United Armed Forces of Novorossiya
United Armed Forces of Novorossiya Объединённые Вооруженные Силы Новороссии | |
---|---|
Founded |
3 March 2014[1] (as Donbass People's Militia) |
Current form | 16 September 2014[2] |
Leadership | |
Minister of Defence |
Vladimir Kononov (Donetsk People's Republic) Oleg Bugrov (Luhansk People's Republic) |
Manpower | |
Active personnel |
10,000 – 20,000 (July 2014)[3][4] 30,000 – 35,000 (March 2015)[5] 40,000 – 45,000 (June 2015)[6] |
The United Armed Forces of Novorossiya (Russian: Объединённые Вооруженные Силы Новороссии; acronym NAF)[2][7] is the umbrella name for the militias and armed volunteer groups affiliated with the defunct political union called Novorossiya (New Russia). It consists of the Donbass People's Militia,[8][9] the Luhansk People's Militia and autonomous armed groups. It is regarded as a terrorist group by the Government of Ukraine.[10]
The Donbass People's Militia was formed by Pavel Gubarev, who was elected "People's Governor" of Donetsk Oblast by pro-Russian protesters.[11] It was originally involved in taking control of Ukrainian government buildings in the Donetsk oblast. Tensions increased to the point of the militia being actively involved in fighting a war against the Ukrainian government in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The militia was accused by the Ukrainian government of culpability in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 on 17 July 2014. The militias of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, merged into one group on 16 September 2014, forming the "United Armed Forces of Novorossiya".[2]
It is widely believed that the separatists are supported by Russian armed forces.[12] Although the Russian government often denies direct involvement stating that their soldiers were there voluntarily and not under orders, some of them were detained riding their combat vehicles with documents proving their origin in Russian armed forces.[13] Moreover, separatists admitted receiving supplies from Russia and being trained there. BBC reported that separatist ranks are composed of thousands of Russian citizens, and NATO accused Russia of deploying their regular troops into Ukraine.[13][14] Registered Cossacks of the Russian Federation have been reported to be supporting separatists in the conflict as well. Head of the DPR, Alexander Zakharchenko, claimed in August 2014 that there are around 3,000 to 4,000 Russian volunteers fighting for the militia, which includes current and many retired Russian Army servicemen.[15]
History
On 3 March 2014, during the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine, protesters took control of the regional administration building in Donetsk.<ref name=NY Times">Andrew Roth (3 March 2014). "From Russia, ‘Tourists’ Stir the Protests". New York Times. Retrieved 16 April 2016.</ref> A newly created armed opposition group named the Donbass People's Militia participated in it and was led by Pavel Gubarev.<ref name=NY Times"/> This happened when 11 Ukrainian cities with significant populations of ethnic Russians erupted in demonstrations against the new Ukrainian government.<ref name=NY Times"/> On 6 April 2014, 2,000 pro-Russian protesters rallied outside the regional administration building.[16] In the same day, groups of protesters in Eastern Ukraine stormed the regional administration building in Kharkiv, and the SBU headquarters in Luhansk.[11] The groups created a people's council and demanded a referendum like in Crimea.[16] Within a few days, several government buildings in cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk were also stormed.[17][18][nb 1] On 12 April, the supporters of the Donetsk People's Republic and members of Donbass People's Militia set up checkpoints and barricades in Sloviansk.[28] The same day, former members of the Donetsk "Berkut" unit joined the ranks of the Donbass People's Militia.[29]
On 13 April, the newly established Ukrainian government gave the separatists a deadline to disarm or face a "full-scale anti-terrorist campaign" in the region.[30] Later that day, the first reports of fighting was reported between the people's militia and Ukrainian troops near Sloviansk, with casualties on both sides.[31][32] On 14 April, members of the Donbass People's Militia blocked Ukrainian military KrAZ truck's armed with Grad missiles from entering the city.[33][34] On 15 April, a full scale "Anti-Terrorist Operation" was launched by the Ukrainian government with aim of restoring their authority over the areas seized by the militia.[35]
On 16 April, the militia entered Sloviansk with six BMD airborne amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicles[37][38] they obtained from parts of the 25th Airborne Brigade[39] who had switched allegiance.[40][41][42][43] The "occupants" were disarmed after the vehicles were blockaded by locals.[44] The militia also received one self-propelled 120 mm mortar 2S9 "Nona-S"[45][46] On April 20, an unidentified armed group in civilian clothes attacked a Militia checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Sloviansk. Three attackers and three members of Militia were killed.[47] On May 14, eight members of Militia seized an IMR armored vehicle from Novokramatorsky Mashinostroitelny Zavod.[48]
On May 15, the Donbass People's Militia sent an ultimatum to Kiev. They ordered the withdraw all Ukrainian troops from Donetsk oblast.[49] On May 17, several members of the militia seized two BRDM unarmed armored vehicles from Severodonetsk and Lysychansk (Luhansk Oblast)[50] On May 22, the Federal State of Novorossiya was declared. On May 23, several members of people's militia seized another BRDM-RKh unarmed armored vehicle from Loskutovka (Luhansk Oblast)[51]
The militia were widely suspected to be involved in the downing of a civilian airliner, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, on 17 July 2014.[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59]
On August 8, the militia claimed that after battles near border with Russia, they captured 67 pieces of equipment with varying status (serviceable equipment without ammunition and fuel, with faults, damaged in battle and completely unusable), including 18 multiple rocket launching systems "Grad", 15 tanks and armored personnel carriers, howitzers, MANPADS, etc.[60] As of August 12, the militia has at least 200 armored vehicles.[61]
The months of July and early August were disastrous for the militias with many analysts saying they were on the verge of defeat before a sudden counteroffensive, which the Ukrainian Government claims was supported by Russian troops, encircled thousands of Ukrainian troops and forced them into a retreat.[62] The militias soon re-captured several strategic positions such as Savur-Mohyla and Luhansk International Airport.[63] The armies of both the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic merged on 16 September 2014 to form the "United Armed Forces of Novorossiya".[2][64]
On 2 February 2015, Head of the DPR, Alexander Zakharchenko, announced that there would be a general mobilization in the DPR of 10,000 volunteers, and he aimed to eventually expand the NAF to 100,000 soldiers.[65]
On 20 May 2015 the leadership of the Federal State of Novorossiya announced the termination of the confederation 'project'[66] but the United Armed Forces will be retained as the joint armed service of the two constituent states.
