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Western Backed Ukrainian Government Is About To Fall

In cartoon: Ukraine in crisis

Last week I have suggested that the war in Ukraine is coming to an end. How Russia Won The War In Ukraine. With Russia and Mr. Putin emerging as clear winners. And with western backed illegitimate Ukrainian government and military on verge of collapse, it now becomes just a matter of time. Consider the following ……

In other words, for our investment purposes consider this conflict in Ukraine over. It’s just a matter of time before current Ukrainian government falls and another Russian puppet government takes place.  Whether it’s good or bad is outside the scope of this discussion. In the end, Russia emerges as a clear winner and this is the best possible outcome for the Ukrainian people (the war will be over).

Z31

Western Backed Ukrainian Government Is About To Fall Google

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How Russia Won The War In Ukraine

NATO expansion2

I have said this since 2013 and I will say it again. There are only two reasons there is a conflict in Ukraine.

  1. NATO expansion.
  2. Russia’s willingness to go into an all out war (even nuclear war) to ensure that Ukraine doesn’t join NATO.

It is as simple as that. So, will the peace treaty hold? Well, if the EU/US/NATO stay out of Ukraine, you will see this conflict die off over time. Although an eventual regime change in Ukraine becomes unavoidable. In other words, Mr. Putin will once again setup a puppet government. To victor go the spoils.

Yet, if we see more sanctions, if we see the US military training Ukrainian army, if the US supplies weapons, if NATO continues its expansionary march……expect this war to re-ignite over night. With one primary difference. Ukrainian army is on a brink of collapse and it will be over fast. That is to say, expect Russian victory either way.

My “War Cycle Work” confirms the conclusion that this war in Ukraine will be over soon. What war cycle? The one discussed here Nuclear World War 3 Is Coming Soon.When, How & Why (Full Report) Basically, this cycle and its derivatives can predict every single war the US will fight.

Here is an example that I kept out of the report. The US entered World War 1 on April 6th, 1917. Exactly 84 years from that date (war cycle discussed in the report) brings us to April of 2001. Just 5 months shy of September 11th, 2001 and the start of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Make no mistake, the big war between Russia/China Vs. NATO/EU/US is coming. Just not yet. It will start in 2029 and it will literally devastate this planet.

Until that happens, Ukrainian conflict will go on a back burner and Russia will claim its victory. No other outcome is possible at this juncture.

Z30

How Russia Won The War In Ukraine Google

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Russia Cuts Ukraine’s Gas. What Happens Next?

sorry no gas Just when you thought the situation in Ukraine was getting better, it got worse…..a lot worse. Russia cuts gas supply to Ukraine as tensions grow.

Further, Russia suggested that it will find alternative routes to the EU market if Ukraine starts stealing EU bound gas (which is highly probable). If Ukraine tries to steal Europe-bound gas, Gazprom will develop alternative routes.

While many will make a political or a geopolitical issue out of this, I view this in a very simple light. Ukraine owns Russia close to $4.5 Billion in gas debt and it should pay. Particularly after Ukraine received a $3.2 billion bailout tranche from the IMF and another $1 Billion from the US to do just that. Or was that money already stolen? 

Z30

Russia Cuts Ukraine’s Gas. What Happens Next?  Google

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What Ukrainians Really Think About The US

If you are naive enough to believe the situation in Ukraine has anything to do with freedom and democracy as opposed to expansion of NATO, I have a picture to share with you. Taken in Ukraine over the last 24 hours, this is the reality of what most Ukrainians think about the EU and the US, despite Western Media propaganda to the contrary. Translation:  America and EU, Get Your Hands Off Ukraine. Get Your Mercenaries Out. The US & EU Are Occupiers.  

What Ukranians Think About The US

Do We Need This? It Is Time For America To Stay Out Of This BS. 

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What Ukrainians Really Think About The US Google

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24 Hours Before Ukraine Ultimatum Ends. 24 Hours Before The War Starts?

