Ukraine War Amps adopts ATO veteran Oleh Morozevych

By Firtka News Agency, and Ukraine War Amps founder Gene Berezovski
04.07.2015
Translated by Vadym Moroz, Cyborg from Cherkasy, who is a beneficiary of the Adopt a Soldier program and main translator for Ukraine War Amps (UWA) and an interpreter for their Visit a Soldier project. Edited by Voices of Ukraine.

Oleg Morozevich and sons.

Oleh Morozevich and sons.

Oleh Morozevich is a 29-year-old native from the village of Tulova, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Snyatynskyi district. In August 2014, he departed for the war as part of the 24th Separate Mechanized [Tank] Brigade, in the name of Prince Danylo Halytsky. After two months of intensive military exercise training in Yavoriv (Lviv region) as a driver-mechanic, he was sent to the ATO [Anti-Terrorism Operation] zone, to one of the most difficult sections of the front – the town of Lysychansk, Checkpoint #29 in Luhansk region.

This checkpoint was of great strategic importance, so the battle for it was extremely fierce. Russian artillery fired uninterrupted from all types of weapons. Direct battles with the enemy were constant. The Ukrainian Army military unit holding this direction carried irreparable loss of personnel. Many comrades of Oleh’s died, including his best friend, or were injured in the fighting, including another close friend of his. Despite the severity of losses, the Ukrainian soldier’s fighting spirit was not broken.

In the summer of 2015, Oleh Morozevych was seriously wounded in the head. His first medical operation was done in Severodonetsk. The second medical operation was done in the evacuation hospital in Dnipropetrovsk. For three weeks Oleh was in a coma; his wife, mother and brother did not leave his side the whole time. After he came out of the coma, Oleh was taken to The Main Military Clinical Hospital in Kyiv. By a happy coincidence, doctors from Germany were there taking wounded soldiers for treatment to Germany, Oleh was amongst them. There, he underwent surgery, during which a plate was installed in his skull. He returned home on December 19, 2015.

The German doctors warned the family that there would be disruptions [in his ability to function] and not to focus on these as much – Oleh had some brain damage and now the plate in his head. For the brain cells to renew themselves it takes two years. His young wife kept everything together while Oleh was fighting, was by his side during recovery and does not step away now. She said that when he received his summons for military duty he did not hesitate to go, his family tried to dissuade him but he would not listen to anyone. “He said that he was going for our sake, for the sake of our sons, so that they could live in a peaceful country,” his wife Lesya said. During his military leave in October, she said he was a changed man, somehow more distanced from the family, worried about his comrades who remained at the front, but she understood that he would not be the same as before the war. Before the war, Oleh was a cheerful young man who never shied away from work.

Lesya says that Oleh walks around the house a little bit, he supports himself on a crutch because his right leg and arm feel very badly. He went to rehabilitation in Lithuania and was promised more rehabilitation in Rivne. In the meantime, Lesya is carrying out home rehabilitation, having learned how to massage the leg and arm and do exercises with him 3-4 times per day. When his arm starts to hurt they stop and she massages it. Oleh helps out with his healthy arm. There are days when he doesn’t want anything. Lesya says on those days she asks and strongly urges him to keep on fighting for the children, that he is very much needed by all of them, that she can’t do it alone. He will sit then and think and then slowly start doing something. “Sometimes we sit down to talk – he has many plans and wants to do something, and then sometimes – he has complete apathy. All the while I take care of the children and keep a great hope that everything will fall into place, it just takes time. Everything will be fine. We will survive everything,” Lesya says. She adds: “The boys hanker after their father terribly. The eldest understands everything, he knows all about military matters. He says he also will fight. He is such a patriot, like his father.” They have two sons, Stanislav aged 7, and Vladislav aged 4.

In this difficult period for Oleh, he requires special care and special household hygiene products without chemicals, and special medicines – which his family orders from the USA. All of their efforts are spent on care and the family needs support.

