Shrapnel Damage of Cockpit MH-17 Devastating

11 Comments

1. 

   Oui on July 23, 2014 at 4:54 pm

   Rebel commander Alexander Khodakovsky of the so-called Vostok battalion – or eastern battalion – speaks during an interview in Donetsk

   Rebel commander Alexander Khodakovsky of the so-called Vostok battalion – or eastern battalion – speaks during an interview in Donetsk, July 8, 2014. Ukraine’s government kept up military pressure against pro-Russian rebels, threatening them with an “nasty surprise”, while the militants said they were preparing to fight back after losing their main stronghold. The rebels’ loss of Slaviansk marks a major breakthrough in Kiev’s three-month long fight.

    « click for more info
   Alexander Khodakovsky during interview

   [Source: Reuters – Tue, 8 Jul 2014 15:40 PM]

   ○ Enough Grandstanding. It’s Time For Real Sanctions Against Russia

   PS Mind you, this article is written by Andrew Bowen in The Interpreter. I covered this anti-Russian propaganda blog several momths ago – Found out shill-reporting for Russian oligarchs at Big Orange and US websites.

2. 

   Oui on July 23, 2014 at 7:35 pm

   The Reuters lede:

   Ukraine rebel commander acknowledges fighters had BUK missile   by Anton Zverev

   A powerful Ukrainian rebel leader has confirmed that pro-Russian separatists had anti-aircraft missiles of the type Washington says were used to shoot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

   In an interview with Reuters, Alexander Khodakovsky, commander of the Vostok Battalion, acknowledged for the first time since the airliner was brought down in eastern Ukraine on Thursday that the rebels did possess the BUK missile system.

   He also indicated that the BUK may have originated in Russia and could have been sent back to remove proof of its presence.

   Ukraine: Reuters Interviews Benedict Arnold: “Rebels Had BUK, Downed MH17”

   (MoA) – Reuters is currently running a sensational story headlined Exclusive: Ukraine rebel commander acknowledges fighters had BUK missile”. There is a big problem with the story. The man in question is not a “rebel commander” and had recently changed sides. He is the Ukrainian Benedict Arnold. About a week ago the federalists had removed him (and a few others) from all positions because they had secretly tried to give control of Donetsk to the coup-government.

   …
   Despite that denial it had been long acknowledged that the Vostok Battalion Khodakovsky was once leading was founded and paid for by the east-Ukrainian oligarch Akhmetov.

   Akhmetov has made a deal with Kiev, changed his stand and turned against the federalist.

    « click for more info
   Rinat Akhmetov, the country's richest man, who has long run the Donbass region like his own feudal estate, has made his choice.

   In July some parts of the federalists in Donetsk, those alligned with Ahkmetov, started an internal coup against the federalists. They made a secret deal with the coup-government and where about to give up control over Donetsk. Shortly thereafter that whole groups was purged. The (long) internal story behind this is available here, On Political Perspectives of Novorossia, and one core fact, which Reuters does not mention, is this:

   The failure of the “defeatist party” with the surrender of Donetsk (currently effectively all involved are removed from any meaningful political levers in the DPR – Lukyanchenko, Khodakovsky, Pozhidayev – there is also currently unconfirmed information about the possible resignation of Mr. Pushilin) didn’t lead to their extinction. …

   Khodakovsky and the others no longer belong to the federalists. They no longer hold federalist positions. Khodakovsky allegedly fled. They have (together with the oligarch Akhmetov) changed sides and made their deal with Kiev.

   ○ Fighting broke out near the railway station at the heart of the rebel stronghold of Donetsk
   ○ Ukraine’s richest man, Rinat Ahmetov, pleaded with the government not to bomb his home city Donetsk

   • 

     Marie2 on July 24, 2014 at 1:06 am

     Suggest googling “Ihor Kolomoisky” to find the WSJ-online profile (doesn’t link).  Very interesting.

