Guide to the hot spots in Crimea

07:41 – Russian Soldiers in Crimea – Putin’s Cannon Fodder

Report of Information Resistance

From our sources on the Russian side, we received information about some organizational details of Putin’s invasion into Crimea. Namely, many of the soldiers in the Russian units have barely served six months (although we cannot specify their percentage in the total Russian manpower), which means that they are not experienced enough and are nothing but “cannon fodder”.

ID’s and cell phones were taken away from the Russian soldiers before the invasion. Even their parents don’t know where their sons are right now. This way, the part of society that might potentially draw the widest pubic response in the Russian Federation and demand that the troops be withdrawn has been neutralized. Because nobody will struggle for peace as fiercely as mothers of soldiers whose sons are with the invading army in a war of conquest.

The military personnel were strictly warned that their capture in Crimea by the enemy will be considered treason. They also will be considered traitors if they disclose the numbers of their units in case of being taken prisoner.

07:50 – Russian Citizens Stopped at Ukrainian Border

Report of Information Resistance
Over the last 24 hours, Ukrainian border guards denied entry to approximately 350 male Russian citizens who didn’t look like they were going to Ukraine for a spot of casual shopping. During second-line control, the mobile phone of one of the arrivals was found to contain a text message saying “gone to war. won’t be back for a while. tell everyone I’m off sick.”

08:23 – Sevastopol, Yevpatoriya – Siege Continues

Report of Information Resistance
In both hot spots, the Russian units blocking the Ukrainian Nay Headquarters and our military units received reinforcements. The reinforcement arrived in trucks and buses. Several “psychological” assaults were made. Thankfully, no victims at this time.

09:10 – 1,500 Russian Militaries Arrive to Relieve Occupant Forces

Report of Information Resistance
Over the past few hours, we’re receiving reports of over 1,500 Russian military servicemen being transported to Crimea on large landing ships. According to the information of Information Resistance, they are here to relieve some of the Russian occupant contingent currently operating in Crimea. We are monitoring information on the removal of Russian military servicemen to the territory of Russia.

We are also receiving disturbing reports that armored vehicles are being transported from Russia to Crimea via the Kerch Strait. Allegedly, over 50 tanks have been transported. This report, however, requires confirmation.

10:36 – Navy Headquarters Blockade Continues

Report of Information Resistance
Update on the Crimea situation. The units are still blocked, without active conflicts.

The blocked Ukrainian Navy Headquarters in Sevastopol operate the “everyone out, no one in” policy – the occupants let no one inside. Everyone who leaves the headquarters is filmed on camera, with comments that “these gentlemen are running off to serve the Crimean government”.

We received updates on the journalists that the occupants turned away in Perevalnoye (Ukrainian Brigade N36) last night. There were rumors of their kidnapping, and no contact with any of the camera crews this morning. However, as of now, all journalists are keeping in touch and remain safe and sound.

There’s also information that the Russian troops forced Al Jazeera journalist to destroy the footage they’d filmed. This requires confirmation, but a number of journalists, including BBC, reported that they were requested to delete their footage, so this would not be an irregularity.

10:50 – Live Update on Activity Near Ukrainian Border

Report of Information Resistance
Announcements posted in the official premises of the Russian border checkpoint Bezymeno (Ukrainian border in Kharkiv oblast) call on Ukrainians to apply to the authorities of the Russian Federation for refugee status, and provide phone numbers they can be reached at.

The area adjacent to the Ukrainian border (outside of Lugansk oblast) is being patrolled by a KAMAZ vehicle with sheltered radio antennae.

Helicopters and planes were transferred to the Dolotynka airfield, Rostov Oblast (Russian Federation), only 16 km from the Ukrainian border (Lugansk oblast) – 40 MI-8 and KA-50(52) helicopters and 10 MIG-29 combat planes.

11:37 – Ukrainian Navy Headquarters Left Without Supplies

Report of Information Resistance
The blocked headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy in Sevastopol are left without water and food (today, the Russian invaders didn’t let through a food delivery from the official commercial supplier/vendor of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine). The Headquarters are not a military unit, so there are no supplies stored there. People are stretched too thin.

Meanwhile, Sevastopol TV is vigorously spreading false information that the commander of the Ukrainian Navy threatens any officer who surrenders with 15 years in jail. Meetings were held throughout the Ukrainian Navy personnel, at which soldiers and officers unanimously decided to hold on to the end. Should anyone want to break their oath to the people of Ukraine, they will not be held back. But none are willing to do that.

In the Ukrainian air defense missile and radar units, only the staff headquarters de facto remain under control of the Ukrainian army, while the unit positions are occupied by the aggressor. At some sites, they began disabling radar equipment. After that, their tactic has changed to preserving and guarding the remaining equipment.

In Yevpatoriya, invaders attempted to force our “sky guards” to get the military equipment out of the hangars and organize a “joint air patrol” over Crimea. Our men refused.