Source: Firtka.if.ua

Ukraine War Amps runs
Adopt a Soldier and I CARE About Fallen Hero’s Family and Visit A Soldier projects
for Ukrainian veterans.
Ukraine War Amps is a worldwide community whose sole purpose is to assist amputees, severely injured soldiers and patriots who have been fighting for the liberty of Ukraine during Russia’s ongoing invasion and war against it. The Ukraine War Amps community is comprised of caring people who sponsor and support Ukraine’s heroes, and now also, their families. UWA has an international team of volunteers working 24/7 all over the world to make aid available and to deliver it directly to the recipient’s doorstep or bedside in any city, town or village within Ukraine in a timely manner.
Adopt a Soldier: UWA provides monthly stipends of approximately $50 USD to as many Ukrainian heroes as it can. One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards Ukrainian veterans. Adopt a Soldier establishes a unique bridge between the donor and the amputee. The donor helps on a monthly basis so both parties are always connected.
Some UWA supporters have had the opportunity to meet with the heroes and their families in person, others communicate through phone, Facebook, emails, or Skype. This helps supporters learn more about their adoptee and his or her family and gives them a better understanding of the adoptee’s needs, situation and what can be done to bring them to the level of living they deserve. It also gives hope to the Ukrainian hero and the knowledge and experience that they are not forgotten.
I CARE About Fallen Hero’s Family: UWA founders Gene Berezovski and John Broadhead say they have discovered through personal experience that not only the war amps and their families need help – but the fallen heroes’ families suffer as well. We need to remember those who joined the Nebesna Sotnia (Maidan’s Fallen Heroes) fighting for their country. The program I CARE About Fallen Hero’s Family is our action plan and a wakeup call, launched in June of 2015.
Visit a Soldier: As a supporter, you are hosted by UWA volunteers or Heroes in Ukraine, meeting a family in their home, sharing meals, stories, their families, making lifelong friendships, being driven around by Heroes visiting hospitals with UWA volunteers and gaining a truly unique first-hand experience. You also have the opportunity to donate to the wounded soldiers and amputees directly, tailoring your donation to specific immediate needs that may arise during the time of your visit.
With the Adopt a Soldier and I CARE About Fallen Hero’s Family and Visit A Soldier programs on the go, the Ukraine War Amps has been running for one year and 9 months. John Broadhead is a Canadian of Irish descent (whose father was a WWII amputee and veteran). Gene Berezovski is originally from Ukraine. UWA is truly a corruption-free way to support Ukraine where 100% of your support goes directly to the recipients.

To help support the Adopt a Soldier, I CARE and Visit A Soldier programs
please access them through this link:

https://www.youcaring.com/Adopt_a_Soldier

You may also contact UWA through:

ukrainewaramps@gmail.com

For more information,
please visit the official UWA website:

http://ukrainewaramps.ca

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Letter from political prisoner Mykola Karpyuk – March 30, 2016 #FreeKarpyuk

By Mykola Karpyuk, letter to Yana Goncharova posted on Facebook (and in RosUznik)
Posted on 03.30.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Mykola Karpyuk. Photo: krymr.mobi

Mykola Karpyuk. Photo: krymr.mobi

Editor’s note – In her preamble to posting Mykola Karpyuk’s letter, human rights activist Yana Goncharova writes: 

“Friends, I have good news!

Many people know that the Ukrainian political prisoners Stanislav Klykh and Mykola Karpyuk are contained in the safest and most prosperous place in Russia – in Chechnya, in Grozny [jail] SIZO-1. I wrote there for months, sending letters that remained unanswered: by registered and regular [mail], with or without [return] envelopes; I enclosed paper, e-mail messages received through RosUznik and the fairy tales [Ed. note: an internal project where the political prisoners write fairy tales for each other]. I received no answer, and, apparently, they [Klykh and Karpyuk] received none of my letters, either. But we will leave this on the conscience (yeah, right, conscience…) of the kindest employees of this detention center.

Not long ago, this jail was hooked up to the FSIN-Letter system (which surprised me: they could’ve guessed that I’d inevitably start scribbling letters through [that system] also). FSIN-Letter is a more modern method of transmitting messages to places of detention, but, unfortunately, it does not work everywhere, plus, sending and receipt of the letter costs money.

