The railroad tracks in the Donetsk Region were blown up as the freight train belonging to Russian Railways was passing by, the company said. 14 freight cars were derailed as a result of the incident, with Russian Railways employees on the train avoiding injuries. The company is currently working on specifying the details of the attack.
Donetsk
Breaking: Major Military Columns Enter Lugansk From Border Area
– Breaking – Major military columns enter Lugansk from border area (Veterans Today, June 20, 2014):
We got the first reports of a large column including armor and supply vehicles from an eyewitness close to the border on the Ukraine. I was getting ready to put the report up as unconfirmed, but took one more look for any video that might be up, and bingo… there it was… the large column moving into Lugansk as the dawn was breaking over the trees.
The tanks were not on carriers, but on their treads, an expensive way to move them, but has them instantly deployable. So you are about to see what some early morning risers in Lugansk saw. The flags you see on some of the vehicles in this first video are Donetsk militia.
Step two. I knew that with endless cell phone video cameras everywhere that there should be more video coming in of the column. The next video is from a car going by a column, not sure if this is the same one or not, but if you watch closely you will see there are air-defence missiles in the trucks with hard tops.
Read moreBreaking: Major Military Columns Enter Lugansk From Border Area
Ukraine Considers Declaring Martial Law In Donetsk, Luhansk
– Ukraine Considers Declaring Martial Law In Donetsk, Luhansk (Zerohedge, June 3, 2014):
As the bloody violence drifts off the mainstream media’s headlines in the US – but escalates on the ground – it appears the situation has grown serious enough to prompt further intervention in the separatist-held south and east regions:
- *UKRAINE CONSIDERS DECLARING MARTIAL LAW IN DONETSK, LUHANSK
- *ACTING PRES. TURCHYNOV ISSUES ORDER ON STUDYING MARTIAL LAW
We suspect, following the over-running in Donetsk today that these actions will awaken Putin from his recent slumber… making this week’s D-Day celebrations even more tense.
80 Ukrainian Soldiers Surrender To Self-Defense Forces In Lugansk
– 80 Ukrainian soldiers surrender to self-defense forces in Lugansk (RT, May 29, 2014):
All of the 80 Ukrainian troops holed up at a Lugansk military base have surrendered to self-defense forces who stormed the military installation hosting the Ukrainian National Guard.
The initial assault lasted for 10-15 minutes with almost unceasing gunfire, witnesses say. A video reportedly filmed near the attacked facility has appeared on YouTube.
There are conflicting reports on casualties and the outcome of the attack, which took place on the territory of an Air Force academy. Earlier, at least one Ukrainian soldier was reported to be seriously injured.
Read more80 Ukrainian Soldiers Surrender To Self-Defense Forces In Lugansk
Watch As Ukraine Helicopter With 14 Troops On Board Is Shot Down
– Watch As Ukraine Helicopter With 14 Troops On Board Is Shot Down (ZeroHedge, May 29, 2014):
Events in Ukraine may have been moved to the backburner because not only are they not impacting US equities but have somehow managed to push Russian stocks to pre-sanction highs, but that does not mean that there is any de-escalation in the self-proclaimed eastern regions of Donetsk and Slavyansk where fighting between pro-Russian groups and Kiev army rages on. The latest incident took place a little over an hour ago when Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine shot down a military helicopter near Sloviansk, killing 14 people, the country’s outgoing president says.
This attack took place following a weekend of heavy fighting in Donetsk following a push against “terrorists” by the new president that left many rebel soldiers dead.
Read moreWatch As Ukraine Helicopter With 14 Troops On Board Is Shot Down
Alarm In Donetsk As People Brace For Ukrainian Forces Attack
– Alarm in Donetsk as people brace for Ukrainian forces attack (RT, May 27, 2014):
People are clearing shelves in Donetsk city shops, fearing a new wave of attack and storming of the city by Ukrainian troops. Fighter jets are buzzing overhead in the sky, as self-defense prepares for a fight in the occupied administrative buildings.
For the first time since the Monday attack, gunfire was heard at Donetsk’s airport and Ukrainian military helicopters and fighter jets reappeared above the area.
Meanwhile, residents of the eastern Ukrainian city have rushed to the shops, sweeping foodstuffs from the shelves, as many fear a full-scale storming of Donetsk is being launched.