On 14 September 2015, there was a war banner ceremony at the newly established Donetsk Higher Military Command School.[67] Zakharchenko addressed the new students, and congratulated them by saying they will be the officers to lead the DPR Armed Forces and resolve all conflicts.[67] Mikhail Tikhonov is the head of the school.[67]
Structure
The militias consist of different armed groups, which took the oath for Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. Militant groups which refused to do it were disarmed as gangs in the DPR.[68] Other groups are autonomous forces.[69]
Combat forces
Donetsk People's Republic
Donbass People's Militia (Russian: Народное ополчение Донбасса)
- North Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Север») (unofficial)[70]
- 1st Sloviansk Brigade (Russian: 1-й Славянская бригада) - Brigade that was formerly commanded by Igor Strelkov.[71]
- Patriotic Forces of Donbass[72] (Russian: Патриотические силы Донбасса)
- Vostok Brigade (Russian: Бригада «Восток», meaning "East Brigade") - Special forces brigade that was founded and led by Alexander Khodakovsky.[73][74] It has foreign volunteers including Russians and North Ossetians.[75] Began as a battalion, and as of June 2014 had about 500 men according to Khodakovsky.[75] It later increased to a brigade.[76]
- Oplot Brigade (Russian: Батальон «Оплот», meaning "Bulwark Battalion") - Commanded by Alexander Zakharchenko.[78][79] Originally a battalion, it expanded to a brigade by May 2015.
- Russian Orthodox Army (Russian: Русская православная армия) - A senior commander of the unit is Alexander Verin.[79] One of the armed groups, which control Donetsk, formed mostly by locals from coal mine towns.[80] It reportedly had 100 members at the time of its founding. According to Ukrainian sources, in June 2014 has at least 350 fighters.[81] According to independent sources as fighting between separatists and the Ukrainian government worsened in Donbass, membership rose to 4,000.[82]
- Miner's Division (Russian: Шахтёрская дивизия) - Founded shortly after the rebel withdrawal from Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. It is commanded by Konstantin Kuzmin. Fighters typically range from ages 22–60. Composed of former coal miners.[83]
- Kalmius Brigade (Russian: Бригада «Кальмиус») - Special forces brigade commanded by Sergei Petrovskiy.[84]
- Consolidated Orthodox Battalion "Voshod" or Voshod Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Восход», meaning "Sunrise Battalion") - Formed in June 2014, it had 300 fighters.[85]
- Steppe Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Степь»)[86]
- DPR Security Service Battalion (Russian: Батальон службы безопасности Донецкой народной республики) - Security Service of the Donetsk People's Republic.[84]
- Sparta Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Спарта») - Special forces battalion led by Arseny Pavlov, known by the call sign Motorola. Includes Russians, fighters typically have helmets and modern personal equipment.
- 1st Independent Battalion-Tactical Group "Somalia" or Somalia Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Сомали») - Tactical group led by Lieutenant colonel Mikhail Tolstykh, known by the call sign Givi.