Naturally, as soon as I heard about it, I immediately wrote a letter to each of them, requested a response, and settled to wait. Aside from the fact that the letter delivery was delayed (the alleged reason being, that they [jail officials] could not pass the letters because of the ongoing investigation, or the like), the operation was a success: I received a notification that the letters had been delivered. Today, I finally got the first answer – from Mykola! Here’s the actual letter:

“Hello, Yana!

If it was you who sent me the postcard from Nadiya [Savchenko], I received it. I hope that Nadiya also received my letter. Unfortunately, I have no way to communicate with the people who express their support for me. If you have that possibility, I am ready to communicate [with them] through you. I received a postcard from Vira Savchenko, Yuliya Lazarenko (from Vinnitsa) and, as I’ve mentioned, from Nadiya. I also received support from Kirovohrad. If you, Yana, have the opportunity, give them my deepest gratitude. I am able to communicate with my wife and son. I also asked them to thank everyone from me. I know that Nadiya was sentenced to 22 years of imprisonment. I saw the trial on TV. Fondest greetings from me to Nadiya.

Yana, I am writing to you to know what I have already told Consul Oleksander Kovtun [Ukrainian Consul in Russia]: I am aware of the support, solidarity, and brotherly love that my countrymen are showing me. I bow to them and can’t find enough words of gratitude. Without exaggeration, I say: Ukrainians are a great nation, and in our situation they are showing a vivid example of national solidarity and brotherly love. I fear that I simply do not deserve so much attention. Therefore, I will, with all my strength and dignity, bear the honor I have been granted – being Ukrainian. To you, Yana, and to all the people who help and support me and all our prisoners – my sincere and heartfelt thanks!

A deep bow to Ukraine!
I pray for Ukraine, for all its people, for each one…
I am with you!”

Mykola Karpyuk, 03.30.2016

You can write to Mykola [Karpyuk] and Stas [Klykh] using the FSIN-Letter service:
http://www.fsin-pismo.ru (now I am sure that the letters are reaching them), or through RosUznik rosuznik.com (if you use it, we will also send your letter to you through FSIN-Letter, but it will be free of charge for you). Be sure to write letters to the guys, they will be glad to receive your support!

UPDATE: No sooner had I started cheering than I got a response today, saying that my yesterday’s letters to Stas and Mykola did not pass the censor. Both letters, at the same time. Why that happened – that will remain a mystery to me, of course. It is also a mystery how the first [letters] went through. I’m waiting for an answer from the censors, describing the reasons (if it comes). Meanwhile, I will try to write more.

Source: Yana Goncharova FB

 

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The Bakhchysarai “Polite Person” continues to amuse internet users. #FreeSavchenko

Neskuchno-news
03.30.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

They cut off the cat, unable to withstand the ridicule: the monument to the occupier in Bakchysarai became even ruder.

In occupied Bakhchysarai a monument to the Russian troops who captured Crimea and called themselves “Polite People” has been altered. The cat, which was an object of mockery by social network users, has been removed from the hands of the “Bighead.” Neskuchni Novosti announced this on RBK.

This is evidenced in the photo showing Victor Zhilenko, the director of the park where the strange statue was erected, throwing up his hands showing the absence of the cat from the “Polite Person’s” hands.

Monument to the "polite person" in Crimea, with and without the cat. Photo: Facebook.

Monument to the “polite person” in Crimea, with and without the cat. Photo: Facebook.

You’ll remember that the media announced the monument to the “Polite People,” erected a month ago, and the stormy reception that was given to the monument’s ambiguous symbolism.

The social networks are laughing at the modification of the monument to the occupier of Crimea. In his blog on Facebook, Journalist Roman Koshman published the photos of before and after the disappearance of the cat, commenting: “They cut the cat off 🙂 The green Buryat is left to please himself now.”

Some additional internet memes playing with the monument:

"SOS - Occupiers deprive one of honor."

“SOS – Being dishonored by occupiers.”

"The story of one Crimean cat."

“The story of one Crimean cat.”

Source: Neskuchno-news

 

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Dmitry Tymchuk: Military update 04.04 #FreeSavchenko

information_resistance_logo_engDmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
04.04.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past weekend (04.02–0.4.03.2016), the most intense situation in the ATO zone persisted in the vicinity of Avdiivka.

