ILYA YASHIN

THE KREMLIN’S HYBRID AGGRESSION

ANALYTICAL REVIEW 3

ILYA YASHIN

THE KREMLIN’S

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE HYBRID AGGRESSION

ANALYTICAL REVIEW

«The Kremlin’s Hybrid Aggression» 4 THE THAT An independent analytical review THE KREMLIN NEEDS

Published: December 2016, Moscow Russia 6 “A STRANGLING Author: Ilya Yashin EMBRACE” Artist: Pavel Elizarov 10 THE REVOLUTION OF An electronic version of this report is DIGNITY available on www.4freerussia.org 14 This report is not mass media. Photos PUTIN'S REVENGE published in the report were used in accordance with current laws governing use 18 A HYBRID of intellectual property. OCCUPATION

Cover photo: kremlin.ru 26 CRIME AND The report is published OLIGARCHS AT THE with the support of KREMLIN'S SERVICE

30 NATIONAL INTERESTS OF RUSSIA 4 5

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL RUSSIAN POPULIST WHO CAPITALIZED ON THE PAINFUL SENTIMENTS OF THE RUSSIAN SOCIETY WAS VLADIMIR PUTIN. AS EARLY AS 2005 HE CALLED THE BREAKUP OF THE USSR "THE LARGEST GEOPOLITICAL CATASTROPHE OF THE CENTURY", WHICH CAUSED RAPTURE AMONG THOSE RADICAL RUSSIANS WHO WERE HARBORING DREAMS OF REINSTATING BORDERS OF THE USSR

of South Ossetia. The result of that five- sovereignty of the former Soviet republics day war was the recognition of Abkhazia’s should be purely formal in nature. The and South Ossetia’s sovereignty by Russia Ukrainian society’s aspirations toward who provided military and political support western integration are interpreted in the for the territories’ de facto secession from Kremlin as overt animosity which must be Georgia. In essence, these republics became countered by any means, including military. unrecognized Russian regions governed by Moscow and funded mostly on the Russian By waging war on Ukraine the Russian budget. president was solving several issues at once:

Photo: Reuters 2014 brought with it a rapid exacerbation First, he strengthened his personal of Russian-Ukrainian relations ultimately power within Russia. By 2013 his popularity THE UKRAINE THAT of a weak democracy such nostalgia for resulting in a full-scope war between our started to gradually dwindle. Large scale countries. The Ukrainian people’s choice demonstrations took place in Moscow and THE KREMLIN NEEDS an empire becomes a formidable political weapon in the hands of populists1. in favor of joining Europe – which was other major cities where the protesters were embodied by the confrontation on the demanding the president’s resignation. The breakup of the was a and the ousting of More and more frequently Putin was The most influential Russian painful experience for the Russian society. president Yanukovych – was perceived in associated with corruption scandals populist who capitalized on these painful A sizable part of the population of Russia the Kremlin as a challenge to and pretext for involving people from his circle. sentiments of the Russian society was perceived the loss of enormous territories military aggression. Vladimir Putin. As early as 2005 he called as national humiliation. By the end of the The attack on Ukraine, and especially 1990s a socio-psychological phenomenon the breakup of the USSR «the largest The reason for this lies in Vladimir the annexation of Crimea, allowed him 2 took form in Russia, one based on geopolitical catastrophe of the century,» Putin’s way of seeing the geopolitical picture to radically change the domestic political revanchist sentiments and nostalgia for the which caused rapture among those radical of the world. A KGB «graduate,» he long agenda. In the eyes of the majority of the empire lost. Russians who were harboring dreams of has been and still remains a person with population he transformed from a politician reinstating borders of the USSR. Cold War-era mentality. Per Putin’s logic, up to his neck in the swamp of corruption Yegor Gaidar, Russia’s former Prime the planet should be divided into spheres of into a «gatherer of the Russian lands.» This Minister and market reforms architect, Soon the Russian president influence between the largest states – above led to the skyrocketing of Putin’s popularity. referred to this phenomenon as Russia’s demonstrated that his imperial populism all, the USA and Russia. «Weimar syndrome» (using the analogy of was not limited by bold statements. In Second, the war with Ukraine allowed the revanchist sentiments which engulfed 2008 Russian Armed Forces engaged in Putin is convinced that all the former Putin to claim the industrial assets in the Germany after her defeat in World War I). combat with the Georgian army on the USSR territories by definition comprise east of the country. The Kremlin set on In 2006 he warned that in the conditions territory of the self-proclaimed republic the Kremlin’s sphere of influence, and the purposefully and systematically destroying 6 7

