Video Shows Column of Russian Vehicles, Manned By Chechen Fighters, On Ukraine's Border

The Interpreter Magazine ^ | 08/26/2014

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

Video Shows Column of Russian Vehicles, Manned By Chechen Fighters, On Ukraine's Border

19:21 (GMT)

In the video below, an enormous column of Russian military vehicles is seen in an unidentified location. The dialogue suggests that they are waiting to enter Ukraine. We have not yet been able to geolocate the video, but we note that there is a column of smoke visible at around 24 seconds in.

The men speaking in the video identify themselves as Chechens.

Amongst the vast quantities of military hardware seen are T-90 tanks, MT-LB armoured personnel carriers and 2S19 Msta self-propelled artillery.

The men are speaking in Chechen, however the uploader has provided a Russian translation in the closed captions of the video. We were able to confirm that the Chechen-language content of the video matches the Russian sub-titles, and that no location is mentioned within the video.

Here is a translation of the Russian closed captions:

[Cameraman]:These guys are going to go on the attack to bring out those who have been left inside.

This whole host is going in to bring out all the dead and wounded.

You can't see the beginning and you can't see the end [of the column]. Yes, invisible.

We're ready to go in.

Allahu akbar...

Everything is in the hands of the Almighty. We will try to return home. And if we do not return forgive us. We are full of courage to go forward.

Allahu akbar...

These are Chechen lads here too.

These tankers are Chechens.

[Tank crewman]: The war is underway, we'll make the Ukrainians *** [removed expletive for FR] themselves.

And all these guys are ready to cross the Terek.

And we will rip apart those fascists.

Protect us Almighty from all evil.

[Cameraman]:Allahu akbar.

[GeronL]

Recruited by rebels and picked up some T-90 tanks at a Wal-Mart on the way to Ukraine?