Voices of Ukraine

OPEN LETTER TO SECRETARY HAGEL

June 13, 2014
The Honorable Chuck Hagel
Secretary of Defense
Department of Defense
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1400

Dear Secretary Hagel:

Several friends of mine who are American veterans of Ukrainian ethnic background have suggested that I write to you about tangible non lethal U.S. military assistance to Ukraine. As you know Ukraine had been decimated militarily, initially because of economic woes, corruption, neglect and more deliberately since 2010 through the joint efforts of the Kremlin and the Kremlin’s lackey Ukraine’s former president Viktor Yanukovych. The latest efforts were part of a conspiracy to make Ukraine weak and thus susceptible to Russian psychological pressure, intimidation and even physical force. 

By Jon Barrow

There is broad agreement that Poroshenko has been giving a good account of himself so far.  He gave an excellent inaugural speech; but has also been displaying the kind of behavior which might suggest he understands the idea of public service.  This is in stark contrast to Yanukovich, who behaved like an oriental potentate – shutting down roads to speed around in convoys of black limousines; on one occasion Yanu’s security detail – the story goes – blocked off the public toilet on a visit to Brussels – denying access to bewildered Eurocrats, while the boss relieved himself. 

Liga.Net – June 13, 2014

During combat clashes on June 13, four Ukrainian special forces servicemen were killed in action  and 31 wounded. No data is available on the terrorist’s casualties

There were a number of combat clashes between terrorists and ATO forces in the area of ​​anti-terrorism operation (ATO) last night, Dmitry Tymchuk, the head of the Center for Military-Political Studies, stated on his Facebook page. He states that Ukrainian special forces destroyed two battle tanks which arrived earlier at the disposal of pro-Russian terrorists. ATO forces have also destroyed three armored personnel carriers, two trucks transporting terrorists and weapon, two vehicles mounted with heavy machine guns Degtyariov-Shpagin (DSHK).

Liga.Net – June 13, 2014

The active phase of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) began today at about 5.00 AM in Mariupol. The National Guard of Ukraine, and Azov&Dnepr-1 Battalions participated in the operation. The area of active ATO ​​operation in the center of Mariupol is now sealed off. Roadblocks around Mariupol are secured by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the Minister of Interior, all key strongholds of terrorists were taken under control. One armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle (BRDM-2) has been destroyed as well as multiple terrorist sniper nests. Five terrorists were killed during the operation, and four wounded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1Tcz43meE