Ukraine troops kill 3 assailants, wound 13

[Bosonic]

Source: AFP

Kiev (AFP) - Ukrainian troops repelled an overnight attack on their base in the southeast city of Mariupol, killing three of the assailants and wounding 13, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Thursday.

Around 300 people mounted the attack using guns and petrol bombs on the interior ministry troops, none of whom was hurt, Avakov said on his Facebook page.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-troops-kill-3-assailants-wound-13-055709027.html;_ylt=AwrTWf2Rb09TcgQAcwLQtDMD

[dipsydoodle]

1. Pro-Russian militias killed in attempt to storm Ukrainian military base

Three pro-Russian militia were killed and 13 injured in clashes with Ukrainian troops in the south-east city of Mariupol on Wednesday night.

Interior minister Arsen Avakov said on Thursday that the separatists were killed during an attempt to storm a Ukrainian base by some 300 people, armed with guns and petrol bombs. None of the interior ministry troops defending the base on the Sea of Azov were injured, Avakov said on his Facebook page.

"After attackers threw incendiary devices and molotov cocktails at the military unit and opened fire at guard posts; the national guards fired warning shots," Avakov said.

Only when the attack continued did the soldiers turn their weapons directly on the assailants, Avakov stated. Sixty-three people were detained and security officials confiscated weapons, communication devices and "Russian cellphones", the statement said.

The operation was still ongoing with additional police patrolling the port city and special forces being helicoptered in as reinforcements, Avakov said.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/17/pro-russian-militia-killed-storm-ukrainian-military-base

Deadly clashes at Ukraine port base as leaders meet

Three people were killed in a raid on a base in eastern Ukraine overnight, the country's interior minister says, as the US, Russia, the EU and Ukraine begin crisis talks in Geneva.

The three pro-Russian separatists were killed in a clash with Ukrainian forces in Mariupol, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said on Facebook.

The Geneva meeting is the first such gathering since the crisis escalated.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27059321

[joshcryer]

3. This should bolster anti-Russia sentiment.

We'll see how quickly Russia decides to invade. Russia may be able to convince these army bases to give up just because of an overwhelming response. But then, Russia probably isn't willing to turn this into a shooting war, either. Taking over Crimea with only 1 killed was an amazing effort of a show of force. But three dead and yet no involvement yet? It will only get far worse if Russia "intervenes."

[dipsydoodle]

4. The EU's intelligence Chief George Alafuzoff does not believe that Russia is attacking Ukraine.

YLE - Finnish national news broadcaster : television interview

The EU's intelligence Chief George Alafuzoff does not believe that Russia is attacking Ukraine. Alfuzoff argued opinion Rejected A-Monday evening in the Studio. -I do not believe that it would be in the interests of the State and to leave the Russian leadership to attack or to capture the area, which would tie Russia politically, economically, kultturellisesti one of a measure which would be difficult to get out of it. Alafuzoff also says that there is no evidence that the Ukraine would be at the moment, the Russian fighting forces. Instead, he says, it is likely that Russia has soluttanut in situ in the Ukraine.

http://yle.fi/uutiset/eun_tiedustelupaallikko_venajan_etu_ei_ole_edeta_ukrainaan/7194750

Translated using http://imtranslator.net/translation/finnish/to-english/translation/

EU intelligence chief Georgy Alafuzoff does not believe that Russia attacked in Ukraine. Alfuzoff bases its opinion on YLE Monday night's A-Studio. - I do not think that would be the Russian leadership and the state's interest to go to invade or take over the area, which would bind the Russian political, economic, kultturellisesti to any such action, which would be difficult to irti.Alafuzoff also says, that there is no evidence that Ukraine is currently in a Russian combat troops. Instead, in his view, it is likely that Russia has infiltrated the Ukraine scouts.

Translated using http://babblefish.com/language/free-language-translation/free-language-translators/

[joshcryer]

5. I do not believe that either.

Russia is funding and arming pro-Russian elements and instructing them on how to proceed.

The "take over bases with unarmed human shields with armed military behind them" tactic won't work here.

It has to actually be Russian forces. It has to be an actual invasion as opposed to a US-like overthrow attempt channeling local groups.

Good luck.

[The Magistrate]

27. He Does Not Quite Say, Sir, What He Is Being Presented As Saying

Allowing for the vagaries of machine translation, this seems to be the gist:

He says he does not think it would be a good idea for Russia to occupy Ukraine.

He says he does not thing Russian main forces are in Ukraine at present.

He says there are probably Russian 'scouts' ( which doubtless means special forces ) in Ukraine already.

This is pretty much what most people observing the situation understand to be happening.

I suggest that if U.S. special forces were operating in a country, and operating against its government, most people here would consider the U.S. had invaded the place, and they would be close enough, as they say, for government work....