In this area, militants opened fire repeatedly from 120 mm mortars from positions near Yasynuvata junction and north of Lenina Street (Mineralne settlement), as well as from “Vasilek” 2B9 82 mm automatic grenade launchers, from positions in the vegetation beyond the motorway near Yasynuvata-2 station. Five “Akatsiya” 2S3 self-propelled 152 mm guns were identified on positions in the western outskirts of Yakovlivka (north of the slag heaps), but did not open fire. East of “Gospodar” market, four terrorist tanks were spotted on camouflaged positions; three more, as before, are operating south of Yasynuvata junction.

Avdiivka. House hit from militant shelling, April 1, 2016. Photo: TV Channel Ukraine https://twitter.com/Kanalukraine_en/status/715817480934072326

Avdiivka. House hit from militant shelling, April 1, 2016. Photo: TV Channel Ukraine

In the Avdiivka area, the enemy also continues actively using small infantry groups and DRGs in an attempt to push the ATO forces’ units further east and northeast of the “industrial zone.” Usually, these groups operate under cover of dense fire from heavy machine guns, AGS-17’s and “Kopye” SPG-9M [grenade launchers].

Militants fired on the [ATO] strongholds and observation points south and southeast of Mayorsk and near Zaitseve “traditionally”: using machine guns and stand-mounted grenade launchers. In the vicinity of Novotroitsk, terrorists deploy heavy machine guns and AGS-17’s – namely, an advanced stronghold of the ATO forces was shelled from positions south of Tsentralnyy Karyer [Central Quarry]. Several small groups of militants were also spotted on the move in the same area, reconnoitering mine barriers.

In the coastal areas, militants used 120 mm mortars: a number of observation points and strongholds of Ukrainian troops north of Shyrokyne, near Vodyane, Hnutove, and Pavlopil were shelled from positions northeast of Sakhanka and south of Oktyabr.

Persistent rumors are circulating among a number of militant units stationed in the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk (in the area of Mar’inka), according to which the Ukrainian side is using extremely highly-trained “NATO snipers” (from the USA, Germany, and the Baltic countries) who are purposefully hunting down militant snipers and commanders. [The rumors] even mention call-signs of terrorists allegedly destroyed by these foreign “super-snipers” (including, for example, the deputy battalion commander of the “Oplot” gang, call-sign “Svaya,” who, in reality, has been destroyed).

The “secret” reports of the “1st AC of the DNR” mention that “Ukrainian combat aviation resumed flights” in areas directly adjacent to the demarcation line. The same information is being actively circulated through the militant ranks within the “1st AC.”

The “hunt for Ukrainian spies” continues in Makiivka. Employees of the “DNR Ministry of State Security” are actively searching for some “miniature electronic devices used to direct artillery and mortar fire,” which, allegedly, local residents hired by Ukrainian special services are setting up near terrorists’ military objects. A number of civilians were arrested on these charges. In one of those cases, the “evidence” presented by the employees of the “DNR Ministry of State Security” was a simple Soviet-made bicycle bell.

Russian militant from the 3rd OMSBR with MANPADS in Horlivka, March 31, 2016. Photo: @GirkinGirkin https://twitter.com/GirkinGirkin/status/715563259840081925

Russian militant from the 3rd OMSBR with MANPADS in Horlivka, March 31, 2016. Photo: @GirkinGirkin

Militants once again “discovered” some “mass grave of the Ukrainian enforcers” near Debaltseve. A whole number of “DNR’s information and propaganda” structures were instructed to “videotape the exhumation.” Hasty preparations are underway to deliver unidentified bodies to the “exhumation” site and prepare camera crews for the “video op.”

In Dokuchajevsk, rumors are being circulated among “DNR” militants and local residents that Ukrainian Armed Forces are carrying out an operation to encircle the city, and that the “DNR” command plans to abandon it. Panic erupted in the city as a result. Large numbers of employees of “DNR law enforcement bodies” are writing requests to be transferred to other towns. The Dokuchajevsk “militant commandant’s office” received an order to put up posters with calls to curb the panic – however, they only serve to increase the panic mood further.

