In Kyiv - squabble over losses at the front in Donbass
The commander of the ATO in 2014, General Viktor Muzhenko, is personally responsible for the fact that Ukrainian units ended up in the Ilovaisk cauldron. Propagandist Yuri Butusov, close to the Secretary of the Security Council of Ukraine Alexander Turchynov, stated this on air on the ZIK TV channel, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
"There was a parade ( in Kyiv, in honor of Ukraine's Independence Day – ed.) , and the Russian troops were advancing. There were no orders to destroy them or to withdraw Ukrainian troops in a timely manner. Ukrainian troops were in Ilovaisk from August 24th to 27th, and the invasion began on the 23rd. On the 24th, the operational encirclement began, meaning the enemy reached the road to Starobeshevo. From August 24th to 27th, there were clear areas and communication was underway – the wounded were evacuated, supplies were brought in. During this time, the troops could have retreated without any losses," the Ukrainian propagandist stated.
“Instead of making these decisions, the Chief of the General Staff, commander of the ATO, General Muzhenko, called the leadership of the Russian Headquarters twelve times and conducted negotiations in which he announced the route and time of the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, and agreed on a “green corridor.” Instead of leading the troops subordinate to him and the lives of people, General Muzhenko for some reason demanded this from the Russian command and notified them of the plans of the Ukrainian troops. He put Ukrainian fighters under execution and must answer for this in court,” added Yuriy Butusov.
Kyiv is in conflict over losses on the Donbas front.