the economic infrastructure of Ukraine, “A STRANGLING EMBRACE” in particular by means of transporting FROM HIS FIRST YEARS IN THE out into the Russian territory industrial Putin’s infringements upon the KREMLIN PUTIN businesses from the Donetsk and Luhansk Ukrainian sovereignty surfaced a long HAS BEEN EXERTING regions, which found themselves under time before the annexation of Crimea PRESSURE ON control of the Russian army and guerrilla and the war in Donbass. From his first UKRAINE BY MEANS fighters loyal to it. years in the Kremlin he has been exerting OF ECONOMIC pressure on Ukraine by means of economic BLACKMAILING, More than twenty businesses were blackmailing, as well as by consecutive AS WELL AS BY exported from Ukraine, including «Topaz» attempts to fill the chair of the Ukrainian CONSECUTIVE State Company, Luhansk Ammunition presidency with a loyal politician who ATTEMPTS TO FILL Factory, Luhansk Machine-Building would basically submit to Kremlin’s orders. THE CHAIR OF Plant, Khartsyzk Machine-Building During the 2004 Ukrainian presidential THE UKRAINIAN Plant, and others. It is known that several elections Putin banked on the candidacy PRESIDENCY WITH of these factories were relocated to new of who should have A LOYAL POLITICIAN. facilities in Chuvashia and the Rostov performed this role. IN 2004 PUTIN 3 region . Furthermore, Ukraine possesses BANKED ON rich reserves of shale gas, and an attack Support of the Yanukovych election THE CANDIDACY on Ukraine drastically weakens it as a campaign was both organizational and OF VIKTOR potential competitor to Russia’s Gazprom political in nature. As confirmed by YANUKOVYCH national gas corporation. Andrey Illarionov who was at that time WHO SHOULD advisor to the President of Russia, the HAVE PERFORMED Third, the war with Ukraine changed Kremlin «seriously invested» into Viktor THIS ROLE the foreign policy agenda. In essence, the Yanukovych. Many Russian specialists, annexation of Crimea and the installation political experts, and consultants worked of military control over a part of eastern at the candidate’s election headquarters. Ukraine put a question mark over the Russian musicians toured all over Ukraine Photo: Reuters Cold War outcomes. Putin’s route towards in support of Yanukovych – every region revising those outcomes exacerbated held concerts in which Filipp Kirkorov, the Kremlin vs. the West standoff and Iosif Kobzon, Nadezhda Babkina, Nikolay One of Yanukovych’s key campaign The elections were marked by large-scale 4 provoked the imposition of sanctions Baskov , and other stars performed. One promises was the intention to integrate electoral fraud to benefit Yanukovych, which against Russia. of the key specialists from the «Moscow Ukraine into the Single Economic Space was recorded by multiple election monitors. team» that was formed for the occasion, – the precursor of today’s Eurasian The fraud techniques were very primitive: On the other hand, Putin’s aggression political consultant Sergey Markov frankly Customs Union (in essence the plan convoys of buses traveled across the country demonstrated that the Western community admits, «We have always worked for the does not possess functional mechanisms Russian administration and we have stated was to bring Ukraine into the domain taking around people who voted several of defending those countries whose that. And in Ukraine we always spoke of the Kremlin’s political and economic times each using fake absentee ballots. In sovereignty the Kremlin was taking a bite of that: our chief client, our top boss influence). The opponent of Yanukovych spite of this, Yanukovych failed to win the at. Whether such mechanisms will appear was Administration of the President of was Viktor Yushchenko, a candidate from first round. in the near future is now an open question, Russia.»5 On the eve of the elections, Putin the Democratic Coalition, who declared but it will greatly affect at a minimum the personally traveled to Ukraine seven times that his intended direction was towards the During the run-offs Yanukovych was structure of All-European security. to support Yanukovych. European integration of Ukraine. declared winner; however, the Coalition 8 9

VLADIMIR PUTIN VISITED KUCHMA AND DISCUSSED WITH HIM "HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCH ELECTION RESULTS THAT WOULD HAVE PROTECTED THE KREMLIN'S INTERESTS." ACCORDING TO KUCHMA, PUTIN "HINTED" AT USING FORCE TO DISPERSE THE PROTESTERS. "PUTIN IS A STERN MAN. THERE WERE HINTS MADE. THIS IS NOT A SECRET," SAYS HE