…
Dr. Paul Craig Roberts: Putin Sees Chance To Break Up NATO, EU
Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury during President Reagan’s first term. He was Associate Editor of the Wall Street Journal. He has held numerous academic appointments, including the William E. Simon Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Georgetown University, and Senior Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University.
– Putin sees chance to break up NATO, EU: Analyst (PressTV, May 25, 2014):
By Paul Craig Roberts
Western propaganda about events in Ukraine has two main purposes. One is to cover up, or to distract from, Washington’s role in overthrowing the elected democratic government of Ukraine. The other is to demonize Russia.
The truth is known, but truth is not a part of the Western TV and print media. The intercepted telephone call between US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and the US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt reveals the two coup plotters discussing which of Washington’s stooges will be installed as Washington’s person in the new puppet government.
The intercepted telephone call between Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and EU foreign policy official Catherine Ashton revealed suspicions, later confirmed by independent reports, that the sniper fire that killed people on both sides of the Kiev protests came from the Washington-backed side of the conflict.
Read moreDr. Paul Craig Roberts: Putin Sees Chance To Break Up NATO, EU
Donetsk, Lugansk Republics Unite In New State ‘Novorossiya’
– Donetsk, Lugansk republics unite in “Novorossiya” state (ITAR-TASS, May 24, 2014):
The DPR commissions are currently working to form a new social and economic platform under which the new region will live
Self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have united in a state called Novorossiya (New Russia), the chairman of the DPR Supreme Council, Denis Pushilin has said.
“We’ve signed a memorandum on the republics’ union. We’ve named the united regions as the union of people’s republics,” Pushilin told Itar-Tass on Saturday.
Read moreDonetsk, Lugansk Republics Unite In New State ‘Novorossiya’
16 Ukraine Soldiers Killed In Deadly Donetsk Region Checkpoint Attack
– 16 Ukraine soldiers killed in deadly Donetsk region checkpoint attack (RT, May 22, 2014):
16 Ukrainian troops were killed and over 30 injured in an attack on a military checkpoint in Donetsk Region. The deadliest assault on the army since Kiev launched its military operation in the south-east of the country comes a few days ahead of election.
The checkpoint on the edge of Blagodatnoe village, near the town of Volnovakha, was assaulted on Thursday night.
Eyewitnesses told Russian Chanel One that the attackers arrived in transit vans, with armored vehicles and combat helicopters providing cover for them.
Read more16 Ukraine Soldiers Killed In Deadly Donetsk Region Checkpoint Attack
Donetsk Volunteer Guards Take Control Of Regional Headquarters Of National Guards
– Donetsk volunteer guards take control of regional headquarters of National Guards (ITAR-TASS, May 17, 2014):
DONETSK, May 16 /ITAR-TASS/. Voluntary guards of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic has taken control of the headquarters of the Eastern unit of Ukraine’s National Guards, a spokesman for the Donetsk People’s Republic told Itar-Tass over the phone late on Friday.
“They took the building of army unit 3037 in Donetsk,” the spokesman said.
Read moreDonetsk Volunteer Guards Take Control Of Regional Headquarters Of National Guards
Why Are Ukraine Troops Using UN Helicopters, Russia Foreign Minister Asks
– Why Are Ukraine Troops Using UN Helicopters, Russia Foreign Minister Asks (ZeroHedge, May 14, 2014):
A clearly irritated Sergei Lavrov – Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs – appeared on Bloomberg TV this morning and warned that “Ukraine is as close to civil war as you can get.” The minister further exclaimed that Russia “would like to understand how helicopters with a UN logo were used against protesters in the south-east,” adding that “Russia has serious suspicions that mercenaries from the USA are acting in Ukraine’s south-east.” Furthermore, Lavrov warned that “attempts to force Ukraine into NATO may have a strong negative impact on the whole system of European security.” But apart from that… BTFWWIII
A UN-marked Helicopter being used by Ukraine forces against Donetsk regional militia
And the raw feed via LiveLeak:
Ironically – the UN also wants to know why…
The UN has voiced concerns over the apparent use of UN-marked helicopters by Kiev troops in their military operation against Donetsk regional militia. A video of a white-painted Mil Mi-24 strike helicopter with UN logo has emerged.
Read moreWhy Are Ukraine Troops Using UN Helicopters, Russia Foreign Minister Asks
US Does Not Recognize Referendums In Ukraine
White House press secretary Jay Carney
– US does not recognize referendums in Ukraine (PressTV, May 12, 2014):
White House spokesman Jay Carney says the United States does not recognize the results of Sunday’s autonomy referendums in Ukraine’s eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk.
