This one of the strongest interviews which to me was succeeded to write down - the brilliant critical analysis of the first big fight of the Ukrainian special troops.

About the first big fight of special troops in the Russian-Ukrainian war a year later we wrote down interview of the general Natsgvardiya to a call sign the "Carpathians" and the head of department of special troops of SBU "Alpha" of the colonel At.

Lieutenant colonel T., the commander of sniper group of special forces "Alpha", carried out the critical analysis of actions of the Ukrainian troops during the first fight of divisions special troops in Semenivka on May 5 the 2014th year which on the conclusions sharply differs from the description of the senior commanders. The officer took the most active part in operation, and got severe wounds, here his story in fight:
"Prior to war I had a brief experience of military operations - among other things, in Baghdad in the 2005th as a part of our group of tactical support I participated in reflection of attack on our train accompanying the ambassador of Ukraine and the military attache. I then had to analyze more than once experience of operations in Iraq and in other modern conflicts of low intensity during training in anti-terror, including in foreign military higher education institutions.

The rifle and the sight of a sniper special forces SBU "alpha" Colonel T., broken shards hits Wogs and RPG and bullet hits. The barrel was bent. The officer was severely wounded in battle on may 5, 2014-th year, and rifle, taking the blow may have saved his life. He had to fight at close range, to help to carry out the evacuation of wounded comrades at a railway crossing.

After the annexation of Crimea and invasion of the Donbass General disorientation in society, among political and military leadership, partly affected our unit. However, neither I personally nor have many of our officers any doubts about our role in ensuring the security of the state in General and in opposition to terrorists in particular. We realized that we should not let an armed enemy to gain a foothold in the East and in a short time to impose its initiative, but it had to be only part of an overall government strategy, many elements of which have not worked or no. Our work can be effective only in the presence of motivated professionals (especially in leadership positions), minimal technical support (armored vehicles) and General policy of the state aimed at winning "hearts and minds" of residents of Donbas, poison for many years of destructive propaganda. The blunders were in each of the listed items, and the price for every mistake grew steadily.

Unfortunately, I have to note that the planning for what later resulted in the action on may 5, 2014 and keeping the fight itself did not become an example of military wisdom of individual managers ATO, but was forced to become the heroism of individual soldiers and commanders of the lower link. And in the irrevocable loss and injury not just comrades, but also professionals with unique knowledge and experience that can bring the country much more good, they stay intact or alive. The objective of this analysis is not to find the extreme or those who "hang dog", and identify those system errors that are unforgivable to repeat in the future, if we want to win, minimizing the possibility of its loss.
We paid dearly for this experience, and forget it.

Speaking of the battle on may 5, I must say that were brought to him. Alas, the most favorable time for antiterrorist operations in Slavyansk immediately after capture was lost.

But despite the different level of motivation, we were ready, hoping for the adequacy of the manual and waited for the order to combat use almost three weeks, mainly engaged in the protection of themselves at the airport of Kramatorsk. All this time, right before our eyes, the terrorists had destroyed the authority and strengthened, and even began to bombard with impunity our database. Right next to the headquarters of the ATO on our base was destroyed the first helicopter. In fairness it should be noted that a separate but very clumsy attempts of our engagement still made, but it is especially successful in the sense of planning and organizing their difficult to call. Were objective reasons for this (lack of any equipment, not to mention armored vehicles, surveillance, weaponry and equipment) and subjective (leaked from the headquarters, a separate "offended" by the Maidan leaders and officers and frankly mediocre personality in the leadership of the ATO, which has staked political leadership of the country).

Much was blatantly clear. For example, when the detainee by me with his friends under the airport of Kramatorsk by Russian agents acting under the guise of "foreign journalist" who has carried out the photography of our positions, after a short oral questioning just have to leave. Later, in may, it took the national guard is already under Mariupol, he was eventually deported and returned to the militants in the occupied territory of Donbass. Or when after the capture of the checkpoint in the town we just left a day, never passing and not destroying. Frankly negative point was that we had no General plan of action (maybe then it could not be). But things have started to get used to the fact that one task is contradicted the next, and any information concerning the object of our work infrequently met.