I continue to maintain that this is exactly what Russia is waiting for before going into East Ukraine. Ukraine’s new interim government issued a 24 hour deadline prior to using force against pro-Russia and anti-government protesters who occupy a number of buildings in the city of Donetsk (East Ukraine). With Ukraine’s armed forces now surrounding the city, all we need now is that first spark. So, 24 hour ultimatum, 24 hours to the first spark, 24-48 hours until Russian army crosses the border, 24-48 hours until the start of a massive International shit storm and finally, 24-48 hours until the US Stock Market sells off?  I guess we are about to find out.  

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24 Hours Before Ukraine Ultimatum Ends. 24 Hours Before The War Starts?  Google

RT Reports: Standoff between gvt, protesters intensifies, 24 hours before Kiev ultimatum ends

With 24 hours until Kiev’s threatened deadline to use force against anti-government protesters occupying buildings in eastern Ukraine, reports emerge of tanks around the city of Donetsk. Several locals were allegedly injured trying to stop the convoy.

An eyewitness confirmed the information about military forces arriving in the city in an interview with RT.

“At about 2pm we received information that military hardware had arrived at our local train station. We went there and saw APCs, military vehicles and troops. The whole town gathered nearby. The soldiers tried to start moving, and the people tried to stop the vehicles,” Lyudmila said.

She also noted the harsh response from the military when the locals attempted to stop them.

“The soldiers twisted the arms of pensioners, there were two men standing there and [the soldiers] drove over their feet [in tanks]. I was pulled back by local coalminers while I tried to stop the vehicles. They didn’t even look at who was in front of them. The men started shouting for them to stop, saying there were girls and women in front of them, but they didn’t care.”

According to a decree signed by coup-imposed leader Aleksandr Turchinov, the local administration building in Donetsk and surrounding territory is an “important government facility, which is a subject to state protection.”

The decree entered into force upon signature and Turchinov has already given Ukraine’s state security service appropriate directions, Itar-Tass reports.

Ukraine’s acting interior minister Arsen Avakov stated earlier on Wednesday that a “special police task force” had already arrived in Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkov from western regions of Ukraine and was ready to take them under control within 48 – using force, if needed.

The buildings of power structures in the eastern cities of Donetsk and Lugansk remain under control of the protesters. While so far there have been no attempts to recapture the occupied buildings, activists continue building barricades preparing for a possible attack by forces shipped in from other regions of Ukraine.

People are burning bonfires to stay warm in front of the barricades and singing songs to keep up their spirits, with Russian and regional flags waiving in the background. Many women and elderly people are among those on nightwatch in the center of city.

“We will be on duty here all night, because the assault could begin at any moment,” one of the activists told Ria Novosti. Thousands more people are ready to stand up against attackers at the first call of those keeping watch around the perimeter. Several times over the last few days activists assembled to train their response to emergency situations.

 

Barricades around the Donetsk regional administration, seized by protesters (RIA Novosti)

Barricades around the Donetsk regional administration, seized by protesters (RIA Novosti)

 

Activists expect the military operation to take place overnight in Donetsk and Lugansk simultaneously. Local administration in Kharkov was already stormed on Tuesday by armed men without insignia and masked law enforcement officers, after the local police in Kharkov refused to fulfil orders from Kiev.

 

About a hundred fighters from the newly-formed Ukraine’s National Guard reportedly arrived in the airport of Donetsk, the deputy director of a local group called People’s Militia of Donbas, Sergey Tsyplakov, told Ria Novosti.

“In Donetsk airport about a hundred of people from the National Guard have been housed,” Tsyplakov said. “Around a hundred of Right Sector thugs are also in the city, as well as a hundred employees from a private US military company operating under contract with Kiev junta.”

“Totally around 300 professionals or well-trained and motivated fanatics,” Tsyplakov added. “This is a major force, but we are ready to fight.”

