful Intentions – Pushilin / DAN / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 22, 2015 / Draft amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine submitted to the Verkhovna Rada do not correspond with the Minsk Agreement and have not been approved by the representatives of the People’s Republics of Donbass. This was stated by the head of DPR delegation to the peace talks, Chairman of the People’s Council Denis Pushilin. “This is, in fact, a direct proof of the absence of any official peaceful intentions of KIev or of any desire to seek an understanding with Donbass. The document displays a complete and utter disregard for the Minsk Agreement,” it was emphasized in a statement by the speaker, which was received by DAN. According to the DPR, the Ukrainian government widely misrepresents before Parliament the draft law number 2217a “On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine concerning the decentralization of power”, mimicking the implementation of paragraph 11 of the Set of Measures signed on February 12. “In addition, the document must be absolutely consistent with the recommendations of representatives of the Republic, as mandated by Minsk-2, in which there are substantive comments. Requirements for decentralization and a description of the special status should be taken from the text of the Set of Measures and, following the conclusions of the Venice Commission, must be established in the main text of the constitution and not in the transitional provisions,” added Pushilin. Recall that the constitutional reform in Ukraine for decentralization of the government is a key point of the agreements set out in the Package of Measures for implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The DPR and LPR have repeatedly pointed out that in accordance with these agreements, constitutional amendments should be consistent with the recommendations of Donbass. Editor’s note: The following is a translation of Denis Pushilin’s full statement: Draft amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine, being prepared in the Verkhovna Rada, do not correspond to the Set of Measures for implementing the Minsk Agreement. Bill number 2217a, “On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine concerning the decentralization of power,” proposed by the Verkhovna Rada, does not correspond to the letter of the Minsk Agreement, nor to the requirements of the People’s Republic, and is not approved by their representatives. As, indeed, a direct proof of the absence of any official peaceful intentions of Kiev or any desire to seek an understanding with Donbass, the document represents a complete and utter disregard for the Minsk Agreement. We have repeatedly stated the importance of the paragraphs of the Set of Measures to achieve peace. We have offered our vision of changes and additions to the Constitution of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada, and Mr. Groisman, and members of the Minsk talks have not received a response. However, Kiev continues to simulate the implementation of paragraph 11 of the Complex of Measures, and is widely and publicly highlighting each stage of consideration by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the above bill, trying to pass it off as a proper fulfillment of obligations. Donbass does not recognize this. The position of the Republics in the matter is one of solidarity. In addition, the document must be absolutely consistent with the representatives of the Republic, as required by Minsk-2, in which there are substantive comments. Requirements for decentralization and a description of the special status should be taken from the text of the Set of Measures and, following the conclusions of the Venice Commission, must be secured in the main text of the constitution and not in the transitional provisions. But, contrary to the KM (Set of Measures), the conclusion of the Venice Commission, and common sense, the main body of the law does not reference the special status of Donbass.
Alexander Zakharchenko (–Essence of Time)
Zakharchenko on Pillaging by Ukrainian Military in Krasnogorovka and Other Front-Line Cities / Zakharchenko official website / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / The head of the DPR responded to a reporter’s question about the looting by UAF soldiers in cities of the country located near the front line. Question: Under the guise of combating terrorism in Krasnogorovka, during the day they broke into the house, opened the apartment … where the people left, and at night returned to the house and robbed it. This was repeated in other front-line cities. We see open looting of the houses … without embarrassment. Zaharchenko: They hide the traces of their crimes. We have witnessed the mayhem, the usual legalized robbery at the state level. That is, the UAF units and the National Guard under them have really robbed the whole city. What is happening in the temporarily occupied territory is scary. I would like to address everybody who is now looting, taking away forged gates, stealing lingerie, pillows, mattresses: We will come to your houses, with all of the documents in our hands and we will ask, “Where did you get this mattress? Where did you get these gates?” Donbass will always come to take back what it owns. If you rob us today, that doesn’t mean it is yours. Sooner or later the looters will be punished handsomely for what they’ve done.
