Dmitry Tymchuk, Information Resistance

06.05.2014
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Brothers and sisters, 

Here’s the Summary for May 6, 2014 (for the previous summary, please see the Summary for May 5).

The bad news:

1. The head of the SBU [Security Service of Ukraine] [Valentyn] Nalyvaychenko announced that the situation in Donetsk is difficult because local residents are under considerable informational influences, and have no trust in the Interior Ministry, the SBU, or the MoD of Ukraine, as a result.

That’s the gospel truth. But the question here is, over the last two months, what have Ukrainian state authorities done to counteract Russia’s powerful propaganda machine? Where, for starters, is our counter-propaganda? Who is responsible for information policy and PSYOPS [Psychological Operations] at the headquarters of the anti-terrorist operation [ATO]? Where is the coordinating agency of the information opposition which was, supposedly, created with the RNBO [National Defense and Security Council]? The questions are countless, the answers are zippola.

Yes, it’s true that both in state structures and among the citizens there are plenty of patriots who are doing this work [information and counter-propaganda] out of sheer enthusiasm. That’s a good thing. But this mission is primarily the task of the state, and all the resources it has at its disposal. It is impossible to successfully wage “real-life” war when that war is being lost in the minds of the people in the East.

2. The Minister of Defense [Mykhailo] Koval gives assurances that the government does not want to get the civilian population of the Donbas involved in military conflict, which is why the anti-terrorist operation is proceeding slowly.

I agree with Mr. Koval. The ‘scorched earth’ tactic is unacceptable for us. We are not Russian troops in the Caucasus, after all.

But let me repeat myself. The government is highly reluctant about the use of deadly force by special forces during the active stages of the ATO. Be that as it may. But at least let the people follow their Regulations. Let the militaries shoot to kill if they, or the strategic facilities guarded by them, come under attack. You can’t oppose armed terrorists by song and prayer alone.

3. Russia sees no point in new negotiations with Ukraine, unless its terrorist puppets sit at the negotiating table.

I think that first, we should ask a favor of Russia. Let them share their experience of conflict resolution–for example, at the aforementioned Caucasus. And we will study this list of the murder of civilians, the destruction of whole settlements, and other bloody crimes, and try to find any indication of Russian intentions to resolve such situations at the negotiating table.

The good:

1. The Verkhovna Rada [Parliament] of Ukraine recommended that [Acting President Olexander] Turchynov appoint a person responsible for managing the anti-terrorist operation, as part of coordinating the security and defense authorities in the course of the ATO.

It is true that coordination of special forces is the sore spot of the ATO. Addressing this problem is absolutely vital.

What I don’t quite understand, is why is a separate official required for this? Why can’t they ask the head of the ATO why he is incapable of such coordination, himself–isn’t that his direct responsibility? Instead, they’re appointing a person responsible for coordination, plus five deputies–one for each power structure. What will they do next, hold debates to make decisions? I don’t think that this system will be particularly efficient, or that it will fix the situation.

All in all, let us wait and see how this whole thing works. The good news is, a glaring problem has finally been spotted. That’s at least halfway to success. Even though there’s absolutely no time to warm up.

2. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs [Sergey] Chebotar held a press conference in Odesa concerning the tragic events of May 2, 2014.

He reported that the head of the Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs [in Odesa], as well as three of his deputies, had been dismissed. A total of 160 persons who took part in the clashes, from both sides, have been arrested. From now on, any masked people in the city will also be detained. A number of police officers were dismissed from service for cowardice.

In the East, by the way, there is no end to such work. According to reports received by us, the Information Resistance group, heads of the local Interior Ministry authorities gave up their (supposedly “captured”) departments and divisions to separatists, for rather handsome amounts. Bidding started around USD 100,000.

I appeal to the head of the Interior Ministry. Mr. Avakov! I’ll be honest with you–in the light of the two-month stupor in the Ministry (I refer to the consistently ignored problems with the local law enforcement in the East and the South), I don’t have many reasons to trust you. But current steps are instilling some confidence in me, and hopefully, in many of my fellow citizens. If you finish the cleaning-out that you started in the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a good cause–I will take my hat off to you and will be the first in line asking to shake your hand.

3. From now on, all structures of the Maidan Self-Defense will be subordinated to units of the Interior Ministry, the National Guard, and the Army. This decision was made by the council of the Self-Defense company leaders [sotniks] presided over by [Andriy] Parubiy, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

This is a worthwhile answer to Moscow’s hysterics concerning Kyiv’s disarming of unlawfully armed groups, as required by the Geneva agreements.

The ball is in your court, Mr. Putin. Show us how well you can keep your promises. No one harbors any illusions here, so we are all waiting for Moscow’s next avalanche of subterfuge and lies. Let the world see the Kremlin’s true face, once again.