In a press conference on Monday, Carney said the votes are “illegal under Ukrainian law” and they were “a transparent attempt to create further division and disorder.”
The White House also blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin over the crisis in the country.
Donetsk Warns Ukraine Army Located In The East To ‘Leave In 48 Hours’ Or Face War – Ukraine Forces Attack Eastern City Of Slovyansk
– Donetsk Warns Ukraine Army Located In The East To “Leave In 48 Hours” Or Face War (ZeroHedge, May 12, 2014):
Update: And just to make sure Russia has a catalyst:
- UKRAINE FORCES ATTACK EASTERN CITY OF SLOVYANSK, INTERFAX SAYS
* * *
With the US having voiced its support for Ukraine’s “anti-terrorist” operations, and Russia strongly supportive of pro-Russian people’s decisions to regional self-determination, the threats coming from the newly independent regions are a concern (that markets clearly do not care about):
- DONETSK ARMY SAYS WILL FIGHT UKRAINE FORCES IF DEADLINE IGNORED
Ukrainian military forces have 48 hours to leave the region or Donetsk own “anti-terrorist” forces will fight. Of course, with the US already saying the referendums are illegal and not recognizing them, we suspect it will be time for more sanctions soon (despite the lessons below).
Insurgent group army of so-called Donetsk People’s Republic “will start its own anti-terrorist operation in Donetsk region” against Ukrainian military forces if they don’t heed seperatist army chief Igor Girkin’s 48-hour ultimatum to leave or obey him, head of seperatist group, Denis Pushilin, says by phone.
So… buy stocks?
And a different perspective on which the western approach to resolving the Ukraine crisis may not be exactly “working.”
Ukraine Separatists Ask To Join Russia
From the article:
Though the Kremlin didn’t directly say it recognized the referendum, it said it “respected” the vote and called it the will of the people. In a statement, the Kremlin expressed hope “that the practical implementation of the outcome of the referendums will be carried out in a civilized manner without any recurrence of violence, through dialogue between representatives of Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk.”
– Ukraine Separatists Ask to Join Russia (Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2014):
Kremlin Calls for Talks Between Government and Rebels, Putting Pressure on Kiev
Separatist leaders in Ukraine’s volatile Donetsk region formally asked to become part of Russia on Monday, hours after the Kremlin welcomed its controversial vote to declare independence and urged the Kiev government to hold talks with the rebels.
The Kremlin didn’t immediately respond to the separatist request. But it marks the most acute threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity since the annexation of Crimea in March, putting further pressure on Kiev to negotiate with separatists or face further chaos in the east.
Separatist leaders said the Sunday secession vote passed overwhelmingly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, but voters weren’t asked to decide whether they wanted their regions to become part of Russia or stay part of Ukraine. They were asked only whether they supported independence for their respective regions.
East Ukraine Votes For Independence: ‘The Turnout Is Not Just High, It’s Off The Charts’
????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????????? ???????? “?? ??????”. pic.twitter.com/TD5oGR8HPd
— ?????????? (@myrevolutionrus) May 11, 2014
– East Ukraine Votes For Independence: Turnout Reported “Off The Charts” (ZeroHedge, May 11, 2014):
The most significant geopolitical event of the day is the east Ukraine independence referendum taking place in various cities across the region, less than two months after the Crimean case study which saw the region split away from Ukraine and join Russia, despite the fervent warnings by Kiev and the west that the result of the “rigged election” would not be accepted by anyone. As it turned out then, it only needed to be accepted by Russia which promptly took over the Black Sea territory.
Today’s vote is a carbon copy of what happened in Crimea, with the locals almost certain to vote in Independence from Kiev (even over Putin’s “objections” who has managed to distance himself from the vote if quite willingly will accept its outcome), followed by another vote that annexes east Ukraine (and subsequently Transnistria) to Russia which may be held as soon as May 18, promptly followed by the adoption of the Ruble as the regional currency.