NAF Repels Offensive from Schastye, Defends Neutral Village of Kominternovo / Quemado Institute / December 22, 2015 / Enrico Ivanov informs us today on Twitter: “During the night NAF repelled a Ukrainian offensive from Schastye! Casualties reported! / In the morning NAF thwarted an attempt by Ukrops to take Kominternovo, would have been the 8th town captured in neutral area.” Ivanov also posted a link to a vk.com site, reporting (translation): “At night, from 21.12 to 22.12, Ukronazis used provocative harassing fire on positions from the direction of the city of Schastye. As a result, due to response and immediate reaction, there was fighting around the area of the bridge, with the use of self-propelled guns and mortars. According to the information, there are dead and wounded, but the LPR troops reported briefly: ‘Safe!'” Editor’s note: Schastye is about 15 km north of Lugansk. Kominternovo lies near the DPR contact line, about 20 km east-northeast of Mariupol and about 8 km north of the Azov coastal town of Shirokino. Update: On December 24, Eduard Basurin has denied that the NAF seized Kominternovo. (See above report of December 24.)
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Igor Plotnitsky
Plotnitsky Spoke to Graham Phillips about Killings of LPR Commanders and Harry Potter (VIDEO) / Novosti Novorossyi / Edited autotranslation by Quemado Institute / December 22, 2015 / [Visiting British journalist] Graham Phillips met with the head of the People’s Republic of Lugansk Igor Plotnitksy, and the first question he asked was: “Why in the LPR, unlike the DPR, are well-known commanders killed? And why in the press does the LPR usually appear in connection with these sad events?” Igor Plotnitsky immediately threw the ball back at Graham and replied that the responsibility for such coverage of the life of the LPR is only for journalists. He lamented the fact that the shelling of LPR towns and villages is reported at times in the press less often than the shelling of Donetsk and its suburbs. “Perhaps, journalists believe Donetsk is more comfortable to live and settle there, and therefore write about Donetsk,” said the Head of the LPR. He said that in the ranks of the LPR People’s Militia there are no less vivid personalities than Givi and Motorola, but the media pays no attention to them, which does not prevent them from living and brilliantly handling the mission. Asked about the murder of Yevgeny Ishchenko and Alexei Mozgovoy, Plotnitsky said that the death of Mozgovoy is much more mysterious, and has greater consequences. “Why is this not happening on the territory of the DPR? Are you sure you know all the statistics?” asks Igor Plotntsiky. Also, the head of LPR stressed that the war is not over, it goes, and the DRG [Reconnaisance Groups] continue to work. Plotnitsky suddenly remembered “Harry Potter” and mentioned in his speech that “the love of family is the best body armor, as in the books of JK Rowling.”
Graham Phillips, Lugansk, Dec 22, 2015 (–lug-info.com)
Editor’s Note: The above is a brief synopsis of the Plotnitsky interview. Apologies for possible errors in translation. The 7-minute Graham Phillips video in Russian can be found at source. Graham has promised to issue a subtitled version, which we will post when available. Quemado Institute comments: Kudos to Graham Phillips for confronting Plotnitksy about the murders of LPR commanders, which some pro-Novorossiya observers believe were committed by Plotnitsky’s own agents. News sources advocating this theory seem, however, to be based in Ukraine (eg. Odesa), while sources from the LPR deny Plotnitsky’s guilt. (See our post Pavel Dremov Assassination: Plotnitsky Rumors Likely False ) Since journalists in neither region enjoy freedom of the press, it is difficult to assess their reliability. We have published both viewpoints, but prefer not to form an editorial opinion without further evidence. Update: Novorossiya analyst Vladimir Suchan, quoting the Plotnitsky interview, tweeted today: “Plotnitsky: ‘I and Zakharchenko know about more commanders who were killed’ and whose deaths were not publicized. / Plotnitsky: On the deaths of Mozgovoy and Ischenko, ‘The enemy is hunting down people who had influence.'”
Graham Phillips lectures in Lugansk, Dec 22, 2015
British Reporter Graham William Phillips in Lugansk / NewsFront / Edited autotranslation from German by Quemado Institute / December 22, 2015 / The British free-lance journalist Graham William Phillips reports from Lugansk. In addition to the images of destruction, he also reports on the positive: He gave a lecture to journalism students at the university located there. On the microblogging platform Twitter, he showed us his impressions. Lugansk is repeatedly bombarded by the Ukrainian armed forces. This is also reflected in the picture again, which the freelance journalist published on Twitter. Below we look at the history museum in the city which was completely destroyed by artillery strikes. Phillips also attended a master class of journalism students, where he shared his experiences to the young journalists. You should always work hard, keep your reports objective and stick to the truth. And above all, never give up. The journalist spent more than a year in the crisis region in Donbass. A dangerous job, because last year he was arrested several times by forces of the Ukrainian coup government. In addition, his car was destroyed and one has declared him in Ukraine “persona non grata”. By this, however, he was not impressed and reported a little later from the east of Ukraine. Among other things, Phillips also works for Russia Today and other international media … but he mainly works as a freelance reporter from the crisis region. For more information, see his blog The Truth Speaker and his video channel on YouTube. Editor’s note: for tweets, photos and links, see source.