On the eve of the 5th of may we passed the airport of Kramatorsk military, were divided into two groups and our group was given the task to nominate the column headed given two BTR-80 in the area of Raisins, for the purpose of constructing a safe route for our second group.

On our way met roadblocks "DNR", which at the speed we just flew, their protection in the form of a column fled without resistance. When they reached the destination, we received information that our commander, who yesterday flew from Kramatorsk, back again with our two officers and was blocked between two deserovskie the checkpoints at the entrance to Slavyansk, so you should go to his rescue. With this task in the early morning of may 5, we moved to the checkpoint 3-A.

Not to say that we was very surprised to see the commander with two officers unharmed on a post surrounded by many military men of Internal Troops of the MIA, but it was really frustrating that once again we are "gathered together" in a fictional someone reason. New goal soon became clear - it turns out our second group together with the "omega" left the morning of may 5 from Kramatorsk to another route and we need to meet them and to ensure passage through "clean", but potentially dangerous intersection. In the process we of course tried to find out from BB-shnye General (Callsign Carpathians), then why need to go through the intersection even when a shadow of a doubt that it's dangerous out there - if you can try to avoid other field roads (not to mention laid our route). But followed a predictable answer, so it is necessary and in the rest of the trails just waiting for enemy ambushes and roadblocks. As an argument they were also given an agent, rocking back and forth on a civilian car, which is nothing suspicious there does not notice.

The new commander of the "alpha" of the C-h asked me to make the reconnaissance of the situation in the area Selesnevka-Semenivka, especially need to pay attention to the junction with the road leading to Slovyansk and the surrounding "Zelenka". My partner and I received a support group - the crew of the APC 80th airmobile brigade, two of our officers in the guise and collector car "omega".

Cavalier of the order "For courage" of the 3rd degree Victor Dolinsky. The warrant officer of the regiment, the special forces of the National guard "Jaguar", grenade. Killed in action 5th may 2014-th year. the first took the hit Russian terrorists

About 8.30 am on 5 may, we moved from a post 3-And for reconnaissance of the route through the village of Semenivka. We passed the Seleznevka and were almost on the outskirts of Semenivka. Trying to hide behind the terrain near the road, we stared into the optics in the intersection, the industrial area on the right, the "greenery" at the intersection, but the foliage was very dense, so that's something to notice. But many civilian cars stopped, saw us, and the drivers said: "the Boys are waiting for you in Semenivka, there is an ambush, armed men". Who said 10 people with guns who 20.

Fight on the road was not tactically advantageous, it would be logical to apply the maneuver, and just drive around Semenovka to the North, off the road.
Approaches to Semenivka from our side, from seleznevki and checkpoint 3-A were less comfortable than that of the 4 checkpoints, where there was a group Asvalue. The terrain was open.

At this point, I called Colonel W., who was with the column Asvalue, which went to Semenovka from Kramatorsk. He said, "That you have the van and the APC? There's four of you? We have data of intercept for the close surveillance of the enemy". We looked around but could not find the observer. However, the information was accurate - and thus, we actually saw. I reported the situation to the commander. For some reason his radio took another senior officer - Colonel-R and said to continue monitoring. Nevertheless, I am convinced of the need to return to the checkpoint to report the situation and otoczenia tasks. We found it, we found that the enemy is watching, and therefore an attack on our convoy is likely. We arrived at about 8.50 hours at checkpoint 3-A to report information, but in the headquarters at the table with the card was a General in the national guard (Callsign Carpathians) and put our officers combat mission. Why didn't our commander - I didn't understand.

Hero of Ukraine Colonel Oleksandr Anishchenko, commander of the division of special forces "alpha", Sumy region. Fought bravely in the battle with the Russian terrorists may 5, 2014-the year in Semenivka. Died in battle, trying to pull a wounded partner.

We were set the task to meet the convoy from Kramatorsk, to move towards in Semenovka. The General said: "How can be afraid of them, it's time to show strength. I so did not just in the Caucasus. Let turn from KPVT and "separa" run like before."

Statement of the problem, the formation of columns and check-out took literally 10 minutes. Had to agree that green rocket - "friendly fire!", not to shoot, and red rocket - "all for help, now."

