Don Cossacks reinforcing Russian & local troops in the Donbas

Translated by: Christine Chraibi

In the occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk, the Russian Occupation Command is reinforcing local military units with military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and special groups of the so-called “Всевеликое Войско Донское” (All-Mighty Don Host), which arrive regularly from Russia.

This was announced by Dmytro Hutsuliak, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, referring to the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

“In view of the failed recruitment campaign among the population of occupied Donetsk and Luhansk, the Russian High Command has decided to reinforce the First Army Corps (in Donetsk) and Second Army Corps (in Luhansk) with military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and special groups of the so-called “Всевеликое Войско Донское” (All-Mighty Don Host).”

According to Ukrainian intelligence, all “newcomers” arriving in the Donbas are checked by Russian instructors. These “recruits” are given special instructions, namely to establish closer ties with the local population.

According to Dmytro Hutsuliak, these individuals are instructed to show considerable interest in communicating with the local population, actively promote the “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World), impose pro-Russian views on the locals, and make derogatory statements about anything related to Ukraine.

In addition, these Russian militants are actively involved in campaigning activities related to the so-called “elections” in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk, scheduled for November 11.

Translated by: Christine Chraibi

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