 

Image from colonelcassad.livejournal.com

Image from colonelcassad.livejournal.com

 

Earlier in the day, pro-federalization activists in Donetsk blocked two busses carrying unbadged armed men in camouflage near the military commissariat. According to Tsyplakov activists believe they were mercenaries but were unable to identify gunmen as they kept silent and refused to answer any questions.

 

Image from colonelcassad.livejournal.com

Image from colonelcassad.livejournal.com

In the meantime, Ukrainian personnel and armored vehicles were spotted moving closer to the city of Donetsk. Amateur videos posted on YouTube show that locals were trying to stop machinery from progressing further.

Protests against the new government in Kiev have been continuing in eastern Ukraine for weeks now. On Monday, popular assemblies in Donetsk and Kharkov, where local administration headquarters were captured by protesters, declared independence from Ukraine and announced the creation of the independent Donetsk People’s Republic and Kharkov People’s Republic.

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Why Russia Should Invade Ukraine As Soon As Possible.

why russia should invade ukraine

I know this is not going to be a popular opinion, but here it goes anyway. First, let me ask you something. Have you ever been punched in the face by a 70-80 year old grandma over a piece of bread because she was probably starving to death? I have. It had happened to me shortly after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 (I was 12 at the time). The store shelves were empty, ruble worthless and people were trying just to survive in any way that they could. Even the vodka was rationed. If I remember correctly a family could get one bottle per month through government issued coupons. A lot of alcoholics reserved to drinking rubbing alcohol and cologne. I kid you not.

Today, Ukraine faces a similar fiscal Abyss. The West and the IMF will do absolutely nothing to resolve the situation. Any money or aid that will go directly to Ukraine will either be stolen or be paid out to Russia in the form of gas and other liability payments. Sure, but won’t Ukrainians have freedom and democracy? Don’t make me laugh. We no longer have freedom in the US with the NSA watching your every step. Plus, if the West is allowed to control Ukraine, you will quickly see Ukraine turn into a failed state (with Russia exerting it’s influence) or worse, a state where a proxy war between Russia and the US/NATO will rage for many years to come

The only true solution at this stage is for Russia to come in and take over Ukraine….. one way or the other. It will bring Ukraine back from an economic brink and stabilize it’s politics. This will allow Russia to turn the gas back on and immediately pump billions into Ukraine’s economy. Sure, it’s not an optimal solution from the West’s side, but it’s the best solution for Ukraine. Trust me, empty stomachs and economic/political collapse become a lot more important than an illusion of freedom and democracy being propagated by the west.  

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Why Russia Should Invade Ukraine As Soon As Possible. Google

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Only 16% Of Americans Know Where Ukraine Is

As the USA/NATO prepare for war over Ukraine (economic, cold and possibly actual war) most American’s believe Ukraine is in China or Africa or even Alaska (WTF?) According to The Washington Post only 16% of American’s could correctly identify Ukraine on the map. (see full report below) Come on guys…..that’s where all the hot girls come from. You know, the one’s that have the tendency to wear high heels instead of Uggs. Yes, that’s Ukraine. Maybe more people will learn where Ukraine is after Russia invades and the US stock market craters. BIG MAYBE.  

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Only 16% Of Americans Know Where Ukraine Is Google

The less Americans know about Ukraine’s location, the more they want U.S. to intervene

  • BY KYLE DROPP, JOSHUA D. KERTZER AND THOMAS ZEITZOFF

Where’s Ukraine? Each dot depicts the location where a US survey respondent situated Ukraine; the dots are colored based on how far removed they are from the actual country, with the most accurate responses in red and the least accurate ones in blue. (Data: Survey Sampling International; Figure: Thomas Zeitzoff/The Monkey Cage)

Joshua Tucker: The following is a guest post from political scientists Kyle Dropp (Dartmouth College) Joshua D. Kertzer (Harvard University) and  Thomas Zeitzoff  (Princeton University).

*****

Since Russian troops first entered the Crimean peninsula in early March, a series of media polling outlets have asked Americans how they want the U.S. to respond to the ongoing situation.  Although two-thirds of Americans have reported following the situation at least “somewhat closely,” most Americans actually know very little about events on the ground — or even where the ground is.

