Uncontrolled Ukrainian units intensify operations in Donetsk - Basurin
DONETSK. March 16 (Interfax) - The Donbas militia leadership said Ukrainian units which possess heavy weapons and are not controlled by the Ukrainian armed forces have intensified operations.
"About 20 punitive groups, to be more exact nomadic gangs, numbering 30 to 100 members, are operating along the separation line and openly defy the General Staff's orders," military spokesman for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic Eduard Basurin said at a press briefing on Monday evening.
He said these formations possess fire arms, heavy weapons, tube artillery systems and even multiple rocket launchers in some areas.
"The Ukrainian General Staff previously attempted to regain control over these groups, but gave up the attempts last week," he said.
Basurin also said, citing the militia's intelligence, that the National Security and Defense Council had issued the order to use these punitive units to organize terror attacks and intimidation operations in the frontline zone.
Dmytro Yarosh, leader of the ultra-right Right Sector, banned in Russia, has been put in charge of coordinating these operations on order from the General Staff chief's advisor, Basurin said.