Euromaidan in English <https://www.facebook.com/EnglishMaidan>
Kudos to Ukrainian Armed Forces!
<https://www.facebook.com/uacrisis/posts/607564242645668>
Ukrainian ?risis Media Center
<https://www.facebook.com/uacrisis/posts/607564242645668>
Despite Death Threats National Troops Remain Loyal to the Ukrainian People
Kyiv, March 10, 2014. Recently, the number of Russian troops in
Ukraine's Crimea hasincreased from 20,000 to 30,000 units. Fully armed,
the Russian military claims to offer protection to the Russian speaking
population within Ukraine's borders. In a controversial statement,
Russian President Vladimir Putin identified armed troops as "Crimean
self-defense units." Day by day, Russia is distancing Crimea from the
informational spotlight and forcing out media and observers, allowing
for death threats and numerous provocations for an armed conflict to the
remaining Ukrainian troops permanently stationed in Crimea.
Interestingly, the Russian troops in Crimea have been constantly
changing location, and apparently have not been assigned to patrol a
particular military point. Such maneuvers are reportedly being used to
cut off soldiers from objective information sources and from getting a
balanced perspective on the confrontation, and instead providing them
with information only from Kremlin-approved or generated media or
information sources.
According to news.liga.net, Ukrainian military bases in Simferopol,
Kerch, Feodosia, Perevalne, Sevastopol, Evpatoria, Novoozerne,
Bakhchisaray and Saky remain under siege by the Russian troops. So far
there have been no reports of violent acts with the use of firearms
around Ukraine's military bases. Cut off from food, water and
electricity, Ukrainian soldiers and officers have received numerous
ultimatums to peacefully surrender, or "it will be too late." Ukraine's
army forces have been exposed to numerous bribes and threats from
Russian officers, including the promise of a tripled salary, and death
threats or threats of a violent siege. Additionally, Ukrainian soldiers,
who have remained at their posts, report that they have been threatened
with the kidnapping of their families and children.
Video reports, although scarce, continue to find their way through
multiple roadblocks and constant electricity outages initiated by the
surrounding Russian military. One such report showcased unarmed
Ukrainian air force troops bravely carrying two flags as they approached
Russian forces who had previously taken over a Ukrainian air force base
in Belbek. Despite several warning shots fired in the air by the
Russians, and guns pointed at Ukrainian soldiers, the Ukrainian troops
continued walking and singing the Ukrainian national anthem.
Notwithstanding inhumane conditions, warnings and threats, offers of
high positions and salaries, Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea remain loyal
to the people of Ukraine, keeping the oath to their Homeland.
"The oath is not a hollow sound for the Ukrainian military," commented
reporter Andriy Tsaplienko after his recent observation mission to Crimea.
Concurrently, many Ukrainian cities have held peaceful demonstrations
aimed at supporting Ukrainian troops and promoting a democratic
resolution to the conflict. These peaceful demonstrations have served to
bridge the Western and Eastern parts of Ukraine, as residents of all
regions of the country have publicly denounced Russian military
intervention.
As a reminder, according to the decision of the Federation Council
passed on March 2, 2014, Russian troops were deployed in Crimea in
response to instability, ethnic conflict, threats to the Russian
speaking population and human right violations allegedly taking place in
Ukraine's Crimea.
###
For information please contact the center hotline by phone +38(050)
1578159, +38(050) 1578423, or email: [email protected].
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Tue Apr 01 2014 - 00:58:03 EST