On March 28-31, 2014, we asked a national sample of 2,066 Americans (fielded via Survey Sampling International Inc. (SSI), what action they wanted the U.S. to take in Ukraine, but with a twist: In addition to measuring standard demographic characteristics and general foreign policy attitudes, we also asked our survey respondents to locate Ukraine on a map as part of a larger, ongoing project to study foreign policy knowledge. We wanted to see where Americans think Ukraine is and to learn if this knowledge (or lack thereof) is related to their foreign policy views. We found that only one out of six Americans can find Ukraine on a map, and that this lack of knowledge is related to preferences: The farther their guesses were from Ukraine’s actual location, the more they wanted the U.S.  to intervene with military force.

Ukraine: Where is it?

Survey respondents identified Ukraine by clicking on a high-resolution world map, shown above. We then created a distance metric by comparing the coordinates they provided with the actual location of Ukraine on the map. Other scholars, such as Markus Prior, have used pictures to measure visual knowledge, but unlike many of thetraditional open-ended items political scientists use to measure knowledge, distance enables us to measure accuracy continuously: People who believe Ukraine is in Eastern Europe clearly are more informed than those who believe it is in Brazil or in the Indian Ocean.

About one in six (16 percent) Americans correctly located Ukraine, clicking somewhere within its borders. Most thought that Ukraine was located somewhere in Europe or Asia, but the median respondent was about 1,800 miles off — roughly the distance from Chicago to Los Angeles — locating Ukraine somewhere in an area bordered by Portugal on the west, Sudan on the south, Kazakhstan on the east, and Finland on the north.

Who is more accurate?

Accuracy varies across demographic groups. In general, younger Americans tended to provide more accurate responses than their older counterparts: 27 percent of 18-24 year olds correctly identified Ukraine, compared with 14 percent of 65+ year-olds. Men tended to do better than women, with 20 percent of men correctly identifying Ukraine and 13 percent  of women. Interestingly, members of military households were no more likely to correctly locate Ukraine (16.1 percent  correct) than members of non-military households (16 percent  correct), but self-identified independents (29 percent  correct) outperformed both Democrats (14 percent  correct) and Republicans (15 percent  correct).  Unsurprisingly, college graduates (21 percent  correct) were more likely to know where Ukraine was than non-college graduates (13 percent  correct), but even 77 percent  of college graduates failed to correctly place Ukraine on a map; the proportion of college grads who could correctly identify Ukraine is only slightly higher than the proportion of Americans who told Pew that President Obama was Muslim in August 2010.

Does accuracy matter?

Does it really matter whether Americans can put Ukraine on a map? Previousresearch would suggest yes: Information, or the absence thereof, can influence Americans’ attitudes about the kind of policies they want their government to carry out and the ability of elites to shape that agenda. Accordingly, we also asked our respondents a variety of questions about what they thought about the current situation on the ground, and what they wanted the United States to do. Similarly to other recent polls, we found that although Americans are undecided on what to do with Ukraine, they are more likely to oppose action in Ukraine the costlier it is — 45 percent of Americans supported boycotting the G8 summit, for example, while only 13 percent of Americans supported using force.

However, the further our respondents thought that Ukraine was from its actual location, the more they wanted the U.S. to intervene militarily. Even controlling for a series of demographic characteristics and participants’ general foreign policy attitudes, we found that the less accurate our participants were, the more they wanted the U.S. to use force, the greater the threat they saw Russia as posing to U.S. interests, and the more they thought that using force would advance U.S. national security interests; all of these effects are statistically significant at a 95 percent  confidence level. Our results are clear, but also somewhat disconcerting: The less people know about where Ukraine is located on a map, the more they want the U.S. to intervene militarily.

