Civil War in Ukraine: Western Empire vs Russia

[angelburst29]

US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt is on his way out, having been confirmed as ambassador to Greece earlier this month. His parting words to Ukraine's leaders include comments on the country's great successes in achieving energy independence from Russia. Unfortunately, it seems that once again, it's what was left unsaid that really counts.

US Ambassador Pyatt's Parting Message to Ukraine: Hang In There Guys!
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160728/1043722317/pyatt-ukraine-comments-analysis.html

On Sunday, speaking in Odessa aboard the USS Ross, in town for scheduled US-Ukrainian naval exercises, Pyatt praised Ukrainian officials for their 'courage and resolve' in the struggle against Moscow.

The diplomat emphasized that he was "enormously proud…as an American" for "the partnership that we have been able to forge with some very courageous and very resolved Ukrainian patriots. You have dealt with the worst Russia can throw at you and I know you are going to prevail."

Pyatt pointed out that Ukraine had survived through the winter of 2016 without reliance on Russian gas supplies. At the same time, he noted, Naftogaz, Ukraine's national gas company, can now afford the luxury of purchasing Russian gas, but only if it finds the price acceptable.

Ambassador Pyatt is well known for giving his Ukrainian officials dubious compliments, from predicting Ukraine's status as a future 'agricultural superpower', to suggesting that the country could actually become 'a gas exporter'.


Speaking to the online newspaper, Ukrainian economist and political scientist Alexander Dudchak suggested that Pyatt's words were just the latest example of "double-talk" by US officials.

"In principle, there are really no grounds for saying that Russia is waging an 'energy war' against Ukraine," the expert noted. "Just recall how many times Kiev has declared that it would never use Russian gas – that it would get by without it, that it was too expensive. And what has Russia's response been? Basically to calmly saying 'you don't want it? Ok, what's the problem here?"

"I don't understand where Pyatt sees this Russian 'war' against Ukraine. His conclusions are closer to the 'information warfare and ideological front' than the energy sector."

Russian Ambassador to Ukraine will be substituted in the near future.

New Russian Ambassador to Ukraine to Be Appointed Soon
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160728/1043722288/ukraine-ambassador-peskov-zurabov.html

New Russian Ambassador to Ukraine will be appointed in the near future, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

"We expect that the new Russian Ambassador to Ukraine will be appointed in the near future. As soon as the necessary diplomatic procedures are carried out, and a decree is signed, we will inform you," Peskov said.

On Thursday, Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov was released from the post by the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

International Monetary Fund spokesperson said that IMF executive board will not be able to consider the second review to disburse assistance to Kiev before its recess this week.

IMF to Keep Ukraine Waiting for Second Tranche of Money
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160728/1043723394/imf-ukraine-tranche.html

"We do not expect the Board review before the recess, which is this week," Murray stated. "We expect that Ukraine will be taken up by the Executive Board sometime when the Board reconvenes, but beyond that I do not really have the precise timing for the Board review on the Ukraine program."

The spokesperson noted that review could "possibly" take place in August or September.

In May, the IMF announced it would consider disbursing $1.7 billion in assistance to Ukraine upon successful conclusion of the second review. However, Ukrainian media reported in June that the fund could reduce the next tranche to Kiev to $1 billion.

On March 11, the IMF approved a four-year program of financial aid to Ukraine, which stipulates a $17.5 billion loan over the next four years. The Ukrainian government has to implement new economic policies for the IMF to disburse the funds.

 

[angelburst29]

A representative of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was killed in an explosion at a Ukrainian Defense Industry (Ukroboronprom) facility in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, local media report citing the regional prosecutor’s office.

NATO Representative Killed in Explosion at Ukrainian Facility - Reports
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160729/1043736344/nato-person-killed-ukraine.html

According to the prosecutor’s office, a total of three people were killed in the Thursday blast, including a NATO representative. Two facility workers were injured and are in grave condition at the hospital.

Earlier on Thursday, the press service of the military prosecutor’s office of Central Ukraine said that a blast that occurred at an Ukroboronprom facility in the Sumy region led to the death of three people and injured two others.

According to the military prosecutor’s office, the explosion occurred during the unloading of ammunition.

Kiev punitives subjected to shelling hospital 21 in Donetsk that is located exactly in the village Octyabrskiy. It has been reported today in the administration.

Loud night in Donetsk: hospital 21 targeted again, 254 mines launched by UAF at peaceful districts
http://novorossia.today/loud-night-in-donetsk-hospital-21-targeted-again-254-mines-launched-by-uaf-at-peaceful-districts/

Hospital 21 shelled many times by Kiev fighters, windows and roof were changed regularly, however, the hospital did not stop working and it provides medical aid to dwellers up to now. Commissar of European Council on human rights Nils Raimonds Muižnieks visited this hospital last summer.

It was added that Kiev hostile forces launched 254 mines at Donetsk, Yasinovataya, village Cominternovo in the south of the DPR.

‘In period since 7.30 pm to 2.40 am Ukrainian side targeted Spartak, Yasinovataya, Cominternovo (south of the republic), Volvo-Center’, representative of the DPR Defence Ministry specified. It was added that not only 82 mm caliber mortars were used, but mortars of 120 mm caliber also.

According to the resource, the enemy carried out shelling from their positions in Avdeevka, Opytnoe, Peski, Kamenka, Vodyanoe and Talakovka.

Grenade launchers, infantry combat vehicle, small arms were used together with mortars.

New details have been revealed to PolitNavigator concerning the overseas trip of Poroshenko which the Ukrainian president is trying to hide out of fear of displeasing the population with his luxurious vacation during wartime.

Poroshenko calls Merkel about Donbass from vacation yacht in Norway
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/07/poroshenko-calls-merkel-about-donbass.html

On Saturday, the press service of President Poroshenko reported that the head of state held telephone talks with Angela Merkel, during which both sides agreed to intensify work in the Normandy format. Poroshenko also complained about the escalation of hostilities in Donbass, blaming, as always, Russia and the self-proclaimed republics.

This story is a spicy one given that the president discussed these important points while being thousand of kilometers away from Ukraine and warring Donbass.

