Separatist forces of the war in Donbass

United Armed Forces of Novorossiya
Объединённые Вооруженные Силы Новороссии

Founded 3 March 2014[1]
(as Donbass People's Militia)
Current form 16 September 2014[2]
Leadership
Minister of Defence Vladimir Kononov
(Donetsk People's Republic)
Oleg Bugrov
(Luhansk People's Republic)
Manpower
Active personnel 10,000 – 20,000 (July 2014)[3][4]
30,000 – 35,000 (March 2015)[5]
40,000 – 45,000 (June 2015)[6]

Separatist forces of the War in Donbass, or the United Armed Forces of Novorossiya (Russian: Объединённые Вооруженные Силы Новороссии; acronym NAF)[2][7] is the umbrella name for the militias and armed volunteer groups affiliated with the unrecognized political union called Novorossiya (New Russia). It consists of the Donbass People's Militia,[8][9] the Luhansk People's Militia and autonomous armed groups. They are regarded as terrorist groups by the Government of Ukraine.[10]

The Donbass People's Militia was formed by Pavel Gubarev, who was elected "People's Governor" of Donetsk Oblast by pro-Russian protesters.[11] It was originally involved in taking control of Ukrainian government buildings in the Donetsk oblast. Tensions increased to the point of the militia being actively involved in fighting a war against the Ukrainian government in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The militia was accused by the Ukrainian government of culpability in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 on 17 July 2014, but the Donetsk People's Republic disputed this claim.[12] The militias of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, merged into one group on 16 September 2014, forming the "United Armed Forces of Novorossiya".[2]

It is widely believed that the separatists are supported by Russian armed forces.[13] Although the Russian government often denies direct involvement stating that their soldiers were there voluntarily and not under orders, some of them were detained riding their combat vehicles with documents proving their origin in Russian armed forces.[14] Moreover, separatists admitted receiving supplies from Russia and being trained there. BBC reported that separatist ranks are composed of thousands of Russian citizens, and NATO accused Russia of deploying their regular troops into Ukraine.[14][15] Registered Cossacks of the Russian Federation have been reported to be supporting separatists in the conflict as well. Head of the DPR, Alexander Zakharchenko, claimed in August 2014 that there are around 3,000 to 4,000 Russian volunteers fighting for the militia, which includes current and many retired Russian Army servicemen.[16]

History

Pro-Russian rally in Donetsk on April 6, 2014

On 3 March 2014, during the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine, groups of protesters took control of the regional administration building in Donetsk.[17] A newly created armed opposition group named the Donbass People's Militia participated in it and was led by Pavel Gubarev.[17] This happened when 11 Ukrainian cities with significant populations of ethnic Russians erupted in demonstrations against the new Ukrainian government.[17] On 6 April 2014, 2,000 pro-Russian protesters rallied outside the regional administration building.[18] In the same day, groups of protesters in Eastern Ukraine stormed the regional administration building in Kharkiv, and the SBU headquarters in Luhansk.[11] The groups created a people's council and demanded a referendum like in Crimea.[18][nb 1] Within a few days, several government buildings in cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk were also stormed.[28][29] On 12 April, the supporters of the Donetsk People's Republic and members of Donbass People's Militia set up checkpoints and barricades in Sloviansk.[30] The same day, former members of the Donetsk "Berkut" unit joined the ranks of the Donbass People's Militia.[31]

On 13 April, the newly established Ukrainian government gave the separatists a deadline to disarm or face a "full-scale anti-terrorist campaign" in the region.[32] Later that day, the first reports of fighting was reported between the people's militia and Ukrainian troops near Sloviansk, with casualties on both sides.[33][34] On 14 April, members of the Donbass People's Militia blocked Ukrainian military KrAZ truck's armed with Grad missiles from entering the city.[35][36] On 15 April, a full scale "Anti-Terrorist Operation" was launched by the Ukrainian government with aim of restoring their authority over the areas seized by the militia.[37]