- DPR Republican Guard (Russian: Республиканская гвардия ДНР) - Elite unit created by Alexander Zakharchenko on January 12, 2015.[87][88] Commanded by Major-general Ivan Kondratov, and is composed of six battalions that totals more than 3,000 fighters.[88]
- Diesel Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Дизель») - Tank battalion formed in 2015 that is equipped with Russian equipment, including T-72B1s.[90]
Independent DPR forces
- International Battalions - Includes Russian, Chechen, Greek, Ossetian, Polish, Hungarian, Serbian, Latvian, Belarusian, Uzbek, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Armenian and other volunteers.[91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103]
- Orthodox Dawn (Bulgarian: Православна Зора) - Bulgarian volunteer group.[104]
- Legion of Saint Stephen (Russian: Легион Святого Иштвана) - Hungarian subgroup of international battalions.[93] The group espouses a Hungarian nationalist platform, demanding self-determination for the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia Oblast,[105] and has been accused of being close to the far-right Jobbik party in Hungary.[106]
- Jovan Šević Detachment (Serbian: одред «Јован Шевић») - Serbian Chetnik-led group commanded by Bratislav Živković, has 250 fighters.[107] In October 2014 the fighters returned to Serbia.[108]
- Death Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Смерть») - Chechen volunteer group.[109]
- Varyag Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Варяг»), meaning "Varangian Battalion") - Volunteer battalion commanded by Alexander Matyushin.[110]
- RNU Volunteer Units - Includes volunteers from Russian National Unity and other Neo-nazi organizations.[111][112]
Luhansk People's Republic
LPR People's Militia (Russian: Народная милиция ЛНР). Formerly known as Army of the South-East (Russian: Армия Юго-Востока) until late 2014.[113][114][115]
- Zarya Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Заря», meaning "Dawn Battalion") - Commanded by Andrei Patrushev. Includes Russian volunteers - national-bolsheviks,[116][117] members of The Other Russia.[118][119]
- Leshiy Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Леший», meaning "Forest-spirit Battalion") - Special forces battalion commanded by Aleksey Pavlov.[120]
Independent LPR forces
- Great Host of Don Cossacks (Russian: Всевеликое войско Донское)[121] - An international organisation that recruits volunteers from Ukraine and Russia.[122]
- Cossack National Guard (Russian: Казачья Национальная гвардия) - Don Cossack volunteer group commanded by Rashid Shakirzanov.[69] The group has over 4,000 fighters and have access to armor and artillery.[69] From May to November 2014, the group was commanded by Ataman Nikolai Kozitsyn.[69][123] Kozitsyn was forcibly removed from power in November 2014 and replaced by Shakirzanov.[69] The group's headquarters is in Antratsyt, and their rule expands to Krasnyi Luch.[69] Initially, this group was identified as Russian Special Forces by the U.S. State Department following the takeover of the Sloviansk city council.[124] In November 2014, the group instated capital punishment in Perevalsk to deter crime.[125] Kozitsyn stated that there is no more marauding, burglaries or car-jacking in the city.[125] They refused to join the LPR's military command but insist on cooperating with them, remaining autonomous and controlling territory.[69]
- First Cossack Regiment (Russian: Первый казачий полк) - Don Cossack volunteer group commanded by Ataman Pavel Dryomov. The group has around 1,300 fighters, and the headquarters is in Stakhanov.[69] Originally part of Kozitsyn's Cossack National Guard until it split in September 2014.[69] Dryomov denounced the LPR's leadership as being corrupt and "pro-oligarchic".[69] Dryomov was killed on 12 December 2015 when his car was blown up by an unknown perpetrator the day after his wedding.[126]
- Mechanized Brigade "Prizrak" or Prizrak Brigade (Russian: Бригада «Призрак», meaning "Ghost Brigade") - Mechanized infantry brigade that is commanded by Yuri Shevchenko. It was formed and led by Aleksey Mozgovoy until his assassination on 23 May 2015.[71] The group keeps its distance from the LPR authorities and is based in Alchevsk and the surrounding district.[69]
Disbanded
- United Battalions of the DPR and LPR.[131]
- North Battalion
- Prizrak Battalion
- Rapid Response Group "Batman" or Batman Battalion (Russian: Группа быстрого реагирования «Бэтмен») - Commanded by Alexander Bednov until he was killed in an attack on his convoy on 1 January 2015.[132] Members of the group said that the attack was ordered by head of the Luhansk People's Republic Igor Plotnitsky.[132] Following this attack, the LPR arrested some of Bednov's men, and dissolved the battalion.[133] Some of its personnel were dispersed into other LPR units, while DPR field commanders Givi and Motorola invited former members to join their battalions.[133]
Non-combat units
- Novorossiya Humanitarian Battalion (Russian: Гуманитарный батальон «Новороссия») - non-combat unit involved in protecting the delivery of humanitarian aid.[135]
Commanders
Donetsk People's Republic
- Alexander Zakharchenko
- Vladimir Kononov
- Eduard Basurin
- Pavel Gubarev[11] (former)
- Igor Strelkov[136] (former)
- "Romashka" (nom de guerre), real name Sergei Zhurikov (Russian: Сергей Журиков) †
- Alexander Khodakovsky
- Igor Bezler
- Alexander Verin
- "Botsman"[137]
- Konstantin Kuzmin
- Sergei Petrovskiy
- Motorola (nom de guerre), real name Arseny Pavlov
- Givi[138] (nom de guerre), real name Mikhail Tolstykh