     • 

       Oui on July 24, 2014 at 4:08 am

       Kiev Ukraine News Blog – WSJ article

       DNIPROPETROVSK, Ukraine — Leaning over a map of eastern Ukraine on his desk, Gennady Korban gripped a ballpoint pen and drew a squiggling blue line down its center.

       …
       Earlier this month, he announced a plan to build a 1,200-mile electrified fence spanning the border of Russia and Ukraine.

       But critics question Mr. Kolomoisky’s motives, pointing out that he and other oligarchs in Ukraine may have more financial than altruistic reasons for maintaining the status quo.

       For years now, critics say, the oligarchs’ powerful influence over many industries have blocked economic reforms in a country that has one of Europe’s lowest average per capita incomes.

       “These are precisely the opposite of the sorts of people would you want to appoint” as governors, said Mark Kramer, professor of Cold War studies at Harvard University.

       “It’s hard for me to see why those who fought for change in Ukraine would want such people in charge.”

       To oversee military operations, Mr. Kolomoisky appointed Mr. Korban, who describes himself as a conflict manager in hostile corporate takeovers.  

       ○ It’s happened before: MH17 tragedy was part of a bigger air war by Mark Kramer
       ○ Cold War Myths and Realities: Understanding Today’s Threats and Challenges in Historical Perspective Lecture by Mark Kramer
   • 

     Oui on July 24, 2014 at 7:42 am

     Khodakovskiy: #Reuters Article Contains False Statements About Militia and #MH17 and Video Proves It   translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

     Preamble: On July 23, 2014, Anton Zverev, Peter Graff and Giles Elgood of Reuters came out with an article entitled “Ukraine rebel commander acknowledges fighters had BUK missile.” Prior to this interview, all such claims were firmly denied by the Novorossiya Militia, as well as by Russia. Considering the venerable reputation of Reuters, this sensational news was spread far and wide by the Western media.

     Except that this news is now forcefully being challenged as false.

     Did the interviewer somehow misunderstand what Khodakovskiy was saying? According to Khodakovskiy, his interviewer spoke Russian quite well. Is it possible that Khodakovskiy is lying? The interview with Khodakovskiy was taped. Copies of portions of the videotape were submitted to other news channels, including to REN-TV and ORT.

   • 

     on July 24, 2014 at 3:23 pm

     Well, Khodakovsky’s story doesn’t dovetail with a BUK missile system being snuck into Ukraine AFTER he fled to Kiev. I guess that the rebels still have him on the ultra-secret mailing list.

3. 

   Oui on July 24, 2014 at 5:35 am

   NY Post: “Armed rebels take bodies by force in Flight MH17 crash”

   (NY Post) July 20, 2014 – Adding to growing claims that pro-Russian rebels have attempted to interfere with evidence, Ukraine’s security services released on Sunday purported intercepts of phone conversations between rebel militants discussing the location of the plane’s black boxes.

   In one exchange, a man identified as the leader of the rebel Vostok Battalion, Alexander Khodakovsky states that two recording devices are being held by the head of intelligence of the insurgency’s military commander. The commander is then heard to order the militiaman to ensure no outsiders, including an international observation team near the crash site at the reported time of the call, get hold of any material.

   The man identified as Khodakovsky says he is seeking information about the black boxes under instructions from “our high-placed friends … in Moscow.” The security service says all the recordings were made on Friday, but the authenticity of the recordings cannot be independently verified.

   Vasily Khoma, deputy governor of the Kharkiv region where Ukraine has set up a crisis center to handle the disaster, said the Ukrainian state railway company had provided the refrigerated train cars. Kharkiv is 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of the crash site.

   Kerry Calls For Separatists To Give Investigators Full Access To Site – July 20

   ○ MH17: Kerry says all evidence points to separatists and urges Russia to ‘step up’ [Kerry uses social media as circumstantial evidence, what a bs– Oui]
4. 