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Why Russia Will Go Into East Ukraine & It’s Impact On The Stock Market

In a number of posts over the last couple of days I have made the case that Russia is laying the groundwork for their eventual invasion of East Ukraine. WHY? They must do so to counterbalance the US/NATO. If they don’t and Ukraine falls into Western/EU/NATO hands it will be viewed as a major defeat/disaster for Russia. Plus, Ukraine is a huge mess right now. It is literally facing a fiscal Abyss that will make the Great Depression in the US look like the tech boom of the late 1990’s.  Further, people in East Ukraine are desperate to join Russia. Given their economic catastrophe and ethnic Russian background you will see people declaring independence and calling for referendums to join Russia, just as Crimea did. This is already happening.

Kiev will respond with force to put down the uprising (already happening) and Russia will be “forced” to go in to protect ethnic Russians. I will give this a maximum of 10-14 days to fully play out and for Russia to enter East Ukraine. As you can imagine this will spark a massive fight on an international stage between Russia/West and everyone else. In fact, I would expect the economic warfare and the cold war to intensify from this point on. Putin already suggested that Russian companies should de-list from foreign exchanges to avoid future problems. You must connect the dots here.

The US Stock market is not prepared for any of this. As such, when Russia invades expect stocks to crater and gold to surge.     

why russia will go into ukraine m

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Why Russia Will Go Into East Ukraine & It’s Impact On The Stock Market Google

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Why Russia Is About To Start Killing American Mercenaries In Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. Fast.  As I indicated yesterday, Russia is executing a brilliant strategy in order to lay the groundwork for an eventual East Ukraine invasion. In fact, looking at things from an analytical perspective, I highly doubt it would be more than 10 days before Russia is “forced” to go in. In one of my later posts today I will outline exactly why Russia will go in and how it will impact the stock market.  Yet, one item caught my eye. 

“We are particularly concerned that the operation involves some 150 American mercenaries from a private company Greystone Ltd., dressed in the uniform of the [Ukrainian] special task police unit Sokol,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

Greystone is more or less an extension of the US Government or the Pentagon….when need be. Yet, if I was in charge of the company, I would get my people out of Ukraine NOW. When (not if) Russia goes in it will go after such mercenaries with all that they have got to teach America a lesson and to make sure further meddling by the West in Ukraine is highly discouraged.  This will make Benghazi look like a picnic.    

american mercenaries

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Why Russia Is About To Start Killing American Mercenaries Google

RT Writes: Moscow warns Kiev against using military, mercenaries in southeastern Ukraine

The Russian Foreign Ministry has voiced concerns over the buildup of Ukrainian forces and US mercenaries in the southeastern part of the country, calling on Kiev to immediately cease military preparations which could lead to a civil war.

As parts of Ukraine push for greater autonomy – with Donetskand Kharkov declaring independence on Monday – the self-imposed government in Kiev is reportedly dispatching additional forces in turbulent regions to avoid potential disobedience by local law enforcements.

“We are particularly concerned that the operation involves some 150 American mercenaries from a private company Greystone Ltd., dressed in the uniform of the [Ukrainian] special task police unit Sokol,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Organizers and participants of such incitement are assuming a huge responsibility for threatening upon the rights, freedoms and lives of Ukrainian citizens as well as the stability of Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s acting interior minister, Arsen Avakov, confirmed that additional police special forces units have arrived in southern and eastern parts of Ukraine from other regions.

“These special forces are ready to solve operational problems without the regard to local peculiarities,”Ukraine’s Interior Ministry quoted Avakov as saying. “I urge all the hotheads now to defer from criticism and panic, and help the police keep the situation under control.”

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, special forces backed by militants from the Right Sector are being tasked with suppressing protests in the southeastern regions of Ukraine, which for weeks have been calling for a referendums on the regions’ statuses within Ukraine. Moscow called on the government in Kiev to refrain from actions that could spark a civil war in Ukraine.

“We urge [Kiev] to immediately stop all military preparations which could lead to a civil war,” the statement reads.