- Akhra Avidzba
Luhansk People's Republic
- Igor Plotnitsky
- Valery Bolotov (former)
- Nikolai Kozitsyn (former)
- Pavel Dryomov (DOW) (his car was blown up by unknown)[126]
- Aleksey Mozgovoy †
- Alexander Bednov (Russian: Александр Беднов) †
- Yuri Shevchenko
Flags and symbols
Multiple flags and symbols are often used by the armed forces:
Historical flags
- St. George Ribbon
- Flag of Russian Empire
- Flag of the USSR
- Flag of the Ukrainian SSR
- Victory Banner
- Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union
Others Flags
- Flag of Russia
- Flag of the Great Don Army
- Flag of the Russian Airborne Troops
Flags of new States, including nongovernment (public) organizations
- War Flag of Novorossiya
- Flag of Novorossiya
- Flag of Donetsk People's Republic
- Flag of the Donetsk Republic organization
- Variant flag of the Donetsk Republic Organisation
- Flag of Luhansk People's Republic
Flags of military units and troops
- Flag of the Donbass People's Militia
- Flag of the Vostok Battalion
- Flag of the Russian Orthodox Army
- Flag of the Miner's Division
- Flag of the Sparta Battalion
- Flag of the Somalia Battalion
- Flag of the Prizrak Brigade
- Flag of the Rapid Response Group "Batman"
Equipment
According to independent sources, rebels mostly used equipment that was available domestically before the Ukrainian crisis. However, the rebels were also seen using weapons that were not known to be exported to or otherwise available in Ukraine. Appearance of some of the latest models of Russian military equipment, which was never exported outside of Russia, is particularly noteworthy.[139]
According to the Donetsk People's Republic all its military equipment is "hardware that we took from the Ukrainian military".[140] However, according to the Ukrainian government and the United States Department of State this is a false statement and claim the separatists have received military equipment from Russia, including multiple rocket launch systems and tanks.[141] Despite the fact that Russian officials deny supplying arms to the militia, numerous evidence proves that it is true.[139][141][142] In August 2014 Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Heletey claimed the proof for the weapons supply from Russia was that the fighters of the Donbass People's Militia were using Russian-made weapons that were never used (or bought) by the Ukrainian army.[143]
Among such exclusively Russian equipment seen with pro-Russian separatists are Russian modifications of tank T-72 (particularly T-72B3 and T-72BA seen destroyed in Ukraine[139][144]), infantry fighting vehicle BTR-82AM (adopted in Russia in 2013),[145][146] armored personnel carriers BPM-97,[147][148] sophisticated anti-aircraft system Pantsir-S1,[149][150] multipurpose vehicle GAZ Vodnik (adopted in Russia in 2005),[147] Russian modifications of MT-LB, rocket-propelled flamethrower MRO-A, anti-tank missile Kornet, anti-materiel rifle ASVK, suppressed sniper rifle VSS Vintorez and others.[139][145]
Relationship with Russia
As the conflict intensified, the Donbass People's Militia was bolstered with many volunteers from the former Soviet Union, mainly Russia; including fighters from Chechnya and North Ossetia.[151]
According to the Ukrainian government and the United States Department of State the Donbass People's Militia have received military equipment from Russia, including Russian tanks and multiple rocket launchers.[141] Russia denied doing this and has described the Russian citizens fighting with the Donbass People's Militia as volunteers.[141][152] The Donetsk People's Republic claimed on 16 August 2014 it had received (together with 30 tanks and 120 other armoured vehicles of undisclosed origin) 1,200 "individuals who have gone through training over a four-month period on the territory of the Russian Federation".[153][154] The Donetsk People's Republic claims it has not received military equipment from Russia; but that all its military equipment is "hardware that we took from the Ukrainian military".[140] In August 2014 Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Heletey disputed this claim because (according to him) the fighters of the Donbass People's Militia were using Russian-made weapons that were never used (or bought) by the Ukrainian army, and which therefore had to have been supplied to them by Russia.[143]
The injured of the Donbass People's Militia were exclusively treated in Russia.[151] During mid-August 2014, hospitals such as the Donetsk Central Hospital in Donetsk, Russia attended to between 10 and 20 injured fighters daily.[151] The Russian Emergency Ministry assisted with treatment logistics.[151] Those questioned and registered by the (Russian) Federal Security Service[151] and treated in Russia during this period stated that they would not return to Ukraine if the Ukrainian army won the War in Donbass,[151] but would, instead, engage in a partisan warfare campaign in Eastern Ukraine.[151]
See also
- 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine
- War in Donbass
- Donetsk People's Republic
- Luhansk People's Republic
Notes
References
- ↑ "Самым неспокойным городом Украины в последние дни неожиданно стал Донецк. «Народное ополчение Донбасса» ... еще 3 марта взяло штурмом областную администрацию"
Русский и бессмысленный // LENTA.RU от 6 марта 2014 - 1 2 3 4 ДНР и ЛНР приступили к созданию Армии Новороссии. Novorossiya (in Russian). 16 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ↑ Ukraine's next battle is Donetsk, but no bombs, please. USA Today. 12 July 2014.