[joshcryer]

2. This is what I said should happen.

Just allowing people to walk into your base, confiscate weapons, put you under siege, it's insanity. Think that asshole militia dude Bundy who is using BLM lands for his cattle. Should he and his gang of armed thugs be able to just walk into Nellis Air Force Base and take it over? It's beyond absurd.

It worked in Crimea because the huge majority of the population was, in a word, Russian (60%). It won't work in Eastern Ukraine because Russians make up less than 12% of the population.

Putin needs to stop funding and arming these idiots because it's going to go down one way. Armed thugs trying to take over a military base are not revolutionaries.

[joshcryer]

6. Putin's live interview is fucking hilarious:

No words. (It's live now but will be archived at that link after it's over.)

[joshcryer]

7. God, Putin literally said impeachment is impossible.

1:30 for those watching the archive. Listen to his ridiculous logic. He is such a chump. It is an embarrassment. He reminds me of Bush.

[MBS]

18. he's more like Cheney and Bush combined, with even more power

An embarrassment and a danger. Very creepy.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

23. Here's who comes to my mind when I think of Putin:

[joshcryer]

8. Holy fuck. Putin called East Ukaine Novorossiya.

Holy fucking shit, he's invading. I didn't think I'd get to see WWIII. Fuck you Putin. You piece of shit asshole. Ukraine is so fucked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novorossiya

[MBS]

17. my worst fears,realized.

The "Novorossiya" bit is outrageous.

[joshcryer]

9. Putin shitting himself over education budget reductions.

Holy shit, how did that woman get in there to ask that question?

Woman: So where do the people file their complaints?"

CLAPS. Enormous claps. RT reduced the audio as it happened, watch around 1:45 on the archive.

Putin owned by a teacher who debates the Kremlin's funding for public education.

Maybe Russia isn't so fucked after all.

[joshcryer]

10. lawl!!!!! Putin admitting the west would fuck 'em if no gas / oil promises

1:51, holy shit he's losing it.

Putin, you're out of your game, you fucking piece of shit fascist anti-gay homophone pathetic piece of shit. Your fucking pathetic fans are going to lose their shit when you and your country goes to shit.

[joshcryer]

11. Kudos to these questioners. They are owning Putin.

RT probably didn't expect it.

[joshcryer]

12. The YouTube commentators are unsprisingly hateful Anti-Semites.

If you watch this later open it in a new window and scroll through the comments. Anti-Semites, anti-gay, hateful piece of shit comments. That's who Russia represents.

[joshcryer]

13. "Are you planning to acquire Alaska as well?"

Brilliant fake question. Putin is joking about it now. Incredibly well done. Talking about how US acquisitions were a lot cheaper than Russia's Alaska deal. 1:55 or thereabouts (if a bit early just wait, wasn't watching the exact timestamp).

[joshcryer]

14. If, btw, anyone thinks that RT / Russian media is better than US media.

It literally was a bullshit question followed by a BS joke. No substance, no reality, no rationality. If you think RT is better than the worst of US media, you are a joke.

[joshcryer]

15. Wanting to "rehabilitate" Crimean Tatars.

[joshcryer]

16. 3AM gotta sleep.

At this point there is some discussion about some flooding in RU. Best wishes to those harmed by those events, but I am unconvinced Putin knows what the fuck he is doing. He's lost it. I truly believe that. Shit will hit the fan. If not tomorrow or a week or three from now, it will come to a head. Fuck you Putin.

[MBS]

19. yup, I agree he's lost it

See also this article, with commentary on Putin at end:

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2014/04/15/ukraine_makes_good_on_threats_to_pounce_on_russian_protesters

According to Igor Sutyagin, a fellow at Royal United Services Institute who has written about the Russian military's plans in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin probably has not decided on a course of action. "Putin is a tactician. He does not know what he will do," Sutyagin said in an interview. "Many want to believe that Putin has some sort of plan. The problem is that he does not, and that is even more dangerous. The problem is that he reacts to opportunities that he very often gets wrong."

[MBS]

20. Samantha Power tweets on human rights in Crimea post Putin takeover

Samantha Power ‏@AmbassadorPower 7h
Per the @UN, Crimeans who opt to keep Ukrainian citizenship could forfeit social & economic rights, including right to work & own property.

Samantha Power ‏@AmbassadorPower 7h
According to new UN report, only part of #Ukraine that's suffered rapid human rights deterioration is where Kyiv has least control: #Crimea.

[7962]

21. Just like the good 'ol Soviet days. Yet we still have Putin defenders here on DU.

The US simply HAS to be blamed for everything. Ridiculous.

[newfie11]

22. It was posted somewhere that blackwater is over there

Couldn't they be stirring up problems?

[The Magistrate]

24. I Really Do Enjoy, Sir, the Sound Of Desperation In The Morning

All kinds of things 'have been posted' in attempt to evade the facts of the matter, namely that Putin, a dyed in the wool fascist and imperialist, is trying to grab portions of Ukraine....