Poroshenko, his family, and the family of his oldest son flew from Malaga, Spain to Bergen, Norway on Monday. They enjoyed a yacht cruise, fished, and admired the Northern landscape. In such circumstances, of course, words of concern regarding an escalation in Donbass hardly ring sincere. Meanwhile, however, Poroshenko has chosen to comfortably sit out the dangerous day of the Holy Procession for Peace, Prayer, and Love in Kiev.

Poroshenko returns to Kiev on Wednesday-Thursday night presumably on board a Cessna Citation Jet (CJ3) operated by Air Hamburg with tail number D-CJET (flight number: AHO488V).

 

[angelburst29]

Russia relies on Ukraine that it will pay off its debt.

Russia Hopes Ukraine Pays Off $3Bln Debt, Retains All Tools to Protect Interests
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160729/1043754158/russia-ukraine-debt-pay.html

Russia hopes Ukraine will pay off its $3-billion debt, but retains all the available tools to protect its sovereign interests in light of Kiev’s recent indications it would refuse to repay the debt, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

“Of course, we continue to expect that the needed sovereign obligations are fulfilled by Ukraine. Against the backgrounds of the renouncement of these commitments, as we have repeatedly aid, Russia will use all the tools available in international law to protect its interests,” Peskov told reporters.

The Law Debenture Corporation plc, representing Russia in litigation of a $3-billion sovereign debt owed by Ukraine, has filed an appeal in the High Court in London to expedite the ruling in a lawsuit over Kiev's failure to repay the debt, the Russian Finance Ministry said Thursday.

Moscow filed a lawsuit against Ukraine in the London High Court in February after Kiev defaulted on repayment of a $3-billion loan that Russia granted to Ukraine in 2013 under the former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych.Russia seeks to recover the principal in full, $75 million of unpaid interest and legal fees.

 

[Voyageur]

Вот две информации (вчерашняя и сегодняшняя) касающиеся проходящего сейчас в Украине крестного хода за мир. Окончание крестного хода должно произойти завтра в центре Киева объединением двух частей, идущих с запада страны и с востока и проведением молебнов на Владимирской горке и в Киево-Печерской лавре.
http://rusvesna.su/news/1469458427
http://rusvesna.su/news/1469525546


Translation
Here are two information (yesterday and today) regarding the ongoing in Ukraine, religious procession for peace. The end of the procession is supposed to happen tomorrow in the center of Kiev by the unification of the two parts coming from the West and from the East and holding prayer on the Vladimir hill and in Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

"Seen picture personally I am shocked", — the participant of the procession of satanic rage the neo-Nazis (VIDEO 18+)
by One of the participants of the procession for peace in the Donbass shared his impressions of the meeting with neo-Nazis, tried to stop the move.[...]

Concerning the procession and how it went:

In an article 'A faith that lifts barricades: The Ukraine government bows to peace procession to Kyiv, the ultra-nationalists are furious' "by Erwan Castel, published on his French-language blog Donbass ! on July 27, 2016, translated to English by New Cold War.org." it goes on to say: https://newcoldwar.org/a-faith-that-lifts-barricades-the-ukraine-government-bows-to-peace-procession-to-kyiv-the-ultra-nationalists-are-furious/

Whether you are Christian, or pagan like me, it’s hard not to be impressed and moved by the quiet crowds of Orthodox faith pilgrims who entered Kyiv on July 26 to the sound and rhythms of sacred songs, transmitted through the generations in the shadows of the golden domes of the Orthodox tradition of this Slavic people that has been living for centuries along the banks of the Dnieper River.

Departing from the east and the west of Ukraine in early July, tens of thousands of Orthodox pilgrims gathered in Kyiv on July 26 and 27 with messages of peace and hope for their country ravaged by civil war for the past two-plus years. United Nations estimates say close to 10,000 people in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine have been killed, but the real number is higher. Tens of thousands have been injured and hundreds of thousands have been displaced or made refugee. There has been massive destruction of property and infrastructure.

The peace initiative undertaken by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has right from the start been sharply criticized and attacked by Ukrainian nationalists, who saw the processions as subversion orchestrated by Moscow and menacing to Ukrainian authorities. Paramilitary nationalist groups escalated their threats against the initiative, seeking to exacerbate the religious dimension of the conflict in eastern Ukraine with provocations that were as delusional as they were ineffective.

On July 26, ultra-nationalists were incapable of stopping the waves of pilgrims converging by the tens of thousands on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv Monastery of Caves) on Vladimir Hill, not far from the western bank of the Dnieper River and not so far from Maidan Square in the center of the city. They tried in vain to block the procession from entering Kyiv, including with the complicity of the Ministry of Interior which evoked alleged security reasons to ban the procession from doing so.

The effort to block the procession was in vain. In the early evening of July 26, the pilgrims came into the city in waves, under the stunned eyes of police who could only bow before the quiet strength of the crowds, carried by a faith forged over centuries and by a communion strengthened by the hundreds of kilometers traveled by foot during the previous three weeks.

Not only did the pilgrims succeed in passing through the gates of ‘Kievan Rus'[1], they were joined by thousands more people in the city, come to express their faith in Orthodox traditions or to support the message of peace carried by the tens of thousands of marchers

Suddenly, the Kyiv regime was up against the wall created by its stupid and fanatic Russophobia. It was obliged not only to back off in the face of this expression of Russian-Ukrainian tradition but it was also obliged to ensure the safety of the crowds against its own pack-dogs of the Right Sector and other extremists.

On the morning of the July 27, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov announced, “Special arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth running of the religious ceremony to take place. Any citizen may attend the prayer service and their security will be assured.”

Avakov’s advisor, Zorian Shkiryak, placed in charge of organizing security measures and scrambling to impose a semblance of authority, announced that “access to Vladimir Hill will take place through the appropriate security controls, which will include about 20 metal detection frames.”

With regard to the furious ultra-nationalists seeing all their attempts to sabotage the procession fail, Shkiryak asked them “in all cases not to get into confrontations or to instigate potential conflicts.”

On the evening of July 26, buses which the Diocese of Odessa, like many other dioceses in the country, had organized to allow pilgrims to reach Kyiv for the ceremony were stopped by the radical nationalists as they were leaving Odessa. The fanatics turned back the buses, threatening to burn the pilgrims and their drivers if they continued on their way!

One hopes the radicals will not succeed this time with their murderous madness and will not succeed in provoking with their hatred the religious ceremonies bringing together in peace and harmony thousands of Ukrainian families torn apart by war.