- ↑ The army of the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics has 20,000 fighters - Gubarev. Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 9 July 2014
- ↑ "Ukraine: Where Will the Russian-Backed Rebels Attack Next?". Newsweek. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
- ↑ "Pro-Russian rebels have 40,000-strong army, sufficient for 'mid-sized European state': Ukraine defence minister". ABC AU. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
- ↑ "Donetsk, Luhansk armies to form armed forces". Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ↑ Жители Славянска поддержали «Народное ополчение Донбасса» // "Взгляд.RU" от 12 апреля 2014
- ↑ ""Народное ополчение Донбасса" строит баррикады"
Протесты в Славянске Донецкой области // "ИТАР-ТАСС" от 13 апреля 2014 - ↑ Steven Rosenburg (5 June 2014). "Ukraine crisis: Donetsk rebel leaders still talking tough". BBC. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
- 1 2 3 "In northeast Ukraine, pro-Maidan occupiers are routed by counter-demonstrators". The Washington Post. March 1, 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine crisis: 'Thousands of Russians' fighting in east". BBC. 28 Aug 2014.
- 1 2 "Captured Russian troops 'in Ukraine by accident'". BBC. 26 Aug 2014.
- ↑ "Ukrainians say Russian troops captured them in east Ukraine". Reuters. 29 Sep 2014.
- ↑ Around 3-4 thousand Russian volunteers fighting for Donetsk People’s Republic militia. Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
- 1 2 "Pro-Russia Protesters Storm Government Buildings In Eastern Ukrainian Cities". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 6 April 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- ↑ "Pro-Russian activists seize Interior Ministry branch in southeast Ukraine". GlobalPost. April 12, 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Another police building seized in east". BBC. April 12, 2014.
- ↑ "Pro-Russia activists declare establishment of 'Kharkiv people's republic'". Focus Information Agency. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- ↑ "Pro-Russian Protesters Declare 'People's Republic' In Kharkiv". LiveLeak.com. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- ↑ "Kharkiv settles down, while pro-Russian separatists still hold buildings in Luhansk, Donetsk". Kyiv Post. 8 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- 1 2 "Kharkiv city government building infiltrated by pro-Russian protesters". Kyiv Post. 13 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- ↑ "Кернес пообіцяв допомогти звільнити затриманих сепаратистів | Українська правда". Pravda.com.ua. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ↑ Kharkiv torn between Europe and Russia, Deutsche Welle (6 March 2014)
- ↑ "После нападения антимайдановцев на митинг Евромайдана в Харькове пострадало 50 человек : Новости УНИАН". Unian.net. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ↑ "Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine". Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
- ↑ "Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine – based on information received up until 29 April 2014" (Press release). Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ↑ На одном из блокпостов около Славянска слышна стрельба и взрывы // "Первый канал" от 13 апреля 2014
- ↑ «Это наши люди» // «Взгляд.RU» от 12 апреля 2014
- ↑ "Ukraine gives rebels deadline to disarm or face military operation". Reuters. April 13, 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Casualties in Sloviansk gun battles". BBC News. 13 April 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine Army Launches 'Anti-Terror' Operation". Sky News via Yahoo! News. 13 April 2014.
- ↑ Народное ополчение Донбасса задержало грузовики со снарядами для "Града" на въезде в Славянск // "Интерфакс" от 14 апреля 2014
- ↑ "Представители "Народного ополчения Донбасса" задержали грузовик со снарядами к реактивной системе залпового огня (РСЗО) "Град" на одном из блок-постов возле города Славянск Донецкой области. Об этом сообщили 13 апреля местные СМИ. Источники в силовых структурах признали факт задержания "грузовика с вооружением", отметив, что задержанный автомобиль КрАЗ принадлежит Национальной гвардии Украины"
СМИ: манифестанты задержали возле Славянска грузовик со снарядами к РСЗО "Град" // ИТАР-ТАСС от 14 апреля 2014 - ↑ "Ukraine launches counter-terrorism operation in Donetsk region". UPI. April 15, 2014.
- ↑ Babiak, Mat. "Insurgents Identified". Ukrainian Policy. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- ↑ "На сторону ополченцев в Славянске перешло уже около 60 военных". RIA. 16 April 2014.
- ↑ "власти Украины признали, что шесть боевых машин десанта (БМД) у армии отобрали ополченцы"
Колонна украинской бронетехники под Краматорском прорвала "блокаду" местных жителей, угрожая гранатой // NEWSRU.COM от 16 апреля 2014 - ↑ "За здачу зброї десантниками у Краматорську відкрито провадження". ukrinform.ua. 17 April 2014.
- ↑ "Pro-Russian troops enter Ukraine city". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine crisis: combat vehicles with pro-Russian troops enter town". 16 April 2014.
- ↑ "Six Ukrainian Army Vehicles Join Pro-Federalist Protesters in Kramatorsk". RIA Novosti.
- ↑ Anthony Faiola (16 April 2014). "In Ukraine, a crisis of bullets and economics". Washington Post. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Military column 'seized' in Kramatorsk". BBC News.