Sloviansk city council under control of Russian Registered Cossacks[38] on 14 April 2014
DPR troops in Donetsk during a rehearsal for the 2015 Victory Day parade

On 16 April, the militia entered Sloviansk with six BMD airborne amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicles[39][40] they obtained from parts of the 25th Airborne Brigade[41] who had switched allegiance.[42][43][44][45] The "occupants" were disarmed after the vehicles were blockaded by locals.[46] The militia also received one self-propelled 120 mm mortar 2S9 "Nona-S"[47][48] On April 20, an unidentified armed group in civilian clothes attacked a Militia checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Sloviansk. Three attackers and three members of Militia were killed.[49] On May 14, eight members of Militia seized an IMR armored vehicle from Novokramatorsky Mashinostroitelny Zavod.[50]

On May 15, the Donbass People's Militia sent an ultimatum to Kiev. They ordered the withdraw all Ukrainian troops from Donetsk oblast.[51] On May 17, several members of the militia seized two BRDM unarmed armored vehicles from Severodonetsk and Lysychansk (Luhansk Oblast)[52] On May 22, the Federal State of Novorossiya was declared. On May 23, several members of people's militia seized another BRDM-RKh unarmed armored vehicle from Loskutovka (Luhansk Oblast)[53]

The militia were widely suspected to be involved in the downing of a civilian airliner, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, on 17 July 2014.[54][55]

On August 8, the militia claimed that after battles near border with Russia, they captured 67 pieces of equipment with varying status (serviceable equipment without ammunition and fuel, with faults, damaged in battle and completely unusable), including 18 multiple rocket launching systems "Grad", 15 tanks and armored personnel carriers, howitzers, MANPADS, etc.[56] As of August 12, the militia has at least 200 armored vehicles.[57]

The months of July and early August were disastrous for the militias with many analysts saying they were on the verge of defeat before a sudden counteroffensive, which the Ukrainian Government claims was supported by Russian troops, encircled thousands of Ukrainian troops and forced them into a retreat.[58] The militias soon re-captured several strategic positions such as Savur-Mohyla and Luhansk International Airport.[59] The armies of both the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) merged on 16 September 2014 to form the "United Armed Forces of Novorossiya".[2][60]

On 2 February 2015, Head of the DPR, Alexander Zakharchenko, announced that there would be a general mobilization in the DPR of 10,000 volunteers, and he aimed to eventually expand the NAF to 100,000 soldiers.[61]

On 20 May 2015 the leadership of the Federal State of Novorossiya announced the termination of the confederation 'project'[62] but the United Armed Forces was retained as the joint armed service of the DPR and LPR.[63]

On 14 September 2015, there was a war banner ceremony at the newly established Donetsk Higher Military Command School.[64] Zakharchenko addressed the new students, and congratulated them by saying they will be the officers to lead the DPR Armed Forces and resolve all conflicts.[64] Mikhail Tikhonov is the head of the school.[64]

In June 2016, the Donetsk People's Republic estimated that around 40,000 volunteer reserves can be mobilized in case of renewed fighting.[65]

Structure

Oplot Brigade during a rehearsal for the 2015 Victory Day parade

The militias consist of different armed groups, which took the oath for Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. Militant groups which refused to do it were disarmed as gangs in the DPR.[66] Other groups are autonomous forces.[67]

According to The Ukrainian Week, there is a Donetsk Operative Command set up in May 2016 by Russia that coordinates military efforts of the Donetsk People's Republic.[68] The tank battalions they claim Russia can deploy is the DPR Diesel Battalion, and LPR August Battalion.[68]

Combat forces

Flag of the Vostok Battalion
Flag of the Sparta Battalion
Flag of the Somalia Battalion

Donetsk People's Republic Donetsk People's Republic

Donbass People's Militia (Russian: Народное ополчение Донбасса)

Independent DPR forces

Luhansk People's Republic Luhansk People's Republic

LPR People's Militia (Russian: Народная милиция ЛНР). Formerly known as Army of the South-East (Russian: Армия Юго-Востока) until late 2014.[113][114][115]