My companion and I were due to set off at the head of the column - we left the same collector car, two of our officers (gunner and gunner) as well as the BTR-80 with 80 crew brigade. They were great warriors, their commander went with us to the battle - call sign - Badger. Sorry, don't know by name. With him was a brave and competent gunner and the gunner of the APC, which has played a huge role in the battle, provided suppression of enemy firing points. I hope they will respond to the interview.

In my opinion, planning was hasty and absolutely not adequate to the situation. Past the checkpoint was passing cars and people passed, some of them came back, turned around just 50 metres behind the checkpoint and followed back to the crossroads. Some passing again warned of the ambush. I need not say that I was sure that with the convoy will go and the commander, Colonel C-D. But for some reason not even he formed a convoy - we built a Colonel With-R.

However, neither the commander-n nor the Colonel With a-R in the result, the control column didn't assume and remained at the roadblock 3-A.
As the result, our consolidated detachment of de facto absent General management. Judging from the radio traffic, the functions of the commander during battle at a railway crossing was assumed by Lieutenant-Colonel Roman G. I Think if the command was defined, it was possible to bring the situation, and it could change the decision to go to move in Semenivka.
No funds to provide medical treatment (except first aid kits) and to evacuate the wounded was not pre-planned - and it's definitely a miscalculation.

I saw the shortcomings of others, but we are motivated to act in such circumstances, the approaching group Asvalue. I thought that my stay ahead will help to neutralize the shooters of the enemy from a safe distance.

I was able to interact with our BTR - gave the commander his walkie-talkie to communicate with my group agreed that we are moving carefully along 5 meters, not in a hurry. It was clear that we can expect an ambush.

We drove slowly to move in Semenivka. Were Seleznevka. Nearing the bridge before entering the village of Semenivka, and in that moment there was a fire contact. It was 9.00 - 9.10. We were shot at with small arms.
We returned fire in the directions, because immediately detect in green point attacks did not work. The enemy was cloaked. We walked around the open area, the enemy opened fire. At this point we had to decide whether to continue to go forward under fire, or to stop and camouflaged positions around the flanks. But this decision, he was not accepted because the commanders were left on base.

Moreover, we continued along the road, although it would be logical not to get involved, practicing the "greenery", "premco" and other dangerous areas of the race. This command was not followed. We continued unsuccessfully to seek purpose in "green" when someone made the decision to go forward under fire.
At this point we started to overtake other vehicles. In the 10 hours 2 APCS in our convoy came to a railway crossing and stopped. Enemy fire concentrated on them. Even before reaching the crossing "alpha" appeared first casualty. In about 200 metres before moving wounded Vitaly G.

At the railway crossing our two cars stopped, sliding the panel to the left and right and continued to return fire at the enemy, holding down the Fort. Machine guns and snipers of the enemy acted out of the industrial zone on the right, there was carried out a strong fire (from the buildings of improbability. - Y. B.).

At this point, control of the battle at the crossroads was assumed by Lieutenant-Colonel Roman G. If up to this point we've heard in the air the voices of our other commanders, but now they were silent because we can control the fight, not being with his men, impossible. I think the General lack of command of the column, which had all the leeway and responsibility in decision making and would be watching the situation ahead of their eyes and underestimation of the resistance and firepower Russian fighters became the main reason of losses in the course of the task.

We were nominated under fire without cleaning the flanks, and the first two cars stopped at the crossing still, and the rest of the column took the fight at a distance from him. But all enemy firepower (both in front of the gas station at the intersection, and from the flanks - from the "oasis", "promos" and the attics of private homes) is focused on the move - went "three hundredth" and the account was literally minutes to have the guys direct fire support and to ensure the evacuation and retreat. Because of this "decentralization" to make decisions in accordance with the changed situation could only commanders of their small groups (APCS) at its discretion.

Near the intersection of moving my eyes hurt our officer Leonid G. - he received 3 bullets (in the leg, lung and tangent, torn ear), and started to roll into the ditch, so as not finished. My partner reported the reports guys about the presence of KLA on the move, and Roman G. also filed an alarm set on the need of aid - red signal flare.
I decided to nominate our group to move by sending back the same collector car with driver "omega" and my gunner to evacuate the wounded. Teammate and two machine gunners supported me: time left, and from the back 150 metres from the crossing, we as snipers could not provide effective support; needed to go to the epicenter and to press the "greenery" machine guns. Together with two of Btrda, it seems Jaguar, we came to the crossing and it was able to work out at the enemy.