- ↑ "самоходная артиллерийская установка «Нона»... была добровольна отдана сопротивлению десантниками 25-й аэромобильной бригады из Днепропетровска в середине апреля"
Как устроена десантная машина «Нона» - символ сопротивления Донецкой республики // "Московский комсомолец" от 13 мая 2014 - ↑ Самооборона Славянска обстреляла Нацгвардию из самоходной установки «Нона» // "Взгляд.RU" от 12 мая 2014
- ↑ Атака на блокпост в Славянске: шестеро погибших // DELFI.LV от 20 апреля 2014
- ↑ Вооруженные люди вывезли с Новокраматорского завода списанную инженерную машину разграждения // "Интерфакс - Украина" от 14 мая 2014
- ↑ Ополченцы Донбасса поставили Киеву ультиматум // LENTA.RU от 15 мая 2014
- ↑ На Луганщине боевики похитили две БРДМ из пожарно-спасательных частей // УНИАН от 18 мая 2014
- ↑ Ополченцы захватили машину разведки на Луганщине // "iPress.UA" от 23 мая 2014
- ↑ Miller, Christopher. "Rebel Commander: 'We Did Warn You — Do Not Fly in Our Sky'".
- ↑ Sterbenz, Christina (July 17, 2014). "Rebel Leader: 'We Have Warned Them — Not To Fly In "Our Sky"'". Business Insider.
- ↑ Zverev, Anton (Jul 17, 2014). "Malaysian airliner downed in Ukraine war zone, 295 dead". Reuters.
- ↑ "Ukraine Separatist Social Media Site Claims Plane Downing". July 18, 2014.
- ↑ "Katastrofa malezyjskiego samolotu na granicy rosyjsko-ukraińskiej. Prawie 300 ofiar. Prezydent Ukrainy: Mógł zostać zestrzelony". Gazeta.pl. 17 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-07-26. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
- ↑ CSMonitor.com - Web evidence points to rebels in downing of MH17
- ↑ Ополченцы сообщили о сбитом Ан-26 на востоке Украины (in Russian). LifeNews. 7 July 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
On July 17 near the village of Rassypnoye over the Torez city in Donetsk region an An-26 transport plane of Ukrainian Air Force was taken down, said the militia. According to them, the plane crashed somewhere near the "Progress" mine, away from residential areas. According to one of the militias, at approximately 17:30 local time an An-26 flew over the city. It was hit by a rocket, there was an explosion and the plane went to the ground, leaving a black smoke. Debris fell from the sky
- ↑ Yuhas, Alan (7 July 2014). "Malaysia Airlines plane MH17 crashes in Ukraine - live updates". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
- ↑ ДНР заявляет о захвате около 70 единиц военной техники силовиков|DPR claimed capturing about 70 pieces of military equipment // RIA Novosti, 8 August 2014
- ↑ Для контрнаступления под Донецком ополченцы подготовили 200 бронемашин| For a counter-offensive near Donetsk militia prepared 200 armored vehicles// Vesti.ru, 12 August 2014
- ↑ "After Re-Establishing Supply Lines, Ukrainian Separatists Launch Counteroffensive". Forbes. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Troops abandon Luhansk airport after clashes". BBC. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ↑ "Kremlin-backed rebels form Novorossiya army". Kyiv Post. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ↑ "Ukraine rebels plan call-up, want 100,000-strong army". Reuters. 2 February 2015. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
- ↑ "Russian-backed 'Novorossiya' breakaway movement collapses". Ukraine Today. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
Проект «Новороссия» закрыт [Project "New Russia" is closed] (in Russian). Gazeta.ru. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015. - 1 2 3 "DPR is building Armed Forces "that will resolve all issues"". South Front. 21 September 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
- ↑ "Бойцы народного ополчения Донбасса принесли присягу провозглашенной ДНР - Fighters of Donbass People's Militia took the oath for DPR (in Russian)". ТАСС.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Armed Formations in the Secessionist ‘Luhansk Republic’". ICDS, Jamestown Foundation. 10 January 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
- ↑ Батальон "Донбасс": второй бой под Карловкой [Battalion "Donbass": second battle of Karlivka] (in Russian). Profi-forex.org. 6 July 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
- 1 2 [http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=42746&tx_ttnews[backPid]=228&cHash=779da9dd109e25f14d4c0fe4614afa53#.VAnQYWNKhD0 Russia’s Donetsk Proxies Anticipate Ukrainian Siege] Jamestown Foundation, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 11 Issue: 149. 13 August 2014
- ↑ Патриотические силы Донбасса (in Russian). Patriotic Forces of Donbass.
- ↑ Ополченцы "ДНР" хотят создать на основе батальона "Восток" спецназ. RIA Novosti Ukraine. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
- ↑ Alec Luhn (February 23, 2014). "Ukraine separatists celebrate Soviet holiday in Donetsk". The Guardian. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- 1 2 Alec Luhn (June 6, 2014). "Volunteers or paid fighters? The Vostok Battalion looms large in war with Kiev". The Guardian. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- ↑ "Патриотические силы Донбасса: Сводка от бригады "Восток": опровержение о боях в Ясиноватой". Patriotic Forces of Donbass.