On Monday, a source in the Interior Ministry of Ukraine told Ria Novosti that three special forces units have been redeployed to the Donetsk and Lugansk regions to suppress anti-government protests. The source claims that they consist of Interior Forces units, the newly-formed National Guard, Right Sector radicals, and Blackwater (Greystone) mercenaries and Falcon units. LifeNews also reported seeing armed Titan special forces units in Donetsk.

The reports of Greystone Limited (an affiliate of Academi/Blackwater) operating in Ukraine remain unconfirmed.

In a separate press release on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that it is “closely watching what happens in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, in particular in the Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkov regions.”

Moscow noted that without “real constitutional reform in Ukraine,” the “federalization” of the country, and the implementation of Russian as a second official language, long-term stabilization of the crisis is unlikely.

The ministry said that is time to stop “putting the blame on Russia, accusing [Moscow] of all the troubles in today’s Ukraine.”

Instead, Moscow urged Kiev to answer the legitimate questions that people in Ukraine have for the self-imposed government.

“Ukrainian people want to get a clear answer from Kiev to all their questions. It’s time to listen to these legal claims,” the Foreign Ministry said, accusing the Ukrainian government of acting “irresponsibly.”

At the same time, the ministry confirmed the Kremlin’s commitment to kickstart a national Ukrainian dialogue to stop the crisis. Russia is trying to propose the federalization of Ukraine, where regions would have broader powers of autonomy – including the right to promote regional language minority rights.

 

Pro-Russian activists guard a barricade set at the Donetsk regional council office building on the eastern city of Donetsk on April 7, 2014. (AFP Photo)

Pro-Russian activists guard a barricade set at the Donetsk regional council office building on the eastern city of Donetsk on April 7, 2014. (AFP Photo)

 

Meanwhile, the US hinted that Moscow could be behind the unrest in eastern Ukraine. In a daily briefing, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki stated that during the phone conversation between US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, the US chief diplomat “noted the Ukrainian Government’s assertion that this appeared to be a carefully orchestrated campaign with Russian support.”

“He called on Russia to publicly disavow the activities of separatists, saboteurs, and provocateurs, calling for de-escalation and dialogue, and called on all parties to refrain from agitation in Ukraine. He made clear that any further Russian efforts to destabilize Ukraine will incur further costs for Russia, and the ministers all discussed convening direct talks within the next 10 days between Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the EU to try to de-escalate the tensions.”

The White House has also urged Russia to refrain from interfering in Ukraine. “We call on President Putin and his government to cease efforts to destabilize Ukraine,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

On Monday, a group of anti-coup activists seized government buildings in Ukraine’s eastern cities of Donetsk and Kharkov, proclaiming the regions’ independence from Ukraine. Clashes between pro-independence demonstrators and security forces were also witnessed in Lugansk and Odessa.

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The Groundwork For Russian Invasion Of East Ukraine Is Being Laid Out

I continue to believe Russia will go into East Ukraine one way or the other. It appears that Moscow has changed their supposed direct military invasion approach to a more settled “independence movement” from within. At the end of the day, it’s all the same. A large group of pro-Russia activists have seized a number of government buildings in the industrial city of Donetsk, declaring region independence.  Now, it is just a matter of time before Donetsk region holds a referendum to become a part of Russia. I would expect this to play out throughout the rest of the East Ukraine. 

Further, I would define this action as a brilliant strategical move by Russia. If this works, you will see Russia take over East Ukraine without crossing the border and without firing a single shot. Should the Ukraine’s interim government send in the troops to protect it’s interests, you will see Russia go in under the pretext of “protecting ethnic Russians”. It appears as if Russia, once again, outmaneuvered it’s Western counterparts in the region. It will be interesting to see how the West reacts once East Ukraine falls under Russian control. One thing is for sure, the stock market is not pricing this in……just yet.  

Groundwork for russian invasion of Ukraine investwithalex

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The Groundwork For Russian Invasion Of East Ukraine Is Being Laid Out  Google

Activists declare Donetsk republic after capturing regional administration in Eastern Ukraine

In the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a group of activists have declared their region independent from Kiev. This comes after protesters stormed a local government building last night.