Read moreEast Ukraine Votes For Independence: ‘The Turnout Is Not Just High, It’s Off The Charts’
Ukraine: Donetsk Region May Shift To Rubles After 1.7 Million Vote In Referendum
– Donetsk Region May Shift To Rubles After 1.7 Million Vote In Referendum (ZeroHedge, May 10, 2014):
Despite denouncements from the West (how did that work out in Crimea?) and diplomatic calls for postponement from Putin, tomorrow appears to be setting up for the next crucial catalyst in the ever-escalating civil (and not so civil) war in Ukraine. As RIA reports, Referendum organizers printed about 1.7 million ballots and on the day of voting in the region there will be more than 1,600 polling stations. The referendum will ask voters to answer the simple question: “Do you support the act of state independence of the People’s Republic of Luhansk.” and will take place from 8am to 8pm local time. Organizers claim that “the willingness to vote is almost total,” which makes the decision of the People’s Mayor that “after the referendum… gradually, we will move to the Russian ruble,” even more economically significant for the IMF-supported nation.
The referendum poll is happening:
Read moreUkraine: Donetsk Region May Shift To Rubles After 1.7 Million Vote In Referendum
Putin Warns ‘Other Countries Must Respect Russia’
– Putin Warns “Other Countries Must Respect Russia” (ZeroHedge, May 9, 2014):
Hours ahead of Donetsk’ planned referendum this weekend, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin – speaking from a recently reclaimed Sevastopol (and denounced for being their by Ukraine’s acting government) – has made anything but the market’s much-needed diplomatic comments…
- *PUTIN SAYS OTHER COUNTRIES MUST RESPECT RUSSIA: INTERFAX
- *PUTIN SAYS OTHERS MUST RESPECT RIGHT TO HISTORICAL JUSTICE: IFX
- *PUTIN SAYS NATIONS MUST RESPECT SELF-DETERMINATION RIGHT: IFX
In other words, while he publicly asked for the referendum to be postponed; the people are demanding it and he will live by their will… and if they choose independence, he will enforce it. On a day when 20 have already died in clashes, is it any wonder event risk concerns this weekend are surging.
Ukraine is not happy about his visit…
Statement of the MFA of Ukraine on unauthorised visit by the Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol
Here Comes Crimea 2.0: Following Referendum, East Ukraine Votes To Become Part Of Russia
– Here Comes Crimea 2.0: Following Referendum, East Ukraine Votes To Become Part Of Russia (ZeroHedge, May 8, 2014):
Yesterday we correctly predicted that while the world is distracted by this and that, the next real short-term catalyst is the east Ukraine referendum vote on Sunday, whose results would be available as soon as May 11, indicating that, almost with 100% certainty, the Ukraine region would vote to become independent.
This was promptly followed by a skillful diplomatic gambit by Putin who, knowing full well Donetsk would just say no, suggested the referendum be postponed thus giving himself cover when the western press attacked him for using Crimean tactics for the second time in two months. This was confirmed this morning when the Donetsk “separatists” indeed politely thanked Putin for his concern, but decided to proceed with this weekend’s referendum anyway.
The irony is that as we also explained yesterday, the Crimea scenario is fully in play once more. Confirming precisely that was news from News of Donbass which reported moments ago that in the aftermath of the new certain May 11 referendum, a week later east Ukraine will formalize the Russia annexation process and on May 18 there will be a “second round of the referendum where you will be asked to support accession to the Donestk region of Russia.”
Read moreHere Comes Crimea 2.0: Following Referendum, East Ukraine Votes To Become Part Of Russia
CIA And FBI Work With Fascists In Ukraine As ‘War In Europe’ Unfolds
– CIA and FBI Work with Fascists in Ukraine as “War in Europe” Unfolds (Infowars, May 5, 2014):
Andriy Parubiy, the National Security and Defense Council boss of the junta in Kyiv, announced on Sunday the Ukrainian military will expand the “active stage of the operation in towns where extremists and terrorists are carrying out illegal activities.”
Central banker and junta PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk declares war on Russia.
The renewed effort to assert control and defeat anti-junta activists and paramilitaries in Donetsk, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Kostyantynivk and other towns in eastern Ukraine coincides with news the CIA and FBI will work with the regime to put down popular uprisings against the government in Kyiv.
On Monday, coup Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said the failure of police in Odessa, where violence claimed the lives of dozens of people over the last few days, has resulted in the formation of “Kiev-1,” a paramilitary comprised of “civil activists” who previously worked with the fascist Right Sector and Svoboda to overthrow Ukraine’s elected president in February.
National Security and Defense Council boss Parubiy was the founder of the Social National Party of Ukraine, a fascist political party fashioned after the Nazis. It became Svoboda, a nationalist party led by Oleh Tyahnybok, a prominent member of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament.