- ↑ Rodnover pagans participate to the Ukrainian conflict.
- ↑ "Сводка от Стрелкова 24.07.2014 -Summary from Strelkov 24 July 2014". Информационный Корпус - Помощь Ополчению. Archived from the original on 2014-07-27.
- 1 2 "Order from Chaos: Moscow's Men Raise a Rebel Army in Ukraine's East". Vice News. 4 June 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
- ↑ "In the wake of Donbass Separatist: who are fighting on the side of the DPR?". DW.DE.
- ↑ "What is in the "DPR" scheme hierarchy of separatists". Зеркало недели - Дзеркало тижня - Mirror Weekly.
- ↑ Albina Kovalyova. ""Meet the Russian Orthodox Army, Ukrainian Separatists' Shock Troops". / NBC News. 16 May 2014.". NBC News.
- ↑ "В ДНР формируется Шахтерская дивизия-Miner Division formed in DPR". Российская газета.
- 1 2 "Три батальона ополченцев готовы отправиться в "горячие точки" Донецкой области -Three battalions of volunteers ready to go to the "hot spots" of Donetsk region (in Russian)". vesti.ru.
- ↑ "Православный батальон "Восход" создан в ДНР". RIA Novosti. June 18, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ↑ "Герои Новороссии -Heroes of Novorossiya".
- ↑ "Pro-Russian rebels train for more fighting despite Ukraine truce". Reuters. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- 1 2 "О гвардии" (in Russian). DPR Republican Guard. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
- ↑ "Pyatnashka" commander becomes dad". Novorossia Today. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ↑ "Training of the "Diesel" battalion". Komsomolskaya Pravda. 9 August 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ↑ "Бородай признал, что за ДНР воюют добровольцы с Северного Кавказа-Boroday acknowledged that volunteers from the North Caucasus are fighting for DPR (in Russian)".
- ↑ "СМИ: В боях на Украине участвуют ветераны войны в Южной Осетии- Media: Battles in Ukraine involve veterans from war in South Ossetia (in Russian)".
- 1 2 "В Донецке сформированы венгерские и польские интербригады -In Donetsk, Hungarian and Polish Brigade is formed (in Russian)". Новый День – Новый Регион.
- ↑ "Добровольцы из Сербии едут на Донбасс - Volunteers from Serbia going to Donbass". Блокнот.
- ↑ "Latvian Volunteers Head to Donetsk Republic, Plan to Join Militia (in English)". RIA Novosti.
- ↑ "How Belarusians are fighting in Ukraine (in Russian)". Росбалт.
- ↑ "The Two Sides of Volunteers in Ukraine". teleSUR. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
- ↑ "'I was a separatist fighter in Ukraine'". The Guardian. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
- ↑ Госпогранслужба: среди террористов есть абхазцы [State Border Service: there are Abkhazians amongst the terrorists] (in Russian). LB.ua. 28 May 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
- ↑ BACZYNSKA, GABRIELA (1 June 2014). "More foreign fighters break cover among Ukraine separatists". Reuters.
- ↑ "Uzbeks Adding To Ranks of Ukraine's Pro-Russian Separatists". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ↑ Weaver, Courtney (27 May 2014). "Chechens join pro-Russians in battle foreast Ukraine". Financial Times.
- ↑ Ukraine war pulls in foreign fighters BBC 31 August 2014
- ↑ ""Православна зора" праща бойна група в Украйна срещу Мамоническия Запад". 2 March 2014.
- ↑ Легион Святого Иштвана отправит добровольцев в Новороссию (in Russian). Информационное агентство «Новороссия». 1 June 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- ↑ Гецко вместе с фашистами "Йоббика" создают террористическую организацию "Легион святого Иштвана" (in Russian). Анонс Закарпатья. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- ↑ "For what are fighting the Serbian Chetniks in eastern Ukraine?". DW.DE.