Independent LPR forces

Flag of the Prizrak Brigade

Disbanded

Flag of the Rapid Response Group "Batman"

Non-combat units

Commanders

Head of the DPR, Alexander Zakharchenko

Donetsk People's Republic Donetsk People's Republic

Luhansk People's Republic Luhansk People's Republic

Flags and symbols

Multiple flags and symbols are often used by the armed forces:

Historical flags

Others Flags

Flags of new States, including nongovernment (public) organizations

Flags of military units and troops

Equipment

Vikings Battalion infantrymen with Russian military equipment in July 2015

According to independent sources, rebels mostly used equipment that was available domestically before the Ukrainian crisis. However, the rebels were also seen using weapons that were not known to be exported to or otherwise available in Ukraine. Appearance of some of the latest models of Russian military equipment, which was never exported outside of Russia, is particularly noteworthy.[141]

According to the Donetsk People's Republic all its military equipment is "hardware that we took from the Ukrainian military".[142] However, according to the Ukrainian government and the United States Department of State this is a false statement and claim the separatists have received military equipment from Russia, including multiple rocket launch systems and tanks.[143] Despite the fact that Russian officials deny supplying arms to the militia, numerous evidence proves that it is true.[141][143][144] In August 2014 Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Heletey claimed the proof for the weapons supply from Russia was that the fighters of the Donbass People's Militia were using Russian-made weapons that were never used (or bought) by the Ukrainian army.[145] NAF militias acquired many Ukrainian military vehicles and equipment during the Ilovaisk and Debaltseve cauldrons, following the Ukrainian retreat. The DPR estimated that it captured 471 pieces of heavy equipment (including AFVs) in Debaltseve, with two thirds being returned to serviceable conditions by their repair shops.[65]

Among such exclusively Russian equipment seen with pro-Russian separatists are Russian modifications of tank T-72 (particularly T-72B3 and T-72BA seen destroyed in Ukraine[141][146]), infantry fighting vehicle BTR-82AM (adopted in Russia in 2013),[147][148] armored personnel carriers BPM-97,[149][150] sophisticated anti-aircraft system Pantsir-S1,[151][152] multipurpose vehicle GAZ Vodnik (adopted in Russia in 2005),[149] Russian modifications of MT-LB, rocket-propelled flamethrower MRO-A, anti-tank missile Kornet, anti-materiel rifle ASVK, suppressed sniper rifle VSS Vintorez and others.[141][147]

Relationship with Russia

As the conflict intensified, the Donbass People's Militia was bolstered with many volunteers from the former Soviet Union, mainly Russia; including fighters from Chechnya and North Ossetia.[153]

According to the Ukrainian government and the United States Department of State the Donbass People's Militia have received military equipment from Russia, including Russian tanks and multiple rocket launchers.[143] Russia denied doing this and has described the Russian citizens fighting with the Donbass People's Militia as volunteers.[143][154] The Donetsk People's Republic claimed on 16 August 2014 it had received (together with 30 tanks and 120 other armoured vehicles of undisclosed origin) 1,200 "individuals who have gone through training over a four-month period on the territory of the Russian Federation".[155][156] Prime Minister of the DPR Alexander Zakharchenko stated in August 2014 that they have not received military equipment from Russia; but that all its military equipment is "hardware that we took from the Ukrainian military".[142] Despite a majority of the equipment being of Soviet or Ukrainian origin, there are signs of Russian material support such as ammunition, uniforms, radios, radar equipment, and reconnaissance UAVs.[65] Russia has also provided support through military trainers, advisers, and battlefield intelligence support. Evidence of this is seen from the high efficiency of the NAF in attacking and defending against the bigger sized Ukrainian military, the ability to quickly change objectives during a battle, and their organized joint combat roles of motorized and mechanized brigades.[65]

