A leader of a rebel military group in the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), blamed for brutal war crimes and shooting Ukrainian POWs since its formation in 2014, was shot dead in battle.
Russian warlord Vladimir Zhoga, who headed the Neo-Nazi ‘Sparta Battalion’, was killed in Volnovakha, Ukraine, following the eleventh day of Russia’s invasion as Putin’s troops fail to make big wins.
Zhoga was killed yesterday by Denis Pushilin (head of breakaway DPR), in Telegram channel posts.
Vladimir Zhoga (pictured) was murdered in Volnovakha Ukraine after the 11th day of Russia’s invasion. Putin’s troops have failed to score big wins.
His words were: “Today, Volnovakha. The commander of a separate reconnaissance regiment ‘Sparta’ of the Guard Colonel Vladimir Zhoga (call sign Vokha) died heroically.
“He sustained fatal injuries while protecting civilians from further injury.
“‘Sparta” covered evacuations of civilians, mainly women and children. They were opened to fire by the Nazis…
In 2019, soldiers from the Sparta Battalion pose together for a group photo.
After the death of Arsen Pavlov, Zhoga was elected leader of the group in 2016.
“I signed the decree declaring Vladimir Artemovich Zhoga the Hero of Donetsk People’s Republic.
“He was a hero, but he fell just short of winning. However, his heroic feats brought him closer.
“I offer my condolences for the loss of loved ones.
“Rest in Peace, Brother!”
Zhoga became the group’s leader in 2016 after his predecessor Arsen Pavlov died following an IED explosion in the lift of his apartment.
Pavlov was accused in several war crimes. In 2015, the Kyiv Post recorded Pavlov talking to the outlet and sharing audio. He said that he had shot “15 prisoners” dead.
‘I don’t give a f**** about what I am accused of, believe it or not,’ he added.
‘I shot 15 prisoners dead. I don’t give a f****. No comment. No comment. If I don’t want to, I’ll do it.
Today’s second attempt to rescue refugees from Mariupol failed again after it was bombarded within minutes of an agreement ceasefire.
It was hoped that around 400,000 people would be evacuated by today at 12pm. There had been an agreement until 9pm. Residents are forced to shelter in bomb shelters, without water or electricity.
Sparta Battalion soldiers in 2020 taking part in the Victory Day military parade to mark the 75th anniversary the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II
This was in response to similar efforts made Saturday, when evacuation plans were put on hold when shelling resumed 45 minutes into the ceasefire.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the second attempt to evacuate an estimated 200,000 citizens from Mariupol came to an abrupt halt today.
“The failures of yesterday’s and today’s attempts to reach an agreement show that there is no clear and effective way for the conflict parties to come together.
However, Putin blamed Kyiv in a call to Emmanual, the French President, for failing evacuations.
Putin claimed that ‘Ukrainian nationists’ had prevented citizens and other foreigners from fleeing the port city of Volnovakha and neighboring Volnovakha.
However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned today that Russian forces were preparing to bombard Odessa — a historic port on the Black Sea Coast.
The leader of Ukraine said in a video that they were preparing to attack Odessa.
Odessa is a favorite destination for Russians. The Russians have felt warmth and comfort in Odessa. They have never felt sincerity. Now what? What about bombs against Odessa Artillery to Odessa Missiles against Odessa?
It will constitute a war crime. It will also be considered a historic crime.