At the moment, we are receiving information that Russian air defense specialists are being brought in as the occupant troops in the Crimea are being rotated. Seeing as that the armaments in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are, de facto, the same (referring to the “Buk” missile system), Russian experts will face no difficulties using Ukrainian armaments.

Information regarding the transfer of 60 tanks [tracked armored fighting vehicles] from Russia was confirmed. In addition to Kerch, Sevastopol is also preparing to receive heavy armored vehicles. Invaders are preparing tank drop-off points by installing concrete slabs.

A fervent plea to the representatives of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and those who have contact with our diplomats: please draw attention of the international observers who are coming to the Crimea to these two hotspots: Sevastopol and Yevpatoria! They present a full picture of Putin’s envoys are doing on our soil.

12:39 – Tensions Escalating

Report of Information Resistance
Access to the Feodosiya marine battalion is restricted since this morning. “Russian titushkas” and Russian cossacks demand a document check, and write down the names of those who enter the unit. Food deliveries are a struggle. The head of the Feodosiya veteran organization wanted to meet with the military servicemen, but the cossacks didn’t let him in.

In Sevastopol, radical protesters shout threats and curses towards the Ukrainian military (along the lines of “drop dead!”). Access to the Ukrainian Navy Headquarters remains blocked.

At the lake Donuzlav, “Moscow”, flagship of the Russian Black Sea fleet, is blocking access to the Black Sea. Seven Ukrainian ships are currently on the lake. On the lake shore, a Russian special forces unit is entrenched, armed with submachine guns, machine guns and sniper rifles.

The Ukrainian marines initiated an appeal of the Mothers of Ukrainian Soldiers Committee to the mothers of Russian Soldiers.

13:12 – Russian Hirelings Dress Up as Ukrainian Soldiers to Take Oath

Report of Information Resistance

A theatrical performance is being organized right now in Sevastopol. It became clear why yesterday invaders were in such dire need of Ukrainian military uniforms, which they massively bought in “Voyentorg” (military stores) throughout the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and looted from the warehouses of the Ukrainian Navy.

Right now, “Russian titushkas” in Sevastopol are en masse dressing up as Ukrainians. Pretending to be defectors from the Ukrainian Navy, they plan to take the oath of “allegiance to the people of the Crimea”

13:39

Report of Information Resistance
Good news, bad news.

The good news: through public efforts, a way to transport medicines and other necessary supplies to the Ukrainian Brigade #36 has been organized. The supplies are being provided by several independent groups, which is important. The guys feel our support, and that is very important right now!

The bad news: in places where new Russian occupants arrive to relieve the previous units, the situation escalates quickly. The new arrivals are angry and very anti-Ukrainian. They must be “brainwashed” by propaganda very well before being sent to Crimea.

13:44 – Journalists Denied Access to Feodosiya Marine Battalion

Report of Information Resistance
As of 13:20 on March 5, Russian cossacks and military men deny Ukrainian and foreign journalists access to the territory of the Feodosiya marine battalion.

The decision is attributed to the retired Russian General Major Alexander Ostrikov, formerly commander of the coastal defense of the Russian Black Sea fleet.

15:31 – Feodosiya Marine Battalion Remains Besieged

Report of Information Resistance
Feodosia marine battalion remains besieged by “Russian titushki” thugs, Russian cossacks and Russian special forces.

Detachments of armed invaders, supported by four armored vehicles, entrenched the perimeter around the Ukrainian marine battalion. Occupants hoisted Russian banners.

Food supply for marines is being blocked. The Russian military declared that they plan to starve Ukrainians into surrendering. The same tactics and the same statement are demonstrated in Sevastopol, where the Russian opponents continue to block the Ukrainian Navy headquarters.

16:35 – Live Updates on the Russian Ships

Report of Information Resistance
Latest live report: current account of the Russian naval ships at the moment.

The following Russian ships are stationed at the estuary of the lake Donuzlav: “SPP -183”, “Moskva” [Moscow], “Shtil”, “Molniya”. As of 1:00 pm , the following arrived from Sevastopol: “Shakhter” and large AWS destroyer “Ochakov”, Kara-class (reactivated from conservation). “Kil-25” delivered mooring barrels, which “Ochakov” will use to block the lake Donuzlav and prevent Ukrainian ships from leaving the lake.

Build-up of Russian forces in Crimea continues. In recent days, 5 ships were unloaded: 2 landing ships from the Baltic Fleet (“Minsk” , “Kaliningrad”), two more landing ships from the Northern Fleet ( “Olenegorsky Gornyak”, “Georgiy Pobedonosets”), joined today by “Azov”.

In the last night alone, up to 300 people and 20 vehicles were unloaded from these ships. On top of that, 7 “BTR-80” APCs along with “Storm” anti-tank systems were unloaded from “Azov”.

According to our sources, 3 more landing ships are being loaded in Novorossiysk, Russia, this time with even heavier weaponry.

In Sevastopol, Ukrainian ships continue to be blocked.

