06.02.2016, Donbass.
The militants of the punitive nationalist battalion “Donbass” receive monetary bonuses from Ukrainian army commanders for shelling Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in violation of the ceasefire. The former soldier of the 21st battalion of 56th independent motorized infantry brigade Vladimir Bachinsky, who recently left the ranks of Ukrainian army, made this statement during his briefing in the press center of Donetsk News Agency on February 5.
“We did not shell (DPR territory). The battalion “Donbass”, which is located right behind [the 56th independent motorized infantry brigade] is shelling. They know exactly what they are doing – you have to shell to get additional payment, so they are firing,” Bachinskiy said.
He added that the commanders keep a strict record of ammunition of Ukrainian army, unlike the so-called “volunteer battalions” (punitive nationalist battalions – Editor). This makes the uncontrolled shelling impossible from the positions of the Ukrainian army. “The company commander arrives and counts the ammunition, each bullet is strictly accounted,” the former Ukrainian soldier emphasized.
Earlier, DPR Defence Ministry repeatedly reported that Kiev cuts money allowances of soldiers of the Ukrainian army in favor of nationalist battalions and mercenaries.