Mass demonstrations against the country’s new leadership started peacefully on Sunday, but the situation quickly escalated.

Pro-Russian protesters in Donetsk have seized the local power building, including the headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine and proclaimed the creation of a People’s Republic of Donetsk.

Ukraine’s police and security services have not interfered, although officials in Kiev are threatening punishment for the rioters.

Protesters have erected barricades around the Council building.

 

Pro-Russian activists guard a barricade set at the Ukrainian regional Security Service building on the eastern city of Donetsk on April 7, 2014.(AFP Photo / Alexander Khudoteply)

Pro-Russian activists guard a barricade set at the Ukrainian regional Security Service building on the eastern city of Donetsk on April 7, 2014.(AFP Photo / Alexander Khudoteply)

 

Today at 12:20 local time, a session of the people’s Council of Donbass (Donetsk region) took place in the main hall of the Regional Council and unanimously voted on a declaration to form a new independent state: the People’s Republic of Donetsk.

The Council proclaimed itself the only legitimate body in the region until the regions in southeast Ukraine conduct a general referendum, set to take place no later than May 11.

“The Donetsk Republic is to be created within the administrative borders of the Donetsk region. This decision will come into effect after the referendum,” the statement said.

The Council in Donetsk issued an address to Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking for deployment of a temporary peacekeeping force to the region.

“Without support it will be hard for us to stand against the junta in Kiev,” said the address.

“We are addressing Russian President Putin because we can only entrust our security to Russia,” the statement said.

 

Screenshot from ustream.tv user artem77

Screenshot from ustream.tv user artem77

 

Rallies in support of the federalization of Ukraine continue in a number of cities in southeast Ukraine. Thousands of citizens have joined the protests, demanding the earliest possible federalization of the country.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior said that last night unknown persons stormed the Security Service of Ukraine building in the city of Lugansk and seized a weapons warehouse there. During the night’s clashes, nine people were reportedly injured.

 

Pro-Russian activistshold a rally in front of Ukraine's regional security service of Ukraine in Lugansk on April 6, 2014.(AFP Photo / Igor Golovniov )

Pro-Russian activistshold a rally in front of Ukraine’s regional security service of Ukraine in Lugansk on April 6, 2014.(AFP Photo / Igor Golovniov )

 

In the city of Kharkov protesters erected barricades around the buildings of the city and the regional administrations and the regional headquarters of Security Service of Ukraine.

There were brief clashes between supporters of the federalization of Ukraine and pro-EU demonstrators in downtown Kharkov. Protesters on both sides used fire crackers and stun grenades.

A demonstration against political repression in Ukraine has also being held in the southern regional center of Odessa.

 

Pro-Russian activists near the Kharkov city administration.(RIA Novosti / Chekachkov Igor)

Pro-Russian activists near the Kharkov city administration.(RIA Novosti / Chekachkov Igor)

 

The chiefs of security agencies of Ukraine are reportedly heading to the cities engulfed in protests.

The interim secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Andrey Parubiy, together with acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Valentin Nalivaichenko, are set to visit Lugansk. Interim Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Yarema will visit Donetsk and acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has reportedly already arrived in Kharkov.

The coup-appointed acting president, Aleksandr Turchinov, has threatened that counter-terrorist measures could be taken against those who take up arms against the Kiev authorities, RIA news agency reported. On Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament will tighten laws regarding separatism and could possibly ban certain parties and organizations , Turchinov warned.

“What happened yesterday is the second stage of the special operation of the Russian Federation against Ukraine,” announced Turchinov in an address televised on Monday, sharing that an “anti-crisis command was set up last night” to deal with the crisis, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

Ukraine’s interim Foreign Minister Andrey Deschitsa announced on Monday that if the situation in the eastern regions escalates, the coup-appointed government in Kiev will take “much harsher” measures than those on the reunion of the Crimea with Russia. Deschitsa gave an assurance that members of the government are already working with local authorities.