   Oui on July 24, 2014 at 9:49 pm

   The Netherlands has taken the lead in the investigation searching for forensic evidence in the downing of Malaysia Air flight MH-17 one week ago. Who are presently in the Donetsk region participating in the search? Malaysians, the international OSCE, Australians, locals, and a lot of international correspondents and tv/radio teams, but NO DUTCH!

   I just watched a news item filmed at the crash site (35 km²). The interviewer asked the search groups for their impression. All admitted they were free to travel all over the area, and there seems to be no danger in the warzone. The anti-Kiev rebel groups do provide guards for security of the international group. While filming, the Dutch reporters heard loud explosions. The guards responded: “Grads, grads. Those are grads rockets launched by Ukrainian forces towards Donetsk.

   Where there forensic experts present? No, there were three Dutch experts but they left with the train and refrigerated wagons carrying the body bags.

   The Dutch say it isn’t safe to be at the crash site right now, how to you experience security? The OSCE observer said it was a bit tricky the first days, now we get all cooperation needed and with these heavily armed guards we feel safe. Others are agitated that after seven days the Dutch aren’t here with their experts to take the lead.

   A Malaysian spokesperson mentioned Malaysia is an unaligned nation and takes no position in any and all conflicts. We are able to talk to all sides, also with the regional governor representing the rebels. The Dutch have done it ‘officially’ communicating through the junta regime in Kiev.

   Foreign Minister Timmermans must have the best relationship with Kiev as he joined the EU representatives, US members of Congress and Vicky Nuland in their partnership on Maidan Square with the opposition to the elected government of Ukraine under Yahnukovich.

   I watched PM Mark Rutte at a press conference promising to send a group of forensic experts as follows in consecutive days: 3 – 7 – 7 – 7 accompanied by a total od 40 unarmed military police, the Marechausee.

   So, please Mark, get a hold on yourself and don’t complain to president Putin that Russia needs to do more as Washington is apparently ordering you to say. Get grips and tell the EU leaders you got cold feet and left the bodies of the victims in the fields of Shakhtars’k.

   Today the searchers found the largest single piece of the fusilage in a wooded area with the windows still intact. One week after the crash, the first to witness this part of the immense crash site.

   Dutch PM: ‘disgusting’ behaviour at MH17 crash site

   ○ Arseniy Yatsenyuk resigns from post of Ukrainian prime minister

5. 

   Oui on July 25, 2014 at 7:04 am

   Frank Schnittger

   “I for one, would not oppose a stronger trading relationship between the EU and Russia as well, despite
    my central thesis (in the Diary) that the EU needs to reduce its dependency on Russian gas.”

   It’s not one or other blogger that is ‘absolutist’, that prize goes to the capitals of Kiev, London, Moscow and Washington DC.

   There is an extreme propaganda war raging of lies, half-truths, desinformation and subversion. None is helpful to find a common denominator to the benefit of the Ukrainians. East Ukraine doesn’t want to be part of Russia, that has been clear from the coup d’état moment on February 28.

   The Russian speaking population wants their minority rights upheld in some form of autonomy and existing economic ties with Putin’s Russia. Hundreds of thousands cross the border daily for their livelihood in the Russian Republic. The Rights Sektor should return to its cage and stop aggressive military action using tanks and fighter planes to shell cities in eastern Ukraine.

   The protocal agreed upon between the EU and the Kiev government to end hostilities when Yanukovish was ousted, should be the basic document for negotiations with leaders from both east and west Ukraine. Outside politicians should butt out, at least not dictate their terms for a deal. Military action in a civil conflict will not bring the parties together. As I posted before, the oligarchs will remain, they just switch sides. The people already living in misery will suffer by a prolonged conflict.

   In the US on CNN for example, the rhetoric has moved to the next phase: War with Russia. Good luck with choosing sides.

   For a knowledgable view on the Ukraine crisis follow Matthew Rojansky and Mark Kramer.

   My latest post – Mark, Don’t Ever Complain Again! [Rutte]. [caught up in the neocon rhetoric from Washington]

6. 