The injured of the Donbass People's Militia were exclusively treated in Russia.[153] During mid-August 2014, hospitals such as the Donetsk Central Hospital in Donetsk, Russia attended to between 10 and 20 injured fighters daily.[153] The Russian Emergency Ministry assisted with treatment logistics.[153] Those questioned and registered by the (Russian) Federal Security Service[153] and treated in Russia during this period stated that they would not return to Ukraine if the Ukrainian army won the War in Donbass,[153] but would, instead, engage in a partisan warfare campaign in Eastern Ukraine.[153]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Since 13 April 2014 all government buildings in Kharkiv are fully under Ukrainian control.[19][20][21][22][22][23][24][25][26] Kharkiv returned to relative calm by 30 April.[27]

References

  1. ↑ "Самым неспокойным городом Украины в последние дни неожиданно стал Донецк. «Народное ополчение Донбасса» ... еще 3 марта взяло штурмом областную администрацию"
    Русский и бессмысленный // LENTA.RU от 6 марта 2014
  2. 1 2 3 4 ДНР и ЛНР приступили к созданию Армии Новороссии. Novorossiya (in Russian). 16 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  3. ↑ Ukraine's next battle is Donetsk, but no bombs, please. USA Today. 12 July 2014.
  4. ↑ The army of the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics has 20,000 fighters - Gubarev. Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 9 July 2014
  5. ↑ "Ukraine: Where Will the Russian-Backed Rebels Attack Next?". Newsweek. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  6. ↑ "Pro-Russian rebels have 40,000-strong army, sufficient for 'mid-sized European state': Ukraine defence minister". ABC AU. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  7. ↑ "Donetsk, Luhansk armies to form armed forces". Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  8. ↑ Жители Славянска поддержали «Народное ополчение Донбасса» // "Взгляд.RU" от 12 апреля 2014
  9. ↑ ""Народное ополчение Донбасса" строит баррикады"
    Протесты в Славянске Донецкой области // "ИТАР-ТАСС" от 13 апреля 2014
  10. ↑ Steven Rosenburg (5 June 2014). "Ukraine crisis: Donetsk rebel leaders still talking tough". BBC. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  11. 1 2 3 "In northeast Ukraine, pro-Maidan occupiers are routed by counter-demonstrators". The Washington Post. March 1, 2014.
  12. ↑ Simon Shuster (17 July 2014). "Exclusive: Separatist Leader Says Rebels Did Not Shoot Down Flight MH17". Time. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  13. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: 'Thousands of Russians' fighting in east". BBC. 28 Aug 2014.
  14. 1 2 "Captured Russian troops 'in Ukraine by accident'". BBC. 26 Aug 2014.
  15. ↑ "Ukrainians say Russian troops captured them in east Ukraine". Reuters. 29 Sep 2014.
  16. ↑ Around 3-4 thousand Russian volunteers fighting for Donetsk People’s Republic militia. Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  17. 1 2 3 Andrew Roth (3 March 2014). "From Russia, ‘Tourists’ Stir the Protests". New York Times. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  18. 1 2 "Pro-Russia Protesters Storm Government Buildings In Eastern Ukrainian Cities". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 6 April 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  19. ↑ "Pro-Russia activists declare establishment of 'Kharkiv people's republic'". Focus Information Agency. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  20. ↑ "Pro-Russian Protesters Declare 'People's Republic' In Kharkiv". LiveLeak.com. 7 April 2014. Archived from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  21. ↑ "Kharkiv settles down, while pro-Russian separatists still hold buildings in Luhansk, Donetsk". Kyiv Post. 8 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  22. 1 2 "Kharkiv city government building infiltrated by pro-Russian protesters". Kyiv Post. 13 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "Кернес пообіцяв допомогти звільнити затриманих сепаратистів | Українська правда". Pravda.com.ua. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  24. ↑ Kharkiv torn between Europe and Russia, Deutsche Welle (6 March 2014)