I saw the enemy gunner for 12 hours, he shot from behind the car at a gas station. I waited till he rises again, and "cleaned" it. The second "saw the sights" near the gas station. There was a near new renovated building, on the left side of the road, the enemy took refuge in him and for him. Street next to the station was blocked by a truck. Soon concentrated fire we fully cleared the gas station, there was a gas explosion.

Wounded Leonid G. my eyes pulled out of the ditch our guys and tried to plunge it into the transport. I tried to cover the evacuation, and was looking for a position where they were under fire. And then it struck me. The enemy is actively threw our fixed group of RPG and wogs. There was a strong explosion - most likely on the armor of APC pulled grenade RPG. Big pieces struck me in the right thigh, entered the stomach. Partner gave me first aid, Ya Pasha, who later was seriously wounded, gave me his painkillers. I remained conscious and tried to crawl from behind the APC. But at this point, the fire of small arms focused on me. Near began to knock bullets and one of them broke my wrist, broke bones. From Wogs more than a dozen splinters riddled my left thigh. This rifle is mine also suffered shrapnel had pierced the sight, the rifle barrel is deformed.

Hero of Ukraine, major Ruslan Lojewski, the instructor of the group "alpha", master bullet shooting, unarmed combat and parachuting. Volunteered to go into battle on may 5th 2014-the year voluntarily, although the state listed as the guard commander of the "alpha" of Colonel-who was left on base. Lojewski didn't want to leave in danger comrades. In battle Ruslan was really fought heroically and professionally. For a long time conducted aim fire on militants, was covering the retreat of his comrades were evacuated and rescued two wounded.

During the fight, I saw Ruslan Lojewski, alive, in good order, led an intense fire on the enemy, lying at shaped concrete fence/railway crossing. Ruslan was killed later died as a real hero. He took an active part in the battle, until the end covered the retreat of our consolidated group, personally helped evacuate the two wounded APC. Unfortunately, at the moment of departure, he got for moving several wounds, apparently not compatible with life.

Monument to the Hero of Ukraine to the major of the special forces "alpha" Ruslan Lugovskoy in the village Voroshilovka baryshevsky district, Kyiv region

During the withdrawal, unfortunately, near the move had left our wounded comrade Sergei V. He received several bullet wounds. Later it was picked up by passing through a moving column of Asvalue.
In the APC, in which I was evacuated, only in a box of sand on Board, almost immediately after the start of motion, flew grenade RPG. It's saved us - the explosion is not sabotaged our car.

At checkpoint 3-And my partner and further provided first aid on hand wrote the time - 11.30. At this time, our group returned to the original position, and later in full force broke through the column Asvalue.
Returning to base, I learned that the hot phase of the battle at the 3rd checkpoint was our reserve and APCS paratroopers. Due to the lack of total control over it, no one gave the command to advance on the assistance, and they are unable to react in a timely manner.

May 5 near Slavyansk began this war, it wasn't the anti-Terrorist operation. Most of my comrades in battle they proved themselves worthy. Sorry, no mistakes have been held. The reasons for this - not for me to judge.
I was treated for wounds after 8 months. And now back in operation again take part in the ATO, to contribute to the common cause to protect their homeland.

But for the sake of the memory of the great warriors we've lost, we must speak the truth and to draw conclusions from the conducted operations. We must draw conclusions from lessons learned, and all forces must understand that the responsibility and initiative are the main qualities of a commander, which must be exercised in battle. That's why I say today, frankly - I want at least those who goes into battle, were honest with ourselves".

May 4, 2014 group special forces SBU "alpha" on the APC 80th airmobile brigade in the column near Kramatorsk. After 12 hours of these fighters will go to the first big fight of the Russian-Ukrainian war in Semenivka. The author of the photo was wounded in battle

Yury Butusov, Censor.NET

Source: http://censor.net.ua/