   Oui on July 25, 2014 at 8:25 pm

   Sounds quite familiar, the scavengers after the fall of the Soviet Union have now landed in the Ukraine, the American way!

   Ukrainian Employer of Joe Biden’s Son Hires a D.C. Lobbyist

   (TIME) – When Vice President Joe Biden’s son, R. Hunter Biden, joined the board of a private Ukrainian oil and natural gas company this spring, he explained his new job as a legal one, disconnected from any effort to influence the Obama Administration. In a press release, the younger Biden boasted of his abilities on issues like improving corporate transparency.

   But the company, Burisma Holdings, did not disclose at the time the scope of their plans for influencing the U.S. government. Recently released documents show that Biden’s hiring coincided with the launch of a new effort to lobby members of Congress about the role of the company in Ukraine and the country’s quest for energy independence.

   David Leiter, a former Senate chief of staff to Secretary of State John Kerry, signed on to work as a lobbyist for Burisma on May 20, 2014, about a week after Biden announced he was joining the company, according to lobbying disclosures filed this month. [Contributed over $100,000 to Kerry’s campaign in 2004]

   Leiter’s involvement in the firm rounds out a power-packed team of politically-connected Americans that also includes a second new board member, Devon Archer, a Democratic bundler and former adviser to John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign [Contributed over $100,000 – Sitaro Group  — to Kerry’s campaign in 2004]. Both Archer and Hunter Biden have worked as business partners with Kerry’s son-in-law, Christopher Heinz, the founding partner of Rosemont Capital, a private-equity company.

   VP’s Son Hunter Biden Joins Ukraine Gas Corporation by Oui @BooMan on May 13, 2014

   Joe Biden’s senior campaign adviser in 2004, financier Devon Archer, a business partner of Hunter Biden’s, also joined the Bursima board claiming it was like ‘Exxon in the old days’.

   Twitter Navstéva @Navsteva

   U.S. VP Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden appointed
   director of #Ukraine’s largest gas company
   investmentwatchblog.com/joe-bidens-son…
   pic.twitter.com/nZWM043LPf

   Biden Jr’s resume is unsurprisingly sprinkled with Ivy-league dust – he is on the Chairman’s Advisory Board for the National Democratic Institute, a director for the Center for National Policy and the US Global Leadership Coalition comprising 400 American businesses, NGOs, senior national security and foreign policy experts.

   Former US President Bill Clinton appointed him an Executive Director of E-Commerce Policy and he was honorary co-chair of the 2008 Obama-Biden Inaugural Committee.

7. 

   Oui on July 28, 2014 at 5:11 pm

   This is a good development, these persons are professionals, not to be influenced by European politics … at least I think so!

   Eurojust coordination meeting: investigations into Flight MH17

   Due to the crash of Flight MH17 on 17 July in Ukraine, a criminal investigation has commenced by Ukrainian, Dutch, Australian, American and Malaysian investigators. A member of the Dutch Public Prosecution Service is in Ukraine to be present during the investigation. In the Netherlands, a forensic investigation is being conducted with the participation of experts from different countries.

   The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has started the coordination of international cooperation, and requested the assistance of Eurojust in arranging today’s coordination meeting. Eurojust is the EU’s judicial coordination and cooperation agency. Its mandate is to facilitate the coordination and cooperation of the Member States, and it can also invite countries from outside the European Union to participate in coordination meetings to plan strategies in fighting serious organised crime.

   At today’s meeting, chaired by Mr Han Moraal, National Member for the Netherlands at Eurojust, representatives of the 11 countries whose citizens are victims – the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, UK, Belgium, Germany, the Philippines, Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia and the USA – in addition to Ukraine, Europol and Interpol, were present.

   The goal of today’s meeting at Eurojust was to discuss cooperation and ways of broadening and accelerating the investigations, including the establishment of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The JIT will focus first on the technical and forensic investigation in Ukraine, the location of the criminal offence.