  25. ↑ "После нападения антимайдановцев на митинг Евромайдана в Харькове пострадало 50 человек : Новости УНИАН". Unian.net. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  26. ↑ "Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine". Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  27. ↑ "Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine – based on information received up until 29 April 2014" (Press release). Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  28. ↑ "Pro-Russian activists seize Interior Ministry branch in southeast Ukraine". GlobalPost. April 12, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Another police building seized in east". BBC. April 12, 2014.
  30. ↑ На одном из блокпостов около Славянска слышна стрельба и взрывы // "Первый канал" от 13 апреля 2014
  31. ↑ «Это наши люди» // «Взгляд.RU» от 12 апреля 2014
  32. ↑ "Ukraine gives rebels deadline to disarm or face military operation". Reuters. April 13, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Casualties in Sloviansk gun battles". BBC News. 13 April 2014.
  34. ↑ "Ukraine Army Launches 'Anti-Terror' Operation". Sky News via Yahoo! News. 13 April 2014.
  35. ↑ Народное ополчение Донбасса задержало грузовики со снарядами для "Града" на въезде в Славянск // "Интерфакс" от 14 апреля 2014
  36. ↑ "Представители "Народного ополчения Донбасса" задержали грузовик со снарядами к реактивной системе залпового огня (РСЗО) "Град" на одном из блок-постов возле города Славянск Донецкой области. Об этом сообщили 13 апреля местные СМИ. Источники в силовых структурах признали факт задержания "грузовика с вооружением", отметив, что задержанный автомобиль КрАЗ принадлежит Национальной гвардии Украины"
    СМИ: манифестанты задержали возле Славянска грузовик со снарядами к РСЗО "Град" // ИТАР-ТАСС от 14 апреля 2014
  37. ↑ "Ukraine launches counter-terrorism operation in Donetsk region". UPI. April 15, 2014.
  38. ↑ Babiak, Mat. "Insurgents Identified". Ukrainian Policy. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
  39. ↑ "На сторону ополченцев в Славянске перешло уже около 60 военных". RIA. 16 April 2014.
  40. ↑ "власти Украины признали, что шесть боевых машин десанта (БМД) у армии отобрали ополченцы"
    Колонна украинской бронетехники под Краматорском прорвала "блокаду" местных жителей, угрожая гранатой // NEWSRU.COM от 16 апреля 2014
  41. ↑ "За здачу зброї десантниками у Краматорську відкрито провадження". ukrinform.ua. 17 April 2014.
  42. ↑ "Pro-Russian troops enter Ukraine city". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  43. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: combat vehicles with pro-Russian troops enter town". 16 April 2014.
  44. ↑ "Six Ukrainian Army Vehicles Join Pro-Federalist Protesters in Kramatorsk". RIA Novosti.
  45. ↑ Anthony Faiola (16 April 2014). "In Ukraine, a crisis of bullets and economics". Washington Post. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  46. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Military column 'seized' in Kramatorsk". BBC News.
  47. ↑ "самоходная артиллерийская установка «Нона»... была добровольна отдана сопротивлению десантниками 25-й аэромобильной бригады из Днепропетровска в середине апреля"
    Как устроена десантная машина «Нона» - символ сопротивления Донецкой республики // "Московский комсомолец" от 13 мая 2014
  48. ↑ Самооборона Славянска обстреляла Нацгвардию из самоходной установки «Нона» // "Взгляд.RU" от 12 мая 2014
  49. ↑ Атака на блокпост в Славянске: шестеро погибших // DELFI.LV от 20 апреля 2014
  50. ↑ Вооруженные люди вывезли с Новокраматорского завода списанную инженерную машину разграждения // "Интерфакс - Украина" от 14 мая 2014
  51. ↑ Ополченцы Донбасса поставили Киеву ультиматум // LENTA.RU от 15 мая 2014
  52. ↑ На Луганщине боевики похитили две БРДМ из пожарно-спасательных частей // УНИАН от 18 мая 2014
  53. ↑ Ополченцы захватили машину разведки на Луганщине // "iPress.UA" от 23 мая 2014
  54. ↑ Zverev, Anton (Jul 17, 2014). "Malaysian airliner downed in Ukraine war zone, 295 dead". Reuters.