[newfie11]

29. Well I'm not believing all the hype

I've learned not to trust propaganda from either side.

[The Magistrate]

32. More Accurately, Sir, You Believe Not All But Some Of the Hype

Specifically, the hype which supports Russia's imperial ventures in Ukraine.

[newfie11]

33. Sir, it is Madam in my case

Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam etc etc.
Do you recall the hype on those that turned out to be lies and propaganda.
Who stepped in and foiled our soon to attack Siria plan?That was even on our limited msm.

Only sheep fall for the same thing time and time again. In our case mass murders occur.

[The Magistrate]

35. None Of Swhich, Ma'am, Makes a Tinker's Damn To The Present Situation

Going into Afghanistan in 2001 was not only proper but necessary, though the thing was certainly botched badly by the Bush administration, and the venture ought certainly to liquidated with losses cut now.

Invading Iraq was probably the single stupidest thing I have ever seen a United States government do, and I said so at the time, here, with some frequency.

Viet Nam is a different era, and if you imagine only one side of that fracas lied and distorted or engaged in aggression, you have very little understanding of it, or were insulated completely from left politics during the period.

If you think the threat of military action against Assad had nothing to do with the result obtained in regard to his chemical weapons, you make a very serious mistake in analysis.

[newfie11]

36. Sorry sir but I disagree with all you say

We will just have to agree to did agree.

[Iterate]

37. Well then, when in doubt, listen to what the neighbors have to say.

This is from the Belarus Digest nearly two years ago, on the occasion of Alexandr Lukashenka's annual address. Yes, that Lukashenka. For all his faults, he's not one to fall for anyone's story.

The privatization referred to here is the transfer of assets to Russian companies. But then there's this:

Lukashenka: Russia Cannot Strangle Belarus
Andrei Liakhovich 31 May 2012
...
Lukashenka's team has reason to believe that the main foreign policy issue for Putin's administration in 2012 will be relations with Ukraine. Russia will endeavour to prevent or, at least, complicate to the maximum possible extent Ukraine's movement (while quite a lengthy one) into the EU.

http://belarusdigest.com/story/lukashenka-russia-cannot-strangle-belarus-9489

That sums it up, but of course they could have had no idea it would take so much longer.

[warrprayer]

25. It strikes me as very strange

... that the Ukrainian troops were "assaulted with automatic weapons, firebombs, etc" but suffered not a single casualty. They did manage to kill 3 Russian separatists, though... hopefully for them provoking Russia to intervene militarily and give the neocons the bloodbath they need to start another Syria... I knew the kumbaya wouldn't last. The Cons are too deeply invested in this now, and will not relent.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

26. Occam's Razor is a dull, dull blade to you. nt

[The Magistrate]

28. Trained Men On Defense, Sir, Tend To Do Better Than Irregulars On The Attack

"If you're in a fair fight, you fucked up."

[Polito Vega]

30. 22 people died in Central Africa

Let us also comment on deaths in poor, predominantly black countries.

ANGUI (Reuters) - At least 22 people, mainly civilians, were killed in clashes between mainly Muslim rebels and Christian militia in the Central African Republic earlier this week, the local Red Cross said on Wednesday.

The clashes took place on Monday in Grimari, about 300 km (190 miles) northeast of Bangui, and coincide with a push into the interior by French and African forces struggling to contain violence that experts warn has pushed the country to the verge of genocide.

http://news.yahoo.com/22-reported-killed-clashes-over-central-african-republic-165420004.html

[EX500rider]

42. Which has to do with this story how exactly? n/t

[The Magistrate]

31. The Kiev Government, Sir, Has Shown Extraordinary Patience In Face Of Provocation

No honest commentator could speak of them as having pressed for or desired bloodshed.

If anything, they may have left it a bit too long to shoot in their own defense.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

34. There is absolutely nothing in the Ukrainian goverment's interest to shoot unarmed civillians.

1. It would be a war crime, and that sort of thing is frowned upon.
2. It would make them look like bloody hypocrites after what happened to protesters on the Maidan

and most importantly:

3. Russia would undoubtedly capitalize upon such an incident and send it the Russian Army regulars to reunite "New Russia" with "Old Russia"

So the people who spin it that the Ukrainian Army "defied orders" by not shooting unarmed civilians--human shields they may be--are completely and utterly full of it.

[warrprayer]

39. unless...

they want an excuse to put NATO in full swing, and WE NEED LOTS of MONEY TO STOP THE RED MENACE!

[warrprayer]

40. also...

self deleted a post, it bordered on being rude. I really want to see and engage in intelligent discussion on this issue. I misinterpreted your post. Sorry!

[warrprayer]

41. if your mind is open

to other viewpoints, I found this article to be a great antidote for the mainstream media b.s..
You may disagree, but I am sure you will find it thought provoking.

http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/22131-ukraine-go-west-young-man-or-dr-strangeloves-revenge