Regardless of outcome, in this Orthodox Procession for Peace undertaking, the Kyiv government has once again stood out for its incompetence, cowardice and stupidity. From beginning to end, the Kyiv puppets were unable to handle this event which was obviously destined to make headlines.

Indeed, instead of saluting the message of peace carried by the marchers and capitalizing on the event in its own way, the government opted to feign indifference, leaving radical nationalist organizations with the opportunity to vent their hatred. But the incompetent Maidan fools were doubly trapped; firstly by the organization and the importance of the event, ensuring its success and media coverage; and secondly by the delusions and threats of the ultra-nationalists, which obliged Ukrainian security forces to provide security for what were termed “Russian spetsnaz (agents)” disguised as pilgrims!

The Kiev regime ended up in a complete dead end in this situation, up to and including its president, the billionaire Poroshenko. He left the city on July 25 for his private palace in Malaga, conspicuous by his contemptuous absence and cowardice, all the while as Kyiv’s artillery continues to pound away at Donbass.

Note:
[1] Cross-Ukraine processions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are held each year to commemorate the baptism of the state of ‘Kievan Rus’ (as Ukraine’s early incarnation as a country is known) by Grand Prince Vladimir Volodymyr in the year 988. This year’s procession took on a specific theme of peace and unity for

Erwan Castel is a volunteer peace advocate from France residing in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. He has published a blog in French since October 2014 titled Donbass ! Le jour où le coeur de l’Europe s’est remis à battre (Donbass! The day the heart of Europe began beating again). This article also appears on CounterPunch, on July 29, 2016.

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[angelburst29]

Seven houses were damaged in shelling from positions of the Ukrainian military, sources said reported on Sunday referring to defense authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).

Seven Houses Damaged in Shelling Attack on Donetsk
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510001194

In the Kyibyshev district, were damaged houses in five streets," the sources said, TASS reported.

Under fire during the night to Sunday were the territory of airport, settlements Spartak and Zhabichevo north of Donetsk, settlements Staromikhailovka and Trudovskiye, Zaitsevo and Shirokaya Balka, suburbs of Yasinovataya, settlements Sakhanko and Kominternovo.

The Ukrainian military over the past 24 hours shelled 16 times positions of the people’s militia of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR), the republic’s defense authority told the LuganskInformCenter on Sunday.

"The Ukrainian side delivered fire mostly on the Kalinovo settlement. From 17:00 and though to midnight it was shelled eleven times. The military shelled it from mortars, IFV weapons, various grenade launchers and other arms," the agency quoted the authority’s report.

The Ukrainian military also shelled Logvinovo and Kalinovka.

An envoy notes that the mission’s reports on mass rallies, the influence exerted by nationalists are fragmentary.

Russia’s envoy urges OSCE to monitor situation in Ukraine more closely
http://tass.ru/en/politics/891526

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission should follow the socio-economic situation not only in the Donbass region but in the rest of Ukraine as well, Russia’s OSCE Ambassador Alexander Lukashevich said at a meeting of the organization’s Permanent Council.

"We are drawing attention to the need to follow the situation in the rest of Ukraine (not only in the Donbass region - TASS) more closely," he said. "We have to state that this part of the SMM’s mandate is not fulfilled in full measure."

He noted that the mission’s reports on mass rallies and protests against the deterioration of the socio-economic situation, the influence exerted by nationalists on the political decision-making, the absence of results of the investigation into the May 2 tragedy in Odessa are fragmentary.

"What is needed is a comprehensive political and socio-economic analysis of the currrent trends in the Ukrainian society, because they affect the resolution of the conflict (in Donbass)," Lukashevich said. "It is also necessary to prepare reports on freedom of speech and journalists’ rights, the activities of radical and extremist organizations, citizens’ rights and freedom. The impartiality and a balanced approach to presenting information are the key factors for the reputation of the SMM and the OSCE as a whole."

On Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed former Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov.

Moscow requests Kiev’s agreement to appointing Babich as Russian Ambassador to Ukraine
http://tass.ru/en/politics/891544

Moscow has requested Kiev’s preliminary agreement to appoint Mikhail Babich as new Ambassador to Kiev, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.

"I don’t know yet (whether Kiev agreed to Babich’s appointment as Russian Ambassador to Ukraine), but agreement was requested," Peskov said. "Necessary diplomatic procedures, including receiving agreement, are underway," he added.

On Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed former Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov.

The State Duma received a letter today on appointing Russian presidential envoy to the Volga Federal District as Ambassador to Ukraine. State Duma Deputy Speaker Ivan Melnikov said that the session devoted to this issue will be held at 3:30pm Moscow time at the Duma’s Committee on International Affairs.

Mikhail Babich was born in Ryazan. In 1990, he graduated from the Ryazan Higher Military Command School of Communications. In 1999-2000 he worked as first deputy head of the Federal Agency on Regulating Food Market under Russia’s Agriculture Ministry, in 2001-2002 - as deputy governor of Moscow and then Ivanovo regions. From November 2002 to February 2003 Babich was a chairman of the Chechnya’s government. In 2003 Babch served as advisor to the Russian minister of economic development and trade. In 2003-2011 he was a State Duma deputy from the United Russia party. He was appointed as presidential envoy to the Volga Federal District on 15 December 2011.


Ukrainian hostile side used heavy armament to shell Kuibishevskiy district of Donetsk
http://novorossia.today/ukrainian-hostile-side-used-heavy-armament-to-shell-kuibishevskiy-district-of-donetsk/

At midnight Kiev punitives started shelling of Kuibishevskiy district of Donetsk with the use of artillery of 122 mm caliber.

The shelling was 3 hours. Together with artillery, mortars and tanks were used by the enemy.

Spartak, Zhabichevo, Staromihaylovka, Trudovskie, Zaytsevo, Sirokaya Balka (Gorlovka), Yasinovataya, Shanka, Kominternovo in the south of the DPR were attacked last night again.

Data on casualties and wounded is being checked.


Explosion in Ukrainian Zaporozie
http://novorossia.today/explosion-in-ukrainian-zaporozie/

Explosion happened close to one of Ukrainian banks in Zaporozie, no one wounded. Windows broken and system of conditioning damaged. It was reported by the press-service of National police of Ukraine in Zaporozie.

In regard to the data of the police, explosive item worked. There was no penetration into the bank.

An action was brought on “disorderly conduct”.


DPR Defence Ministry announced about 220 cases of shelling by Kiev fighters
http://novorossia.today/dpr-defence-ministry-announced-about-220-cases-of-shelling-by-kiev-fighters/

DPR territory was subjected to shelling 222 times for the last 24 hours by hostile Kiev forces. Armed forces of Ukraine used mainly mortars, they launched 82 mines of 82 mm caliber and 120 mm caliber. Moreover, infantry combat vehicle, grenade launchers, small arms were used.

Yasinovataya, village Spartak, Dokuchaevsk, villages Sahanka and Kominternovo (south of the DPR) were under the severe shelling of UAF (Ukrainian Armed Forces). Petrovskiy and Kuibishevskiy districts of Donetsk were also attacked.

All the data on Minsk agreements violations were given to OSCE and JCCC.

Russian companies worked with Ukraine on legal grounds and were not subject to economic sanctions imposed by Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko.

Ukraine bans 243 Russian companies from working on its territory — security service
http://tass.ru/en/world/891445

Ukraine has banned 243 Russian companies from operating on its territory because of their cooperation with companies on Donbass territories not controlled by Kiev, the press service of Ukrainian Security Service said on Friday.

"According to materials of the Security Service of Ukraine, foreign economic activity of 243 Russian companies was stopped," the press service said.

Russian companies also worked with Ukraine on legal grounds and were not subject to economic sanctions imposed by Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko.

The press service added that Kiev believes "Ukrainian producers will be able to fully substitute for Russian imports" from the banned companies.

 

[angelburst29]

Opposition Bloc insists on early parliamentary elections because of corrupt authorities and problems with freedom of speech and justice in the country.

Ukraine opposition demands early elections to Rada
http://tass.ru/en/world/891959

"The authorities have been talking about democratic reforms and transformations for two and a half years. But Ukraine remains an unfree country where censorship and corruption dominate and where there is no fair and honest justice," the party said in its statement. "Parliamentary elections are the only way to stop repressions, corruption and censorship," the Opposition Bloc said.

The opposition is calling on the authorities to stop political persecution of dissidents and investigate high-profile corruption scandals in order not to lose the world community’s support and restore the trust of the people of Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian society demands an answer to one question: where the hundreds of millions of dollars which ex-premier Arseniy Yatsenyuk allocated for the construction of a so-called Wall [defensive structures on the Russian-Ukrainian border] have gone," the statement said.

The Opposition Bloc also wants to know if the authorities are investigating a statement of Nikolai Gordiyenko, the former head of the State Financial Inspection, who testified that Yatsenyuk’s government had misappropriated 7.6 billion hryvnias (306 million US dollars).

According to the Opposition Bloc, high-profile murders of journalists and opposition figures remain unresolved in Ukraine and radical attacks on the editorial offices of various media outlets have become commonplace.

A group of French parliament members toured Crimea on July 29-31 to meet with the local authorities and the population.

French lawmakers say time for Ukraine to agree with Crimea’s reunification with Russia
http://tass.ru/en/world/891905

Time is ripe for Ukraine to agree that Crimea has reunited with Russia and this is an accomplished fact, a group of French lawmakers told a news conference at TASS after visiting Crimea with a delegation on July 29-31.

A member of France’s National Assembly from the Republicans, co-chair of the Franco-Russian dialog association, Thierry Mariani said that in his opinion Crimea’s reunification with Russia was an accomplished fact.

"We could’ve dedicated ourselves to something else, we could’ve changed the agenda," he said. "Several years more may be spent on arguing whether the referendum matched the reality or not. But this pastime will be useless. ‘The mass is over’, as a French saying goes. Other issues demand attention, the more so since more people are losing lives in Donbass."

French parliament member Jacques Myard urged the Ukrainian authorities to face the facts and reconcile themselves with the realities.

"No sanctions will force a great power to change its stance. The day will come to make the proper conclusions," he added. "The sooner that happens, the better it will be for Russia and Ukraine, as well as for France and Europe."

A group of French parliament members under Mariani toured Crimea on July 29-31 to meet with the local authorities and the population. This is their second visit to the peninsula. State Duma member Leonid Slutsky accompanied his French counterparts, just as he did a year ago.

 

[angelburst29]

Former Ukrainian pilot and currently a Verkhovna Rada member from the Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) political party Nadezhda Savchenko has started another hunger strike.

Pardoned ex-pilot Savchenko goes on another hunger strike
http://novorossia.today/pardoned-ex-pilot-savchenko-goes-on-another-hunger-strike/

Speaking about the situation in the Donbass region at a news conference in Kiev on Tuesday, Savchenko reiterated that “it’s necessary to stop the hostilities and put an end to all this mess.”

“I have already said that I consider the release of prisoners to be a priority issue,” Savchenko went on to say. “That’s why I am going on a hunger strike as of today … until positive results are achieved.”

She also accused the Ukrainian authorities of inactivity in addressing the issue.

Private houses got damages in the Kuibishevskiy district Stepnaya St. 54, 55, 58, 60 and 77. There was no data on wounded.

At least 5 houses destroyed as a result of night shelling at nothern suburb of Donestk
http://novorossia.today/private-houses-got-damages-in-the-kuibishevskiy-district-stepnaya-st-54-55-58-60-and-77-there-was-no-data-on-wounded/

It was earlier reported that UAF used heavy armament at Donetsk and Yasinovataya suburbs last night, as a result of the attack, 2 civilians wounded, private house destroyed, moreover, it was reported that the mine of Skochinskiy in Kirovskiy district was left without power.

On the agenda are the roadmap, inadmissibility of persecution of participants in Donbass events and elections.

Contact Group’s on Ukraine political subgroup to discuss Minsk Accords
http://tass.ru/en/world/892037

The Contact Group’s political subgroup will discuss the roadmap of implementing the Minsk Agreements, amnesty of participants in Donbass conflict and election modalities on August 3 in Minsk, acting foreign minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Natalya Nikonorova said on Tuesday.

The acting foreign minister expressed hope that Ukraine’s representatives will not reject the already coordinated matters at the upcoming meeting. "We are concerned by the lack of Kiev’s position and limited mandate of its negotiators. If the situation on the diplomatic track is further prolonged, we fear military escalation. Shellings of our territories have intensified lately," she said.

She noted that the petition signed by Donbass residents on Kiev’s non-implementation of the Minsk Agreements will be handed to OSCE Special Representative Martin Sajdik at the Contact Group’s meeting on August 3. "We hope that these signatures - and there are more than 300,000 of them - will make not only Kiev, but also the leaders of guarantor countries think," she concluded.

 

[youlik]

Ночные обстрелы ЛНР — оперативная сводка
http://rusvesna.su/news/1470127296

Родственники не спали всю ночь. Взрывы слышались так, что казалось происходит в собственном огороде.
Сейчас люди в новороссии ждут (со страхом) дня начала олимпиады. Если кто помнит, грузинское нападение на Южную Осетию произошло как раз в день начала Пекинской олимпиады 2008 года. А так как силы руководившие тогдашней Грузией и нынешней Украинской хунтой одни и те же, то и технологии провокаций вполне могут быть одними и теми же.

Translation
Night shelling of LNR — operational summary

02.08.2016 - 17:05
Night shelling of LNR — operative report (+VIDEO) | Russian spring
The city of Stakhanov of the Luhansk national Republic was a night shelling from the UAF, resulting in three residents were injured by shrapnel and taken to a local hospital. This was reported in the people's militia LNR.
"In the second 01.40 Aug from the temporarily occupied UAF Popasnaya, from its residential areas were shelled Stakhanov with artillery with a caliber of 152 mm. Released to 6 shells. According to preliminary data 4 shells fell in the residential area of Stakhanov, without causing damage. One shell fell in the yard of a house on the street Koshevoy, 26. Another shell fell near a residential house on the street, 3", — told in the Ministry of defence of the Republic.
In militia added that the shelling injured man in 1966 and a woman born in 1937.
Later the authorities said that the wounded three: one man and two women. "The condition of the man is estimated by doctors as heavy women — medium gravity", — said the representative of the administration.
"Men diagnosed with penetrating shrapnel wound to the left chest, a woman diagnosed with multiple incised wounds of the soft tissues of the face, trauma to both eyes, the condition is assessed as moderate. Victims are delivered in Stakhanov city hospital", — explained in militia.
Night shelling the LPR from the Ukrainian troops intensified.
"During the day, recorded 8 violations of the cease-fire with the UAF. On the territory of the Republic is dated 125 shells and mines, excluding fire from small arms", — reported the representatives of the people's militia.
Kalinovo village was subjected to shelling of 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, tanks and AGS. The Kiev military were firing from the direction of Novoaleksandrovka, Trinity and Novozvanovka.
The village Youth has been fired from the direction of Popasnaya of AGS.
In addition, 152-mm mortar rounds were fired 36 shells at the village Municipality from the direction of Mironovskiy.

The relatives had not slept all night. Explosions could be heard so that seemed to be happening in their own garden.
Now people in the Novorossia are waiting (with fear) the day the Olympics began. If anyone remembers, the Georgian attack on South Ossetia occurred just in the first day of Beijing Olympics 2008. And as the forces who led the then Georgia and the current Ukrainian junta the same, and the technology of provocations may well be the same.

 

[angelburst29]

WAR CRIMES, 900 HOMES LEFT WITHOUT POWER AFTER BOMBINGS OF CIVILIAN AREAS BY THE UKRAINE JUNTA REGIME
http://novorossia.today/war-crimes-900-homes-left-without-power-bombings-civilian-areas-ukraine-junta-regime/

Six electrical substations in Donetsk’s Petrovsky district and nearly 900 residential houses were left without power after shellings by Nazi Ukrainian forces, local administration head Maxim Zhukovsky said on Wednesday.

“Six electrical substations in the region were left without power after the night shelling by Fascist Ukraine forces. There is no electricity in 886 residential houses, including high-rise buildings. A boiler house and dentist’s office were also left without power,”.


A source in security agencies of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) said that a residential house burned down in Zaytsevo near Gorlovka at night as a result of an explosion.

It was earlier reported that Nazi Ukrainian forces fired 470 shells at Donetsk’s Kuybyshevsky and Kirvosky districts, as well as at the outskirts of Yasinovataya. A civilian was injured in the shelling.

Representatives of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) were threatened at gunpoint near a checkpoint on occupied Kiev-controlled territory in Donbass, SMM said in a report released on Wednesday.

OSCE REPRESENTATIVES THREATENED AT GUNPOINT BY DRUNK ARMED UKRAINIAN JUNTA SOLDIERS
http://novorossia.today/133846-2/

“At 10:10 on 2 August, an armed man at a known Ukrainian Armed Forces position wearing military-style clothing with no markings stopped two SMM vehicles in occupied Junta government-controlled areas travelling east on the road from Lopaskyne (junta government-controlled, 24km north-west of Luhansk) to Lobacheve (Junta government-controlled, 17km north-west of Luhansk),” the report said. “When one of the SMM monitors stepped out of the vehicle to speak with the man, the latter chambered a round into his submachine gun (AKSU-74) and after removing the weapon’s safety, pointed it at the SMM monitor and put his finger on the trigger,” SMM continued.

“The SMM requested the armed man call his commander, which he did. Standing approximately two metres away, the man kept his gun pointed at the SMM monitor and spoke to someone in Russian on his handheld radio. Approximately five to seven minutes later, another man arrived at the scene carrying an assault rifle (AK-74) with a silencer. He was accompanied by three other armed men carrying assault rifles, some of whom appeared to be intoxicated, and appeared to be in a position of authority. Some of the men were dressed in military-style clothing,” the report went on.

“Speaking with the commander of the group, the SMM monitor tried to diffuse the situation by explaining the Mission’s mandate and after approximately fifteen minutes, the SMM was allowed to leave the area and proceed to Lobacheve to complete their tasks. The SMM returned safely to its base at 16:00. The Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination was informed,” SMM concluded.

 

[Ca.]

Ukraine's Head of DNI Says They are Ready To Attack Donets Video
Aug 5, 2016
_https://youtu.be/0eB84x09Tx8

East Ukraine braces for possible full scale attack from NATO Backed Kiev Military, according to Russian news the self proclaimed Donetsk peoples Republic expects a full assault throwing all Minks agreements out the door. the fears of Chemical weapons and their use in an air attack has been noted by the Russian backed East Ukraine Fighters.

UKRAINE TODAY
Combined Russian-separatist forces readying for massive assault in Donbas – intelligence
Aug. 5, 2016
_http://uatoday.tv/politics/combined-russian-separatist-forces-readying-for-massive-assault-in-donbas-intelligence-710567.html

UKRAINE TODAY
Militant forces keep attacking Ukrainian positions along contact line
Aug. 5, 2016
Snip:
_http://uatoday.tv/politics/militant-forces-keep-attacking-ukrainian-positions-along-contact-line-710642.html

The hottest points are neighbouring towns of Maryinka, Krasnohorivka, and Avdiyivka industrial zone

At least seven Ukrainian soldiers have been wounded during the last night close to the occupied territories of Donetsk and neighbouring Horlivka. Apart from these two battle points, Russian-backed separatist forces attempted to approach Ukrainian positions in Adviyivka industrial zone, Maryinka, and Krasnohorivka, all of them in Donetsk region.

UKRAINE TODAY
Turchynov says possibility of Russian offence 'real'; issue of foreign lethal arms 'blocked'
18:11 Aug. 5, 2016
_http://uatoday.tv/politics/turchynov-says-russian-offence-real-question-of-foreign-lethal-arms-blocked-710527.html

Security and defence secretary reveals two scenarios for Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine

The possibility of Russian army's offence on Ukraine is real, Oleksandr Turchynov, Ukraine's national security and defence secretary, said on Friday during a press conference.

"As for the threat, it is real," he told the journalists.

Turchynov stated apart from the occupation forces in Donbas and Crimea, there is also a large concentration of Russian troops along the whole Ukraine-Russia border. He added Russia has established two army corps on the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "It's a tank army, it's a joint army, and this is a very serious danger," Turchynov said.

Read also Evidence of military aggression against Ukraine easily found on Russia's presidential website – Turchynov

The national security and defence chief also said Russia could in the nearest future implement one of the two scenarios.

"The first and most dangerous scenario is military, the full-scale military aggression, which now is the most problematic and dangerous for the Kremlin itself," Turchynov said. "The second scenario is the so-called hybrid one, which is most probable for today." According to the secretary, the 'hybrid' scenario includes local military attacks against Ukrainian positions in Donbas and subversive activities on the rest of the country's territory.

According to Turchynov, the issue of other countries providing lethal weapons to Ukraine is "blocked."

"Unfortunately, this does not have any logical explanation, but now, for the war's third year running, we have no military and technical cooperation with our partners in the field of modern lethal weapons," the security and defence chief said. "This question is blocked, you know the point: not to irritate Russia."

Read also Which country provides largest non-lethal military support to Ukraine?

Turchynov also underlined the long-term nature of Russian threat for Ukraine.

"The long-term nature of the Russian threat accompanied by the steady increase of instability in Europe and in the world shapes Ukraine's external security environment and determines the closest priority of the national security in our country's policy," Turchynov said.

The Security and Defence Secretary also said in case of grave escalation in the frontline the new mobilisation will be launched immediately. He added by the end of 2016 all soldiers who were mobilised will return home.

Link to links within the Article:

NATO
US A-10 ground attack jets practise landing on highways in Estonia
Published on Aug 3, 2016
_https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxQNYqZlV6Q

It’s an unusual sight to see US attack jets landing on a highway. That’s what happened on a road in Estonia with A-10s from a unit based in Missouri.
These aircraft are temporarily stationed at Ämari Air Base in Estonia. The pilots need to practise landing on a variety of surfaces.

Estonie
https://www.google.fr/maps/place/Estonie/@58.5266161,20.5043662,6z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4692949c82a04bfd:0x40ea9fba4fb425c3!8m2!3d58.595272!4d25.013607
Estonie air base
https://www.google.fr/maps/place/%C3%84mari+Lennubaas+Military+Air+Base/@59.2619376,24.2212787,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x4692a54389b696b5:0xbfaa4fcc4e525d98!8m2!3d59.2619349!4d24.2234727

Anna News
Брифинг Дениса Синенкова 05.08.16

http://<iframe width="560" height="...hQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[goyacobol]

Russia is not taking this NATO exercise lightly. It is disgusting how the US is claiming to be a defender while baring it's teeth.

http://<iframe width="560" height="...6Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

US Poised to Station Nukes in Estonia?

In a potentially provocative move, the US has deployed a number of its nuclear-capable A-10 ground attack planes in Estonia in direct vicinity of the Russian border.

US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II
© AFP 2016/ TED ALJIBE
Dozen A-10 Jets and 350 US Troops Arrive in Estonia for NATO Drills
The A-10 “tank busters” arrived at the Ämari Air Base as part of a flying training deployment in support of NATO’s Operation Atlantic Resolve on August 22.
In Moscow, defense expert and political analyst Ivan Konovalov described the stationing of US ground attack aircraft close to the Russian border as nothing short of a provocation.

“We have to see whether these A-10s are going to be armed with nuclear weapons… The Americans have around 200 B61 nuclear bombs scattered across Europe. Bringing them to Estonia would cause a major scandal. Russia will be the first to protest. Defending a country’s airspace is one thing, but ground attack planes target ground forces. Is somebody expecting a ground invasion there?” Ivan Konovalov told Sputnik on Friday.

Konovalov said he expected a further buildup of NATO and US forces close to Russia’s borders.

The Estonian government has offered the Ämari base as a facility to be used to conduct NATO’s Baltic Air Policing patrols. In April 2014 the mission began with the arrival of four Danish F-16s.

In September 2015, several Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighters were deployed at Ämari.

This Estonia exercise was being set up since September 2015.

WHAT IS OPERATION ATLANTIC RESOLVE?

Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.

Since April 2014, Army Europe has led land forces efforts on behalf of the U.S. military, by conducting continuous, enhanced multinational training and security cooperation activities with allies and partners in eastern Europe.

These multinational training and security cooperation activities are taking place in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. These training events improve interoperability, strengthen relationships and trust among allied armies, contribute to regional stability, and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO.

Operation Atlantic Resolve demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the security of NATO allies on air, land and at sea. To ensure its own security, NATO must have strong, committed and capable allies, which is why the United States has fought, exercised and trained with our European allies for the past 70 years. The U.S.-European strategic partnership is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences and commitment to a Europe that is stable and prosperous.[Sure...whatever you say]

There is no attempt by the US and NATO to change plans it seems.

 

[youlik]

Глава ЛНР Плотницкий был прооперирован после получения ранения
http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2016/08/06/651977-glava-lnr?utm_source=rnews
Хоть как-то надо раскачать ситуацию. Пусть даже такими методами.


Head of LNR Plotnitsky was operated on after his injury

The self-proclaimed head of the Luhansk national Republic (LNR) Igor Plotnitsky after the assassination of diagnosed damage to vital organs. On Saturday, August 6, reports "Interfax" with reference to own source in the hospital of Lugansk, where is the politician.
"The results of diagnostics it is established that the Plotnitsky mine shrapnel wounds", - said the interlocutor of the news Agency. "Including the liver and spleen", - he said.
The doctors were able to stabilize the head of the LNR, the source added: "He carried out emergency surgery, which was successful." "Then Carpenter was transferred to the intensive care unit", - he said.
On Saturday morning in Lugansk the car Plotnitsky was an explosion. The authorities LNR have stated that they consider the incident a terrorist act.

Somehow they need to destabilize the situation. Even such methods.

 

[Ca.]

Сводка от Эдуарда Басурина 6 августа 2016 года
Summary of Eduard Eduard Basurin August 6, 2016
Published on Aug 6, 2016

http://<iframe width="560" height="...2g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Заместитель командующего оперативным командованием Эдуард Басурин предоставил очередную сводку событий в ДНР.
Deputy commander of the operational command of Eduard Eduard Basurin provided a summary of developments in the next DNI.


Tass
http://tass.ru/en/world/892655

KIEV, August 5. /TASS/. Ukraine will declare a new mobilization if the situation in the east of the country aggravates, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Alexander Turchinov told a news conference on Friday.

"If the situation on the front aggravates, a new mobilization will be declared immediately. In a state of war, we cannot do without mobilization," he said.

According to the Ukrainian National Security Council secretary, over the first seven months of the current year the number of professional soldiers in the Ukrainian army has increased by almost 40%

 

[angelburst29]

Глава ЛНР Плотницкий был прооперирован после получения ранения
http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2016/08/06/651977-glava-lnr?utm_source=rnews
Хоть как-то надо раскачать ситуацию. Пусть даже такими методами.

Head of LNR Plotnitsky was operated on after his injury

Media reports have appeared with details of today’s assassination attempt on LPR head Igor Plotnitsky, whose Toyota car was blown up in Lugansk.

LPR leader Plotnitsky hospitalized after assassination attempt (PHOTOS + VIDEO)
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/08/breaking-lpr-leader-plotnitsky.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNcvLb7jAt0

As the Lugansk publication Lits reports, the attempt was made in Lugansk at the intersection of Karpinsky and Vatutin streets. The car was blown up by a landmine. Several people were injured during the explosion and the facades of adjacent buildings were damaged.

It has been reported that the whole area within a kilometer radius of the incident has been closed off by police. An investigation of the incident has been launched.

Plotnitsky himself is in the hospital in serious condition. Reports have so far said that he was injured.

An informed source from the medical service of the Lugansk People's Republic has reported to Russian Spring that Plotnitsky is currently in critical condition in the hospital.

The two who accompanied the head of the LPR are also in critical condition at the regional traumotology department. The building is surrounded by machine-gun-armed guards.

In addition, a video from the scene of the explosion has surfaced on social networks.

As Russian Spring was reported earlier by the People's Militia of the LPR, the improvised explosive device was fixed on a pole which broke off during the explosion and landed near the road.

The leader of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine was injured in a car bombing on Saturday.

Leader of Luhansk People's Republic injured in car bombing
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/06/478775/Ukraine-rebels-Luhanks-bombing

Pro-Russians said the explosion took place near the car of Igor Plotnitsky during the early hours of the day.

The Luhansk Information Center said an unidentified explosive device was employed in the bombing.

There is no information whether Plotnitsky was in the car at the moment of the blast.

Sergei Kozlov, a pro-Russia official, said Plotnitsky was taken to a nearby hospital. He is in a stable condition.

Russia’s state television aired footage of a black SUV damaged by a blast.

People in Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula of Crimea voted for rejoining the Russian Federation in a referendum in March 2014. The West branded the move as Moscow’s annexation of the territory. The United States and its allies in Europe accuse Moscow of having a hand in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russia, however, strongly denies the charges.

In April 2014, the government in Kiev launched the first round of its military operations in Ukraine’s eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which are populated mostly by pro-Russians, to crush anti-government protests there. The operations, however, led to deadly clashes between the two sides.

The crisis in eastern Ukraine has left nearly 9,500 people dead and over 21,000 others injured, according to the United Nations.

Despite ceasefire efforts, sporadic fighting continues to claim more lives.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) sent a patrol to the place where blast hit the car of Igor Plotnitsky, the head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic, according to the head of the OSCE press service.

OSCE Sends Patrol to Site of Attempted Assassination of Lugansk Head
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160806/1044007616/osce-lugansk-plotnitsky.html

Plotnitsky's car was hit by a blast earlier in the day. He sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The OSCE sent the patrol in the morning, Alexandra Taylor told RIA Novosti.

According to Taylor, the OSCE is preparing a report on the incident, which will be published in the near future.

 

[angelburst29]

Infamous Ukrainian lawmaker Alexei Goncharenko, a member of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc parliamentary faction, has called on the government to study the experience of state building used by the Swiss Confederation. Unfortunately, Ukrainian politics experts suggest that Bosnia, not Switzerland, may be the more relevant model for contemporary Ukraine.

'United States of Ukraine'? Kiev Political Establishment Ponders Federalization
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160807/1044023653/ukraine-federalization-possibility-analysis.html

Goncharenko, who has been accused in Russia of helping to organize the violent events of May 2, 2014, when far-right activists in Odessa, Ukraine blocked anti-Maidan protesters inside the city's House of Trade Unions and set it on fire, killing 48 people, made his comments about 'studying' Switzerland's model on the occasion of Swiss National Day, which commemorates the foundation of the state, on August 1.

"There is no other country in the world where the beauty of nature is so harmoniously complemented by the beauty of the country's social order," the politician wrote. "26 independent regional associations, speaking four languages, constitute one of the most sound nations in the world. I think you will agree, this is an example worth emulating," the politician wrote, in a blog entry on the Ukrainskaya Pravda website.

The lawmaker suggested that the issue of political decentralization "is a question of crucial importance for Ukraine today. The Swiss experience of coexistence with multilingual people from multiple cultures united by the ideas of peace, social and economic freedoms is deserves a full investigation and accurate implementation in our country."

Commenting on Goncharenko's proposals, Russian online newspaper Svobodnaya Pressa columnist Dmitri Rodionov recalled that the political activist's proposals are somewhat odd, given that Goncharenko "became famous for violent attacks on supporters of federalization in Odessa, [those calling for the] autonomy of Bessarabia, and [those pushing] Russian-Ukrainian bilingualism initiatives."

Furthermore, Rodionov added, "it is also worth noting that President Petro Poroshenko, and his parliamentary bloc, to which Mr. Goncharenko belongs, have from the beginning of their term in office been in favor of the country's unitary structure and categorically against federalization."

In fact, "the word 'federalization' is virtually taboo, and those who speak about its necessity are usually categorized as 'separatists' and enemies of Ukraine. The charge of 'separatism' is brought even against the timid requests of local councils asking for the economic and cultural autonomy of the country's regions. In the same way, those who declare the need to make Russian the second state language are similarly categorized 'enemies'; the most radical among the nationalists even call the Russian language 'an instrument of occupation'."

At the same time, the journalist suggested that "it's important to emphasize that the Swiss model with which deputy Goncharenko is so impressed with is not even a federation, but a confederation, consisting of 20 cantons and six half-cantons. Each canton has its own constitution, and its own powers, limited by the national constitution. The national government is given jurisdiction over the issues of war and peace, foreign relations, the army, railways, communications, the emission of money, the approval of the national budget, etc. The Swiss as a nation do not have one common language. The national and official languages of the confederation include German, French, Italian and Romansh."

Asked to comment on Goncharenko's comments, and on whether Ukraine really can take a lesson from the Swiss confederacy's model of state organization, Alexander Vasilyev, a former representative on the Odessa City Council, said that unfortunately, this is highly unlikely.

Given the realities of today's Ukraine, I think that the experience of Switzerland is less applicable to our country than that of Bosnia. The latter is a territory in which a confederation was formed following a civil war; its legitimacy and sovereignty is entirely dependent on support from the Western powers."

Furthermore, Vasilyev suggested that "the window of opportunity for Ukraine's reorganization [along federal lines] continues to shrink."

"Before the war, I was among those who actively promoted Ukraine's consideration of the experience of successful federal states like Germany, Canada, and Switzerland. Now, as I've said, Bosnia has the most relevant experience for our country. But it seems that no one is any hurry to adopt even this variant."

At the same time, Vasilyev warned that "if Ukraine refuses to learn from the experience of others in the coexistence of diverse cultural and ethnic groups, it will inevitably lead to its further disintegration."

Effectively, he suggested that for him, "it makes no sense to talk about some single will of Ukraine as a country, looking for one or another path of development. If such a will existed, we would not be here discussing the experiences of Bosnia or Switzerland. One part of Ukraine wants into [the EU-based] Europe, another into Russia, and Ukraine itself is not needed by either of these groups. The nationalists in principle do not conceive of things rationally; their desire for European integration is like a religion – a kind of political sect, and one which is destructive."

For his part, Russian-Ukrainian political commentator Viktor Shapinov suggested that the Swiss model could be applied if one cultural and linguistic group did not attempt to impose its will on others by force. "Unfortunately," he noted, "there are no forces in modern Ukraine that could put in force such a policy of consensus."

Head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic Igor Plotnitsky accused the Ukrainian government on Saturday of the failed attack against him.

Lugansk People's Republic Head Accuses Ukraine of Assassination Attempt
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160806/1044013149/lpr-head-attack-attempt.html

"I am alive and well, and any attempts to speculate on my health are intrigues by accomplices of the Ukrainian party. As you know, the war has not yet ended, and US special services and those who try to shake the situation in Ukraine and in the whole world, are of course behind the Ukrainian government," Plotnitsky said in a recorded address to the republic's residents.

The Ukrainian press has reported that military engineers have made significant progress in the development of the Grom, a new tactical ballistic missile system, with R&D funding provided by a mysterious foreign buyer. Russian military experts comment on the system's prospects, and ponder who the Ukrainians' secret foreign partners might be.

Who's the Secret Buyer of Ukraine's 'Grom' Tactical Ballistic Missile System
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160807/1044029566/grom-ballistic-missile-system-analysis.html

Last week, the local media in Ukraine's Dnepropetrovsk region launched a tirade against authorities in Kiev for the latter's supposed attempts to sabotage the creation of a new weapon, the Grom short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) system. If created, it would be a Ukrainian analog to the Russian 9K720 Iskander.

According to Dnepropetrovsk's MOST news agency, Kiev officials are 'twisting the arms' of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and the Pavlograd Chemical Plant, two enterprises involved in creating the weapon.

Speaking to MOST, Pavlograd Chemical Plant general director Leonid Schiemann explained that after receiving private financing of about one billion hryvnia ($40 million), engineers have created the necessary manufacturing potential, restored laboratories, and engaged in the testing of the system's components. As a result, they were able to create a prototype of the weapon.

According to Sheimann, Grom would allow the army to fight at a distance from the front lines in the civil war in eastern Ukraine, "and to preempt the attack of any aggressor."

However, according to Evgeny Ustimenko, the plant's technical director, the policy of a number of institutions of the government in Kiev not only shows an unwillingness to stimulate the production of modern weapons system, but gives the impression of a purposeful campaign to destroy the country's leading defense enterprises.

Work on the Grom complex was first announced at a defense exhibition in Kiev in 2014. A year later, it was announced that mass production of the weapon could begin as soon as 2018. Expected to have a firing range of 280 km (and the possibility of upgrades to up to 500 km), the system would replace the aging Soviet-era Tochka-U systems currently used by the Ukrainian military. The complex is expected to use the prospective 'Korshun' cruise missile to destroy ground targets.

The system's designers have asserted that the complex would be able to defeat the most advanced missile defense systems, including the Russian S-300 and S-400 systems. Like the Russian Iskander, Grom's missiles are expected to use unpredictable flight trajectories.