Mobilized Desk Jockeys, Luxury Cars & Mercenary Doctors
Roman Donetsky's recent interview with a Ukrainian conscript
Today, we bring you our adaptation of a mobilized Ukrainian’s recent interview in Russian with our associate, Roman Donetsky.
As you’ll learn by reading this article, Kiev’s publicly stated agenda to curb corruption is yet another farcical PR job intended for consumption by global audiences, all the while lacking any practical effect whatsoever.
The interview begins as follows:
Reaching out to the other side (servicemen of the Ukrainian army) is by no means easy, especially with conscripts.
There are, however, exceptions: fortunate individuals who left Ukraine with their lives as well as their freedom. Such people, already in the EU, sometimes get in touch and speak their minds. They are silent no longer.
My source was very lucky. He was appointed as a clerk at the headquarters of the territorial defense detachment, a brigade from Western Ukraine. Again, his appointment was fortuitous. This brigade needed a competent person, and he was able to fill the role. However, just as he was settling into his new position, a sneaky scheme by the Ukrainian authorities was put into effect: Those serving in the territorial defense suddenly found themselves mobilized. Generally, a territorial defense detachment is sort of like a home guard; units serve only in their areas of residence (far from the front lines). A mobilized person, however, is a mobilized person: He (or she) can be deployed anywhere, including the front.
Roman’s source goes on to disclose the scale of moral decay within the UAF’s labryinthine administrative structure:
Weapons were handed out: Everyone at headquarters received the following armaments: A machine gun - and a grenade. When the uses of this lonely grenade were questioned, the officers responsible had this comforting assurance: "Captivity means death, so it's better to blow yourself up with a grenade than be taken alive." This was said with all seriousness and in full compliance with standard UAF procedure. In this case and in countless others, mobilized individuals are being put under intense pressure. As for the Ukrainian military as a whole... Theft is rampant. Everyone steals, including those who serve at headquarters. Personnel at headquarters, far from active danger, still receive combat pay - The price of their silence. Those facing the enormous hardships at the front often miss out on combat pay, but at headquarters there are no mistakes; they are all paid regularly. Food donated by volunteers always reaches headquarters, but the front is frequently neglected. Cars are a different story. At headquarters, there is no shortage - Even luxury vehicles from the EU can be found. But that's not all: Once a video report to confirm the delivery has been filmed, certain vehicles are actually given to officers for personal use, while other vehicles are put up for sale. The situation in cities throughout Ukraine is likewise dire.
Vital communications equipment is not sent to the front, but finds it’s way to Western Ukraine, far from the active conflict zones. I suspect this too is for the purposes of reselling. These are far from the only "products on sale." Even essentials, such as shoes, are sold out of the military stockpile. My source also confirms that bank cards (credit, debit) belonging to dead and deserted soldiers are still in use. The data on the card's owners is preserved, and they remain registered as active members of the UAF).
Next, Roman’s source provides some insight into the harsh treatments metered out to soldiers or officers who seek reform or protest against this odious degeneracy:
In Ukraine's military culture, there is only one punishment for staff officers - sending them to the line of contact. If an officer attempts reform, he will be summarily transferred from headquarters to the front. There are no means of appeal.
We find ourselves wondering - Why aren't there protests? Why do Ukrainian soldiers tolerate such absurd conditions? It doesn't make any sense! Well, If the men protest, they are immediately arrested or remobilized. In Ukraine, there is nowhere to run. The borders to the outside world are closed. For these men, Ukraine is a near-inescapable island mired in bloodshed.
For whatever reason, many individuals in the Ukrainian military (with low intelligence) are convinced that serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a punishable offense in Russia (this is most certainly untrue!), or they fear being forcibly mobilized into Russian assault units (also not true). But it's what they're told, by their government and by their media; that’s how Ukrainian propaganda works, and sadly, it's highly effective.
For a few soldiers facing the grim fate of Kiev’s meatgrinder, a repreive is obtainable - But as the source explains, even this is not without risks:
How did this particular Ukrainian soldier escape from service? With the help of military doctors. Thankfully, with a small bribe, doctors can help people leave the army for health reasons. There is, of course, a risk they might betray their patient. But my source was, once again, very fortunate.
The interview concludes:
My source discovered he was due to be sent to fight at Bakhmut. But, he had money, and the doctors did not betray him... On the front lines, the opportunity to be released for health reasons ceases to be an option. This exists only for those deployed in the rear, and only if they have money. In short, the man was lucky to escape from this “worthy” country. He's gone - Forever. And now he advises others to do it.
Roman’s message to Ukrainian personnel:
Don't be afraid. Russia does not hate Ukrainian soldiers simply because they were conscripted to fight. So long as the soldier did not commit war crimes,Russia does not punish victims of Ukrainian mobilization. For Ukrainian conscripts, Ukraine is a safe haven. Surrender, and everything will be fine. Don't be a victim of corruption with a grenade in your pocket. I have nothing more to say. Nothing at all. Because smart people will understand, but I won’t write propaganda for fools.
This interview only further confirms our understanding of Ukraine’s present position: An unsustainable dictatorship propped up by NATO weapons, dishonest conscription and systemic levels of theft and embezzlement. A position compounded by Ukraine’s shrinking resident population.
Interviews like this offer insight into the conflict that won’t be found on CNN or France24, nor do stories such as this often find their way onto popular alternative news platforms. But they can be found here, on our blog. Want to learn more about life on the front?