  55. ↑ Yuhas, Alan (7 July 2014). "Malaysia Airlines plane MH17 crashes in Ukraine - live updates". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  56. ↑ ДНР заявляет о захвате около 70 единиц военной техники силовиков|DPR claimed capturing about 70 pieces of military equipment // RIA Novosti, 8 August 2014
  57. ↑ Для контрнаступления под Донецком ополченцы подготовили 200 бронемашин| For a counter-offensive near Donetsk militia prepared 200 armored vehicles// Vesti.ru, 12 August 2014
  58. ↑ "After Re-Establishing Supply Lines, Ukrainian Separatists Launch Counteroffensive". Forbes. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  59. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: Troops abandon Luhansk airport after clashes". BBC. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  60. ↑ "Kremlin-backed rebels form Novorossiya army". Kyiv Post. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  61. ↑ "Ukraine rebels plan call-up, want 100,000-strong army". Reuters. 2 February 2015. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
  62. ↑ "Russian-backed 'Novorossiya' breakaway movement collapses". Ukraine Today. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
    Проект «Новороссия» закрыт [Project "New Russia" is closed] (in Russian). Gazeta.ru. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
  63. ↑ Euan MacDonald: Divide and re-conquer?, Kyiv Post (11 June 2016)
  64. 1 2 3 "DPR is building Armed Forces "that will resolve all issues"". South Front. 21 September 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  65. 1 2 3 4 "Foreign Policy Diary – Donbass People's Militias: History & Capabilities". South Front. 24 June 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  66. ↑ "Бойцы народного ополчения Донбасса принесли присягу провозглашенной ДНР – Fighters of Donbass People's Militia took the oath for DPR (in Russian)". ТАСС.
  67. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Armed Formations in the Secessionist ‘Luhansk Republic’". ICDS, Jamestown Foundation. 10 January 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  68. 1 2 3 4 "Expecting a restless August". The Ukrainian Week. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  69. ↑ Батальон "Донбасс": второй бой под Карловкой [Battalion "Donbass": second battle of Karlivka] (in Russian). Profi-forex.org. 6 July 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  70. 1 2 Russia’s Donetsk Proxies Anticipate Ukrainian Siege Jamestown Foundation, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 11 Issue: 149. 13 August 2014
  71. ↑ Патриотические силы Донбасса (in Russian). Patriotic Forces of Donbass.
  72. ↑ Ополченцы "ДНР" хотят создать на основе батальона "Восток" спецназ. RIA Novosti Ukraine. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
  73. ↑ Alec Luhn (February 23, 2014). "Ukraine separatists celebrate Soviet holiday in Donetsk". The Guardian. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  74. 1 2 Alec Luhn (June 6, 2014). "Volunteers or paid fighters? The Vostok Battalion looms large in war with Kiev". The Guardian. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  75. ↑ "Патриотические силы Донбасса: Сводка от бригады "Восток": опровержение о боях в Ясиноватой". Patriotic Forces of Donbass.
  76. ↑ Rodnover pagans participate to the Ukrainian conflict Archived December 10, 2015, at the Wayback Machine..
  77. ↑ "Сводка от Стрелкова 24.07.2014 -Summary from Strelkov 24 July 2014". Информационный Корпус – Помощь Ополчению. Archived from the original on 2014-07-27.
  78. 1 2 "Order from Chaos: Moscow's Men Raise a Rebel Army in Ukraine's East". Vice News. 4 June 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  79. ↑ "In the wake of Donbass Separatist: who are fighting on the side of the DPR?". DW.DE.
  80. ↑ "What is in the "DPR" scheme hierarchy of separatists". Зеркало недели – Дзеркало тижня – Mirror Weekly.
  81. ↑ Albina Kovalyova. ""Meet the Russian Orthodox Army, Ukrainian Separatists' Shock Troops". / NBC News. 16 May 2014.". NBC News.
  82. ↑ "В ДНР формируется Шахтерская дивизия-Miner Division formed in DPR". Российская газета.