- ↑ "Хиљаде руских козака спремно да крене у рат за Косово и Метохију" [Thousands of Russian Cossacks ready to go to war for Kosovo and Metohija] (in Serbian). Pravda.rs. 27 October 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ↑ Gayle, Damian. "Chechen Muslim 'Death Battalion' joins Russia's war in Ukraine". Daily Mail. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
- ↑ "В ДНР и ЛНР объявили о создании объединенной армии". Вести. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
- ↑ Mezzofiore, Gianluca (1 September 2014). "Ukraine Crisis: Who Are the Russian Neo-Nazi Groups Fighting with Separatists?". International Business Times. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
- ↑ Marlene Laruelle (June 26, 2014). "Is anyone in charge of Russian nationalists fighting in Ukraine?". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
- ↑ "East Ukraine protesters joined by miners on the barricades". The Guardian. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
- ↑ "Боевому подразделению ЛНР вручили знамя". REGNUM News Agency. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
- ↑ "Штаб Народной милиции ЛНР: киевские силовики нанесли удары по окраине Луганска". ITAR TASS. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
- ↑ Нацболы отбили атаку карателей в ЛНР. novorosinform.org
- ↑ Нацболы отбили атаку карателей в ЛНР. interbrigada.org
- ↑ В бою под Луганском погиб Илья Гурьев. drugoros.ru
- ↑ Нацбол Кирилл Манулин представлен к ордену. drugoros.ru
- ↑ "БАТАЛЬОН СПЕЦНАЗНАЧЕНИЯ "ЛЕШИЙ" - одна из страниц истории рождения Новороссии". 30 September 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ↑ "A Cossack revival in Russia". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 1 September 2004. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
- ↑ Cossack against cossack Svetlana Bolotnikova, openDemocracy, 30 July 2014
- ↑ The Cossack Factor in Ukrainian War Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 11 Issue: 149, Jamestown Foundation, 13 August 2014
- ↑ "Does US evidence prove Russian special forces are in eastern Ukraine?". The Guardian. 22 April 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
- 1 2 Nataliya Vasilyeva (10 November 2014). "Ukraine rebels a disunited front run by warlords". Associated Press. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- 1 2 Separatist Cossack Commander Reported Killed In Ukraine's Luhansk, Radio Free Europe (12 December 2015)
- ↑ Ukraine : des volontaires français dans une brigade pro-russe nouvelobs, 26 July 2014
- ↑ "Two more volunteers arrived to Novorossiya from Brazil". Novorossia Today. 13 December 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
- ↑ Координационный центр помощи Новороссии [Coordinational Centre for the assistance of Novorossia] (in Russian). kcpn.info/. Archived from the original on 2015-04-21. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ↑ "Greetings from Communist fighters of Unit #404". 28 January 2015.
- ↑ "Ополченцы уничтожили 10 единиц украинской бронетехники в боях у Саур-Могилы-Militiamen destroyed 10 Ukrainian armored vehicles in battle near Saur-Mohila (in Russian)".
- 1 2 Eugene Volokh (January 2, 2015). "Batman killed in the Ukraine, allegedly on orders from The Carpenter". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Secessionist Forces in Luhansk ‘Republic’: Order out of Chaos?". ICDS. 10 January 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
- ↑ "War on Donbass: terrorists fired from artillery at Svetlodarsk". PN. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
- ↑ Наталия КУДРЯШОВА. "Сбор лекарств для юго-востока Украины: первая партия, собранная саратовцами, доставлена на границу - Collection of medicine for the south-east of Ukraine: the first batch collected in Saratov, delivered at the border (in Russian)".
- ↑ Ополчение юго-востока Украины провело перегруппировку сил |Militia in south-east Ukraine conducted regrouping // Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 12 April 2014
- ↑ "Prisoners of 'Demon' in war-torn Ukraine". BBC. 9 August 2014.
- ↑ "Pro-Russian rebels take Ukrainian town". CNN Video.
- 1 2 3 4 Ferguson, Jonathan; Jenzen-Jones, N.R. (18 November 2014). "ARES Research Report No.3 "Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine"" (PDF). Armament Research Services (ARES). Retrieved 4 February 2015.
- 1 2 Donetsk Republic prime minister says militia ready for reasonable talks with Kiev, ITAR-TASS (19 August 2014)
- 1 2 3 4 US: Separatists in eastern Ukraine have weapons, military equipment from Russia, Fox News (June 13, 2014)
- ↑ Jonathan Marcus (August 27, 2014). "Ukraine crisis: T-72 tank shoots hole in Russian denial". BBC News. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
- 1 2 Militants have Russian weapons that have never been in service with Ukrainian army - Heletei, Interfax-Ukraine (22 August 2014)
- ↑ Потери бронетехники [Destroyed armour]. Lost Armour (in Russian). Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- 1 2 Ferguson, Jonathan; Jenzen-Jones, N.R. (2014). "Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine. (Research Report No. 3) - Annexes" (PDF). ARES. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- ↑ Т-72 и БТР-82АМ у повстанцев [T-72 and BTR-82AM with insurgents] (in Russian). LiveJournal. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- 1 2 "Russian Army BPM-97 "Vystrel" and GAZ-39371 "Vodnik" in Krasnodon Ukraine". January 12, 2015. pp. Lugansk News Today. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- ↑ "Russian military base with BPM-97 "Vystrel" located in Lugansk. Photos". Lugansk News Today. January 28, 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- ↑ Smallwood, Michael (5 February 2015). "Russian 96K6 Pantsir-S1 air defence system in Ukraine". Armament Research Services (ARES). Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ Croft, Adrian (18 February 2015). "UK: Russia's most advanced anti-aircraft artillery system is being used in Ukraine". Business Insider (Reuters). Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ukraine’s injured rebels vow to fight on, Financial Times (18 August 2014)
- ↑ (Ukrainian) Putin said that any "reinforcement" DNRivtsyam not sent, Ukrayinska Pravda (3 August 2014)
- ↑ 30 tanks and 1,200 troops just crossed from Russia into Ukraine, according to the rebels, Vox Media (16 August 2014)
- ↑ Top Ukraine Rebel Leader Says Troops Training in Russia, Newsweek (16 August 2014)