Ukraine. Click to enlarge. (–sras.org)
Kherson Residents Stand United Against Aidar Battalion / Translated for Fort Russ by Ollie Richardson / Fort Russ / December 23, 2015 / In the Kherson region, residents have created self-defense units against the lawlessness of the fighters of the “Aidar” battalion. This was reported by “Russian spring”. “In Kalanchak people have taken up arms and created self-defense units against the gangs who rob stores and induce fear into the local population, and as a result, the police of the Kherson region say all is well. They work in a regular mode”, — writes the editor of the local media Taras Buzak. According to local residents, they have created a real mess and the situation every day only becomes more aggravated. The Police and security services do nothing. “I can confirm! There really is lawlessness! This is my district, so I can not stand for it!”, — said the Deputy of the Kherson regional Council Evgeniy Krinitsky.
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Monday, December 21, 2015
(Brief update)
Right wing march in Kyiv [Kiev] demands release of accused murderers of journalist Oles Buzina / NewColdWar.org / December 21, 2015 / Thousands of Ukrainian nationalists took to the streets of the Ukrainian capital on Saturday to call for the release of Andrei Medvedko and Denis Polishchuk, who stand accused of murdering opposition journalist Oles Buzina. Protesters lit flares as they marched through the streets of Kiev to the headquarters of the public prosecutor. The protest was attended and organized by a range of Ukrainian far-right and nationalist groups, including the Svoboda Party, Right Sector and members of right-wing paramilitary battalions. 
Oles Buzina was shot dead on April 16, 2015 in front of his apartment in Kiev. Ukrainian authorities arrested several suspects in June. Buzina was outpsoken against the demonisation of all things Russia that has swept over Ukraine since the violent overthrow of the elected president of Ukraine in February 2014. [Video available at source. Photo: Oles Buzina (–tumblr.com).]
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Ukraine: Azov Battalion attack police chief’s house with Molotov cocktails (VIDEO) / Ruptly / December 21, 2015 / Members of the nationalist ‘Azov’ organization in Ukraine made an attempt to set on fire the house of a local police chief using Molotov cocktails in Krasnokutsk, Kharkov Region on Monday. The attack in Krasnokutsk was preceded by a brief meeting, where a group of young people wearing balaclavas and carrying Azov battalion flags distinguished themselves among local residents. The rally was held to protest against what they claim to be abuse of power by police leadership. Editor’s note: this startling video can be viewed here.
Zakhar Prilepin
Prilepin: Dear Ukrainians, Couldn’t you hang Poroshenko, without waiting for the next round of funerals? / Commentary by Zakhar Prilepin, translated by Tom Winter / Fort Russ / December 20, 2015 / Zakhar Prilepin to the Ukrainians “Don’t wait for the graves of your soldiers: Hang Poroshenko.” Freezing weather has come to Donetsk. Frost? What do you suppose that means? It means solid ground, and the ability to move and drive equipment over the fields. The chances that the “Minsk Agreement” will end soon are very high. Ukraine is in pre-default condition. Ukraine is “activated” and will start shooting. The conflict is an ongoing everyday matter. But there’s going to be an attempt at a large-scale offensive. Currently APU are rotating to the front; new military equipment keeps on coming up. Hey, somebody, grab OSCE for an interview on the other side. Ask how they sleep there. It is against this grim background that within a few days my journal got banned, FB banned Oleg Tsarev, Herman Sadulayev, Ivan Rakhmetov, Alan Mamiev, Dmitry Puchkov – seems completely irrelevant. But it does not seem random at all. This is just a small part of a larger campaign, which is being prepared. Not satisfied with the result, Facebook has gone further, and forbidden me correspondence: Everyone who writes to me here – I can not answer. In Donetsk, gunfire is heard more and more often. On the other side – more than two hundred tanks. Tanks aren’t used for defense. Tanks are for offense. From this side, too, there is something going on. Yesterday, my favorite rap duo played in Donetsk. It was a stunning concert. I saw Motorola, “Let’s go to the concert,” I say. – No, – he says – I’m with my daughter. Such news at the moment. Nice Ukrainians. Dear people, Your Poroshenko, the will of the Lord sent him, is intending to arrange another meatgrinder. It’s going to end up as bad as all previous attempts. Thousands of people will die – your sons, Ukrainians. Could you hang him without waiting for the all the funerals?
Novorossiya Daily Sun 