Luhansk “media” are actively spreading false information about the shelling of “LNR” militant positions near Pervomaisk by Ukrainian troops with the use of a “Grad” BM-21 122 mm MLRS, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of several militants and local residents. Terrorists are actively spreading rumors among civilians living near the demarcation line that such shellings will be repeated, being “ukrop’s revenge” to local residents for refusing to leave the occupied territory. According to the militants’ version, it was the threat of such shellings that caused them to close the “Zolote” checkpoint. In reality, there have been no such shellings, and no competent reasons for closing the checkpoint in question. At the same time, militants are actively laying landmines in this area.

The “LNR” leadership is embezzling humanitarian aid received from the Russian Federation by daily writing off a significant amount of food products received by the “Pokoleniye” public catering organization. This organization, created by order of Ihor Plotnitsky, the “head of the LNR,” specializes in supplying free food to preschool facilities, schools, and hospitals. “Pokoleniye” receives over UAH 100,000 [USD 3,800] of underhand profits daily, just from the fraud with school lunches.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB 


Glossary:

AC – Army Corps
ACV – armored combat vehicle
AGS-17 – automatic grenade launcher
ATO – Anti-Terrorist Operation
BMP – infantry fighting vehicle
BTG – battalion tactical group
BTR, APC – armored personnel carrier
BRDM – armored reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle
BRM – armored reconnaissance vehicle
DAP – Donetsk International Airport
DNR – “Donetsk People’s Republic”
DRG – sabotage and reconnaissance group
ELINT – Electronic Intelligence
GUR – Defense Intelligence
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MGB – Ministry of State Security
MOD – Ministry of Defense
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
OMSBR – Independent Motorized Rifle Brigade
SBU – Ukrainian Secret Service
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drones or other)
ZU-23-2 – anti-aircraft artillery system

 

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Nadiya Savchenko declares indefinite dry hunger strike in legal letters to her lawyers – April 4, 2016 #FreeSavchenko

By Nadiya Savchenko, posted by attorneys Nikolai Polozov and Mark Feygin
Posted on 04.05.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

To my lawyers
M. Z. Feygin
N. N. Polozov
I. S. Novikov

Declaration

I, Savchenko Nadiya Viktorivna, have made a final decision in regards to appealing against the verdict of the Donetsk Municipal Court in my case. I will not file an appeal because I see no point in doing that, and I do not recognize the verdict passed on me as either legitimate or just.

04.04.2016                                               [signed] N.V. Savchenko

 

Copy to my lawyers
M. Z. Feygin
N. N. Polozov
I. S. Novikov

Head of the Russian Federal Penitentiary, [jail] SIZO-3
Russian Federal Penitentiary Service
ret. Col. A.Y. Kolganov
[from] Savchenko Nadiya Viktorovna, 11.05. 1981

Declaration

I, Savchenko Nadiya Viktorivna, a Ukrainian, a citizen of Ukraine, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine, PACE delegate, was kidnapped by Russian Special Services from the territory of Ukraine, taken into the Russian Federation by force and against my will, and illegally detained in Russian prisons. I am not guilty of anything and I do not recognize the verdict of the Russian court.

As protest against the criminal actions of the Russian authorities against me and against Ukraine, I declare a dry hunger strike for an indefinite term, starting from April 6, 2016. I demand my immediate return to Ukraine! I forbid my transfer  to anywhere other than to Ukraine! I demand that my transfer is only carried out in the presence of representatives of the Ukrainian side, the Consul of Ukraine in Rostov, or my lawyers M. Z. Feygin, N.N. Polozov, and I.S. Novikov!

I forbid any [medical] examination, observation, or tests by prison doctors or any doctors from the Russian Federation! I demand to be immediately examined by Ukrainian or European doctors!

I forbid any forced termination of my dry hunger strike, and to be moved anywhere from my cell, except to be returned to Ukraine! Any use of physical force or moral coercion against me I will view as torture, and will put up resistance!

I forbid to be isolated, and demand to be allowed short visits from my family – my mother Savchenko Mariya Ivanivna and my sister Savchenko Vira Viktorivna – as well as my deputy assistant Mezentsev Oleh Vitaliyevich, Consuls of Ukraine, my lawyers, and representatives of Russian and international public monitoring committees!

04.04.2016                                               [signed] N.V. Savchenko

 

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