The Ukraine Crisis Is Entering A Dangerous New Phase
Armin Rosen
BusinessInsider.com
June 5, 2014
Russia’s professional troublemakers have arrived by the hundreds in Eastern Ukraine.
The Vostok Battalion, a Russian intelligence-linked Chechen-founded paramilitary consisting of battle-hardened militants from the most restive regions within Moscow’s orbit, has arrived to take charge of Ukraine’s pro-Russian rebels.
On May 30, Vostok took over rebel headquarters in Donetsk, asserting control over less-disciplined separatist militants. According to the New York Times today, the group, which became active in Ukraine in early May, has even set up a training camp in Donetsk’s botanical gardens.
Vostok’s presence in Eastern Ukraine signals a subtle and important pivot in Russian president Vladimir Putin’s strategy. Russia has drawn down its uniformed forces from Ukraine’s border, creating the impression that there’s no imminent threat of a conventional invasion. At the same time, experienced irregulars with connections to Russia’s intelligence services have helped extend Moscow’s reach inside of it southern neighbor.
The Rest…HERE
