Courtesy of Mish.
Yesterday, DNR (Donetsk People’s Republic) president Alexander Zakharchenko issued this statement on a ceasefire:
“There will no longer be any attempts to speak about a ceasefire from our side. We will now see how Kiev reacts. Kiev doesn’t currently understand that we can advance in three directions simultaneously“.
Jacob Dreizin, a US citizen who reads Russian and speaks Ukrainian provides a DNR perspective that he has seen.
Jacob writes …
Background for Zakharchenko’s “no more ceasefires” statement stems from rebel disappointment back in August when Moscow forced the rebels to the negotiating table in Minsk, Belarus. The rebels gave up some territory around Mariupol at a time when Ukraine army was retreating, and in complete disarray.
This could have been a great opportunity for “Kiev to come to its senses and accept a political solution.
However, the Ukraine side openly an repeated stated that the so-called ceasefire was just a tactical move prior to building up the forces and going back on the offensive. Then Kiev announced a 4th wave build-up of 5000-100,000 troops.
In that context, Zakharchenko is telling the world that the Ukrainians blew their second chance, and there will be no more opportunities because all Kiev has done is move to strengthen its forces. Zakharchenko’s patience has run out especially considering nonstop bombardment of rebel-held cities.
Enough is enough.
Attack on Mariupol Begins
Today Zakharchenko announced the battle for Mariupol is underway. Also, to the North the Debaltsevo cauldron is closing and 7,000 to 8,000 Ukrainian forces will be trapped (circled).
Here are some images and text regarding the attack on Mariupol from Colonel Cassad.
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