16:42 – Communications Cut Off at Naval H.Q.

Report of Information Resistance
Current situation in the headquarters of the Ukrainian Naval Forces remains difficult, as previously reported by the “Informational Resistance” group.

Naval H.Q. has been blocked from all sides since 03.03.14. Russian cossacks and representatives of ‘putinushkas’ [Russian ‘titushkas’ or ‘Putin’s tourists’] are on guard. Medical personnel and journalists are not allowed in. People who come with food and medical supplies are not allowed in either – they are detained, and there were multiple instances of them being beaten by ‘Putin’s tourists’ dressed up in military uniforms of the Ukrainian Naval Forces.

Secure communications and special military communication of the Ukrainian Naval Forces Headquarters are down – the cables that pass through the territory of the Headquarters are being cut indiscriminately (which also leaves the civilian population without landline communications).

17:32 – Serbian Mercenaries Arrive in Crimea to Aid Occupants

Report of Information Resistance
According to the latest information of “Information Resistance”, a group of 5 Serbian mercenaries from the “Chetnik movement” came to Sevastopol to aid the Russian command. According to our information, the above persons participated in the military actions in Kosovo. The purpose of their visit in Sevastopol is consulting the so-called Crimean “Self Defense” led by the illegitimate prime minister of Crimea. The leader of the Serbian contractors is Milutin Mališić.

In addition, the Ukrainian side identified one of the members of the Crimean “Self Defense” as a FSB officer [Federal Security Service in Russia] who earlier served in Transnistria as part of the Russian contingent.

19:45 – Occupation Forces May Mount Defense of Crimea or Move to Mainland

Report of Information Resistance
Command staff cars of the Russian occupant troops have been relocated to the Turetskiy (Perekospkiy) Val area today. This means  that the Russian occupants may be planning to focus their units on the land bridge to Ukraine and establish an impenetrable defense to cut Crimea off from the mainland. Alternatively, they may be preparing to move north, to Kherson oblast.

Since morning, 60 tanks have been transferred to Crimea, and sites prepared to receive heavy armored carriers from the ships were created in Sevastopol and Kerch.

Up to this point, the contingent of the occupants were using ATCs-80 and Gaz Tiger (multipurpose, all-terrain infantry mobility vehicle), so this means either Russians are willing to defend Crimea or they are preparing for the attack of the mainland.

In the light of the invaders’ attempts to deny international representatives entry to Crimea or to “squeeze them out” of the area, these processes raise serious concerns.

21:37 – Psychological Pressure Increases in Feodosiya Marine Battalion

Report of Information Resistance
The situation remains tense around the Ukrainian marine battalion in Feodosiya.

Occupants continue to exert psychological pressure on the Ukrainian military. Today, a so-called “information board” was erected in front of the unit, covered in posters saying “Ukrainian media lie!”, “Kyiv, where is your democracy?”, “Everyone to the referendum!”, “Republic of Crimea”. The board also sports many portraits of Putin (perhaps the occupants believe that seeing Putin’s face will melt the hearts of our soldiers into surrendering).

Constant threats are heard from the Russian military.

The morale of the Ukrainian military men remains high. When asked, officers serving in the Feodosiya garrison assure that they will not surrender their unit to the occupants, irrespective of the circumstances.

21:53 – “Russian Planes Broached Ukrainian Airspace at the Start of Incursion” – air defense officer

Report of Information Resistance
Talking to an emissary of the Information Resistance, an officer of the air defense unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Crimea said that at the start of the incursion of the Russian forces in Crimea, the Ukrainian military registered breaches of the Ukrainian air space by Russian combat planes.

In fact, Ukrainian air defense units were tracking the trespassing Russian planes and were ready to shoot them down. But, the officer says, no orders were given to destroy the trespassing planes. (A reminder: at the time, some serious staff rotation was underway in the post-revolution Kyiv, and it included staff of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff; the Russian forces chose a perfect moment to invade).

The officer also voiced his regrets, saying that the combat readiness of the army is an issue that had to be addressed some 23 years ago. “My job is to watch the skies, not guard the perimeter,” said the air defense officer.

22:12 – Russian Blockades Partially Lifted, Provocateurs Remain

Report of Information Resistance
The Information Resistance group reports that Russian forces are removing blockades from around Ukrainian military units throughout Crimea.

Russian military (colloquially referred to as “the little green men”) are packing on board of their vehicles and leaving the territories adjacent to Ukrainian military units. In Perevalne (Ukrainian Brigade #36), the occupants removed 39 trucks, some of which were being used to block access to the unit.

A similar situation is observed in Feodosiya and Bakhchisaray.

However, ‘Putin’s tourists’ [hired thugs] remain in place. In Feodosiya, they threaten Ukrainian marines with physical violence against their families. An assault remains possible.

Some reports indicate that this departure may be caused by the rotation of Russian occupant forces. Further information is being collected.

Continued here: March 6 – reports from the ground