  83. 1 2 "Три батальона ополченцев готовы отправиться в "горячие точки" Донецкой области -Three battalions of volunteers ready to go to the "hot spots" of Donetsk region (in Russian)". vesti.ru.
  84. ↑ "Православный батальон "Восход" создан в ДНР". RIA Novosti. June 18, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  85. ↑ "Герои Новороссии -Heroes of Novorossiya".
  86. ↑ "Separatist known as Vokha will become new commander of the Sparta Battalion". UA Wire. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  87. ↑ "Pro-Russian rebels train for more fighting despite Ukraine truce". Reuters. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  88. 1 2 "О гвардии" (in Russian). DPR Republican Guard. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  89. ↑ "Pyatnashka" commander becomes dad". Novorossia Today. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  90. ↑ "Training of the "Diesel" battalion". Komsomolskaya Pravda. 9 August 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  91. ↑ "Бородай признал, что за ДНР воюют добровольцы с Северного Кавказа-Boroday acknowledged that volunteers from the North Caucasus are fighting for DPR (in Russian)".
  92. ↑ "СМИ: В боях на Украине участвуют ветераны войны в Южной Осетии- Media: Battles in Ukraine involve veterans from war in South Ossetia (in Russian)".
  93. 1 2 "В Донецке сформированы венгерские и польские интербригады -In Donetsk, Hungarian and Polish Brigade is formed (in Russian)". Новый День – Новый Регион.
  94. ↑ "Добровольцы из Сербии едут на Донбасс – Volunteers from Serbia going to Donbass". Блокнот.
  95. ↑ "Latvian Volunteers Head to Donetsk Republic, Plan to Join Militia (in English)". RIA Novosti.
  96. ↑ "How Belarusians are fighting in Ukraine (in Russian)". Росбалт.
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  98. ↑ "'I was a separatist fighter in Ukraine'". The Guardian. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
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  117. ↑ Нацболы отбили атаку карателей в ЛНР. interbrigada.org
  118. ↑ В бою под Луганском погиб Илья Гурьев. drugoros.ru
  119. ↑ Нацбол Кирилл Манулин представлен к ордену. drugoros.ru
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  126. 1 2 Separatist Cossack Commander Reported Killed In Ukraine's Luhansk, Radio Free Europe (12 December 2015)
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  131. ↑ "Ополченцы уничтожили 10 единиц украинской бронетехники в боях у Саур-Могилы-Militiamen destroyed 10 Ukrainian armored vehicles in battle near Saur-Mohila (in Russian)".
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  134. ↑ http://www.rbc.ru/politics/02/01/2015/54a6ad809a794737b58c4ea3
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  138. ↑ Ополчение юго-востока Украины провело перегруппировку сил |Militia in south-east Ukraine conducted regrouping // Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 12 April 2014
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  140. ↑ "Pro-Russian rebels take Ukrainian town". CNN Video.
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  143. 1 2 3 4 US: Separatists in eastern Ukraine have weapons, military equipment from Russia, Fox News (June 13, 2014)
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  150. ↑ "Russian military base with BPM-97 "Vystrel" located in Lugansk. Photos". Lugansk News Today. January 28, 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
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  152. ↑ Croft, Adrian (18 February 2015). "UK: Russia's most advanced anti-aircraft artillery system is being used in Ukraine". Business Insider. Reuters. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  153. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ukraine’s injured rebels vow to fight on, Financial Times (18 August 2014)
  154. ↑ (in Ukrainian) Putin said that any "reinforcement" DNRivtsyam not sent, Ukrayinska Pravda (3 August 2014)
  155. ↑ 30 tanks and 1,200 troops just crossed from Russia into Ukraine, according to the rebels, Vox Media (16 August 2014)
  156. ↑ Top Ukraine Rebel Leader Says Troops Training in Russia, Newsweek (16 August 2014)
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