Read moreCIA And FBI Work With Fascists In Ukraine As ‘War In Europe’ Unfolds
Another Ukraine Helicopter Shot Down (Video)
– Caught On Tape: Another Ukraine Helicopter Shot Down (ZeroHedge, May 5, 2014):
Just 2 days after the first Ukrainian military helicopter was shot down, Ukraine’s defense ministry confirms an Mi-24 chopper was shot down in the eastern region of Donetsk. As the following clip shows, it appears the helicopter came under large-caliber machine gun fire, a flash is seen, and then the chopper falls from view. The Defense Ministry confirms the pilots survived as the chopped crashed into a nearby river. One wonders how many more helicopters (that are in working condition and still have a full gas tank) Kiev, i) has; and ii) can afford to lose to eastern separatists as the Ukraine conflicts becomes an all out civil war?
The chopper hovers for a while then at 24 seconds a flash is seen and it disappears from view…
Ukrainian Army Launches Assault On Kramatorsk
– Ukrainian army launches assault on Kramatorsk (RT, May 2, 2014):
Ukraine’s National Guard is reportedly storming the eastern town of Kramatorsk. Meanwhile, the army has resumed its special operation in Slavyansk, where two soldiers have been killed.
“The assault is starting now,” a Kramatorsk self-defense activist has told RIA Novosti by phone. Another activist told the news agency that the National Guard opened fire on self-defense forces.
‘People’s Republic Of Donetsk’ Unveils Independence Referendum Set For May 11th
– “People’s Republic Of Donetsk” Unveils Independence Referendum Set For May 11th (ZeroHedge, April 30, 2014):
As we showed in the map earlier, the spread of pro-Russian-held cities is rapid across eastern Ukraine and it seems things are reaching a very dangerous head very quickly. As RIA reports, the Central Election Commission of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” has agreed to hold a referendum (covering 55 territorial election commissions, more than two thousand polling stations, and more than two million ballots) on May 11th. Citizens will answer one simple question, “Do you support the act of the proclamation of independence of the Donetsk State People’s Republic?” As RIA adds, leadership have stated that region of Donetsk will not vote in the May 25 presidential election in Ukraine if the majority of residents support independence.
RIA reports that the Central Election Commission “Donetsk People’s Republic” formed the referendum 55 territorial election commissions, and more than two thousand polling stations, published more than two million ballots, according to RIA Novosti, the CEC Chairman, “the People’s Republic of Donetsk” Roman Lyagin.
Read more‘People’s Republic Of Donetsk’ Unveils Independence Referendum Set For May 11th
Presenting Russian East Ukraine: These Are The Cities Controlled By “Separatists”
– Presenting Russian East Ukraine: These Are The Cities Controlled By “Separatists” (ZeroHedge, April 30, 2014):
Vladimir Putin ‘confirmed’ yesterday that there were no Russian forces ‘boots on the ground’ in Ukraine and so it seems the daily growing list of cities that are falling to pro-Russian separatist forces throughout Eastern Ukraine – as the following chart shows – suggests an ever more divided nation is verging on civil war, despite the best efforts of the West to sanction their way to a fix. As Turchinov warned this morning, there is “real danger of the Russian Federation beginning a land war against Ukraine… our armed forces are on full military readiness.”
Source: AFP
Read morePresenting Russian East Ukraine: These Are The Cities Controlled By “Separatists”
Donetsk Riots Break Out In ‘Scenes Of Absolute Brutality’ (Videos)
– Donetsk Riots Break Out In “Scenes Of Absolute Brutality” (ZeroHedge, April 28, 2014):
It seems the US and EU sanctions escalation has done nothing to calm the tensions between Ukrainians and pro-Russian forces in Donetsk, where according to report ultranationalists from Kiev are involved in a skirmish with local riot police. As the following clip suggests… “rocks and missiles are being thrown from both sides – there are injuries and scenes of absolute brutality as both sides clash.”
There are injuries, and scenes of absolute brutality as both sides clash with each other here in #Donetsk pic.twitter.com/EvGYZOf6M8
— GrahamWPhillips (@GrahamWP_UK) April 28, 2014
Not as simple in #Donetsk as ‘pro-Russia’ attacked. There were members on both sides here looking for a fight. That’s Ukraine right now.
— GrahamWPhillips (@GrahamWP_UK) April 28, 2014
Minutes before the violence erupted…
Read moreDonetsk Riots Break Out In ‘Scenes Of Absolute Brutality’ (Videos)