The bad news:
1. It has become clear why for so long Putin’s TV channels and newspapers kept spinning misinformation that the ATO forces were allegedly constantly using BM-21 “Grad” multiple rocket launchers (MLRs) in the theater of operation–given that no MRLs were seen in the possession of security forces in the ATO area.
Today, a group of terrorists–mercenaries from the Caucasus and local insurgents–fired at a vegetable storage base in the city of Dobropillya [Donetsk Oblast] with the BM-21. Terrorists had a total of three such MLRs at their disposal. At the same time, terrorists disguised themselves as the National Guard.
There are no limits to both the Kremlin’s cynicism–who continues to plan and conduct these cynical operations–and the local scum from the “DPR” and “LPR” [Donetsk, and Luhansk, People’s Republics] who obediently fulfill Putin’s will. After all, if [we] don’t take urgent actions, tomorrow, instead of a vegetable storage facility, anything could be [fired at].
2. Today, a Russian Mi-35 helicopter violated the Ukrainian border and continued on to accompany a convoy. It didn’t stay on our territory for very long, but the circumstances of the incident are mind-boggling.
After all, we are talking about our military convoy. In my opinion, this is simple insolence. But it is possible only because of the fact that the Russians don’t believe in the ability of our security forces to effectively counteract them. Unfortunately, as we see, their disbelief is justified.
3. Today one of our politicians practically announced the following: “The Army needs heroic commanders. During yesterday’s fight near Snizhne, General Vitaly Muzhenko bravely proved himself. It is not the first time he personally led the attack.”
I am for a PR [campaign] of [our] heroes. But let’s recognize that if the General, who also holds the post of Deputy Chief of the General Staff (by the way, his name is Viktor), personally leads soldiers to attack, then this is the end of our army.
There are squad leaders, platoon leaders and company leaders who are supposed to lead soldiers in the attack. If the Deputy Chief of General Staff and one of the key “strategists” in the ATO is forced to personally lead soldiers to attack, then it’s one of two things. Either his subordinates are completely incompetent and he does their job for them, or he has nothing to do at the ATO headquarters. In both cases, the PR is doubtful.
I think it’s necessary to show the heroes from among regular soldiers and officers in particular battles. And the merits and shortcomings of generals should be judged on the results of the ATO.
The good news:
1. The active phase of the ATO in Mariupol ended successfully. Mariupol is a normal city again and no longer a terrorist snake nest.
Since the afternoon, local residents, with support from the personnel and equipment of local enterprises, have been taking down terrorist barricades.
Hopefully very soon, in a summary, I will be able to congratulate us all on the fact that the last terrorist barricade in Donbas has been dismantled. Until then, what has cheered us up are our troops in Mariupol–it is a very important and convincing victory.
2. The operation to block the border with Russia continues, and although it is not without problems, it’s rather successful nonetheless.
At the request of security forces, we won’t cover the details of these actions and will only give them sparingly, and after the fact. Please kindly understand us. If all the security forces plans, God willing, are realized– this will be a very important step towards the successful completion of the ATO.
3. The little leader of the terrorist organization “DPR,” Denis Pushilin, during a broadcast of a Russian TV station today described how he sat like a cricket behind the stove in Moscow, and didn’t intend to get out of there at any price.
If the chief rat that managed to escape is not going back to the ship–it’s a sure sign that the ship has sailed already. It would be nice for the rest of the rats to understand this as well.
Immediately thereafter, the miracle hero Pushilin accused Ukrainian intelligence of organizing an assassination attempt on him. Supposedly, the minibus “Gazelle” that exploded yesterday near the building of the Donetsk Oblast State Administration in Donetsk is the work of the security services.
He didn’t think twice about the fact that only the laziest media haven’t previously reported the escape of Pushilin to Russia, and that intelligence agencies couldn’t help but know about it. Or, so it seems, he was too ashamed to admit that because of the innate stupidity of his “DPR” accomplices they undermine themselves.
4. We were pleased with the Governor of Dnipropetrovsk Ihor Kolomoyskyi’s idea to build a wall stretching over 1,900 km [1,180 miles] along the whole border with Russia. Mr. Kolomoyskyi is ready to pay for the construction himself.
The psychological effect of such proposals is wonderful. But, to be honest with you, the practical meaning of this idea is a subject for worth discussing. Yes, the Russian border should in any case be put “under lock.” But here, besides engineering structures, the forms and methods of state border protection are important as well. After all, what good does the wall do if anyone can blow it up at any spot along it and freely barrel into Ukraine–no one will be able to react to it.
Therefore, it comes down to the question of a radical reform of the State Border Service. It’s necessary to strengthen border control units, re-create motor-maneuverable groups, give border guards not only intelligence, but also combat aircraft into the border control disposal, as well as ensure close cooperation with army units in the border areas.
And also to mercilessly fight corruption in the State Border Service. Since it’s the contagion no walls can save us from.
Dmitry Tymchuk, Coordinator, Information Resistance
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine