Posted on 01/16/2015 9:33:23 AM PST by dignitasnews
Commanders of the Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine declared victory in their assault on the Sergei Prokofiev International Airport in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, after intense battles. Despite denials from Moscow, international journalists have chronicled the fighting, indicating that the Russians have secured control of the airport, with Ukrainian forces holding onto only small pockets of ground within the terminal.
The first major engagement since the so-called "cease-fire" of September 5 was staged by Russian forces, despite warnings from Germany that such action would bring on major sanctions which on the already struggling Russian economy. Aleksandr Zakharchenko, leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic, vowed Thursday to take the airport. "They are on territory which they do not control and will never be under their control," adding they will not stop there, "we will go further, to Slavyansk, to Kramatorsk, and so on."
While acknowledging the intense fighting, officials in the Ukraine have to this point denied losing the airport, claiming "our guys are still defending it." This statement was made by Ukrainian military analyst Denis Ermak, in a telephone interview with the New York Times. “They fight through holes in the floor, with booby traps, by blowing up walls and in the stairwells the situation is difficult.” stated Ermak, "They want to show the world they have taken the airport, but they have not. Our guys are still defending it. Every day and every night there are attacks.”
Despite Russian denials of direct involvement, Ukrainian sources reported use of the Burantino weapon, which fires "vacuum bombs," a highly powerful thermobaric rocket which could only have been provided by Russian forces.
VIDEO: NovorossiyaNews_viaGrahamPhilipsYouTube
The $750 million airport in Donetsk was originally constructed to accommodate traffic for the Euro 2012 soccer event, has instead been the staging ground for the most intense fighting in the ongoing struggle between pro-Russian rebels and forces of Ukraine.
Last year, Russian sympathizers claimed victory in a referendum indicating a desire of the Donetsk region to join the Russian nation. Security Service of Ukraine stated they had obtained indubitable evidence of involvement by Russia in preparing and coordinating of so-called “referendum” with results known in advance in eastern Ukraine and creating the “People’s Republic of Donetsk.” The alleged evidence was unearthed as Ukrainian forces attacked police headquarters in the port city of Mariupol on Friday in an attempt to drive out Russian militants. The building was set ablaze, at press time is it unclear who was responsible for the blaze.
VIDEO: GlobalLeaks_viaYouTube
In the midst of the chaos, Jewish residents of the area leaflets had been circulated throughout the Donetsk area instructing Jewish residents to report to government offices to register “person and property” with the new pro-Russian officials or risk imprisonment and deportation.
The actions come on the eve of Passover and caused world-wide concern that Russian led forces are seeking to “punish” Jewish residents in retaliation for its support of pro-Western political interests during the current crisis, as well as its support for Ukrainian independence in the aftermath of World War II. The leaflet was written in Russian and had Russia’s national symbol on it, as well as the Donetsk People’s Republic insignia.
For it's part, Europe seems to be have been caught off-guard on the escalation, while most the Western end of the continent has been engaged in large, coordinated raids against Islamo-Fascist terrorist groups. As of press time, no major European leader has commented on the situation in Donetsk.
By Dignitas News Service Team
Sources:
NovorossiyaNews_viaGrahamPhilipsYouTube NewYorkTimes GlobalLeaks_viaYouTube
It’s rather tough to invade your own country.
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