Posted on 08/17/2014 4:07:01 PM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans
Edited on 08/17/2014 4:33:06 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
DONETSK, Ukraine The Ukrainian military on Sunday moved into the heart of the separatist hub of Luhansk for the first time, officials said, chipping at one of the cornerstones of the pro-Russian rebels disintegrating virtual state.
Ukrainian officials said army units had raised the national flag over a police station in central Luhansk, the eastern city that, along with Donetsk, has been a center of rebel activity and an important destination for Russian fighters and aid. Other parts of Luhansk, however, were still said to be under rebel control.
The claim could not be independently confirmed, though a photograph of the flag and police station was circulating on social media, and the report was consistent with the progress of fighting there going into the weekend.
Along with increased Ukrainian pressure on rebel positions in Donetsk, the armys move into Luhansk focused attention on the profound reversal of the separatists fortunes since they declared independence in April. Interviews across eastern Ukraine portray a rapid breakdown in discipline in the rebel ranks. Many fighters have abandoned their uniforms in favor of civilian clothes, and three senior leaders have left the war zone in recent days.
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"The army has tightened its siege on Donetsk in recent weeks, and inside, a breakdown in discipline among the hard-pressed rebel fighters had locals on edge. Residents said rebel fighters had taken to carousing drunkenly at night and wearing civilian clothes at checkpoints, a change of clothes that would allow them, at a moments notice, to throw down their weapons and blend in with the population.
why does the MSM keep calling them “rebels”, when they should be calling them “russian insurgents”?
The question is where all the new “Rebel” (Russian) armor and men went?
I’ve been asking that question for a while.
I guess it is like rioters and looters being called “demonstrators” in Ferguson
Ukes nuke Russian pukes, again!
Mercenaries is more appropriate. They were recruited and hired by the Russians for their attempt to destabilize eastern Ukraine.
The Current FReepathon Pays For The Current Quarter's Expenses?
Let’s not overplay it, that’s hardly the “center of Luhansk”, it’s not even across the Luhan river. But it is still an important step.
I don’t think people should underestimate Russia here. The Ukranian army still has a VERY tough fight on their hands, and there WILL be setbacks. Perhaps serious ones - time will tell.
Yep. And yet some folks see them as freedom fighters.
Wonder what they would have termed it if the Ukrainians had hired mercs to go in and instigate unrest in Russia.
I do think it’s good advice to note dismiss Russian adventurism. It could come back full force. Pupin’ has a lot riding on this. We’ll see how popular he is if the Ukraine asserts it’s authority and things settle down.
Russian terrorists is more appropriate.
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