Photo: Reuters

Yanukovych to reign victorious after the Dmitry Medvedev, who was President presidential elections of 2010. of Russia at the time, after signing the Accords promised that the fleet would The Kremlin’s influence on Ukrainian never participate in military aggression. politics noticeably increased thanks to a «Will Russia use the Black sea fleet to attack Kremlin-loyal president coming to power. adjacent states? No, it will not. Guarantees Photo: Reuters An important moment was the signing of that are the system of international in April 2010 of the so-called «Kharkiv relations, our obligations within the headed by Viktor Yushchenko refused admitted fraud and resolved to hold the Accords.» The document provided for the UN in accordance with international to accept the election results, instead run-off vote again. By the result of that extension of the term the Russian Black conventions.»9 However, it was that very declaring them fraudulent. Hundreds of election, Viktor Yushchenko became Sea Fleet could remain on the Ukrainian Black sea fleet naval base that in 2014 served thousands of protesters marched the streets . Those events became territory for an additional 25 years starting as the staging area for the military and of Kiev and other Ukrainian cities. known in Ukraine’s history as the «Orange on May 28, 2017, with subsequent automatic technical operations which provided for revolution.» five-year renewal options. The Kremlin, in the annexation of the Crimean peninsula «Putin did not have the desire for its turn, provided Ukraine with a discount to the territory of Russia. In the course of Yushchenko to come to power,» says former The defeat of a pro-Kremlin candidate on the cost of natural gas in the amount of those operations, contrary to Medvedev’s President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma. in the Ukrainian presidential elections $100 per 1000 m³. guarantees, a whole series of Russia’s Vladimir Putin visited Kuchma and disappointed Putin greatly. According international obligations was violated discussed with him «how to achieve such to Andrey Illarionov, it «led to a drastic In the opinion of the opposition including, in particular, those framed by election results that would have protected turnaround of Vladimir Putin’s state politician Boris Nemtsov, the «Kharkiv the «Budapest Memorandum» and the the Kremlin’s interests.» According to of mind, his view of the world on the Accords» were in essence reduced down «Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Kuchma, Russia’s leader «hinted» at using international arena.»7 to Putin buying Ukrainian military and Partnership between the Russian Federation force to disperse the protesters. «Putin is a political loyalty with money. «I believe that and Ukraine.» stern man. There were hints made. This is However at the next elections the when a military-political issue is traded not a secret,» says he6. Kremlin managed to strike back. The for money it is a disgusting precedent. Besides, the Kremlin was actively schism within the pro-European coalition Disgusting because it perverts both sides. drawing Ukraine into the Customs Union Bloodshed was avoided that time. The that had come to power, the Ukrainians’ Everything is being bought and sold. For and, naturally, blocking the processes of the Central Election Commission yielded to disappointment in it, and the sharp many Ukrainian citizens it is a question of European integration started by the previous the protesters’ pressure: the Commission decline in Yushchenko’s popularity allowed national humiliation,» stated Nemtsov.8 president Viktor Yushchenko. However, 10 11

THE REFUSAL OF YANUKOVYCH TO TAKE COURSE ON EUROPEAN ON DECEMBER 17, 2013, YANUKOVYCH MET IN MOSCOW INTEGRATION PROVOKED MASS STREET PROTESTS. THE AUTHORITIES WITH THE RUSSIAN PRESIDENT AND NEGOTIATED A 30% DISCOUNT REACTED HARSHLY: ON NOVEMBER 30 MVD SPECIAL FORCES POLICE ON RUSSIAN NATURAL GAS. FURTHERMORE, PUTIN AGREED TO PROVIDE DISPERSED THE PROTESTERS ON MAIDAN NEZALEZHNOSTI THE UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT WITH A $15 BILLION USD LOAN

Photo: Reuters

many Ukrainians strived to see their ratification the Ukrainian parliament, could not convince Viktor Yanukovych that Maidan Nezalezhnosti. The protesters country become closer with Europe. It was the majority of which was controlled by it was necessary to execute the association at that moment were mostly students. difficult for the government to ignore that. the President’s administration, had to agreement; no arguments could convince That event became the turning point after adopt a packet of «Euro-integration» laws. the Ukrainian President. which the situation got out of control of In 2007 the European Commission However, that didn’t happen. President Yanukovych and his handlers started talks with Kiev regarding a Based on the information held by from the Kremlin. The very next day a new base agreement «on the EU - Ukraine THE REVOLUTION Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Carl demonstration in Kiev brought together Association.» 2008 saw the beginning OF DIGNITY Bildt, the reason for Yanukovych’s refusal more than 15,000 people. The Ministry of negotiations to develop a document to sign a previously agreed-upon document of Internal Affairs (MVD) head Vitaliy 10 regarding a deeper-reaching and more On November 21, 2013, the Cabinet was pressure from the Kremlin. Zakharchenko apologized for the excessive 11 comprehensive free trade zone as part of of Ministers announced that Ukraine brutality of his subordinates , but ten days this agreement. Aiming to solidify his was suspending the preparation for the The refusal of the Ukrainian President later he undertook a second attempt to use popularity, Yanukovych, who had by then association with the EU. One week later to take course on European integration force to disperse a protesters’ campground – assumed office, caught on the pro-West the document was not signed at the provoked mass street protests in Kiev this time unsuccessfully. rhetoric and the ongoing inert foreign summit in Vilnius, and multiple regions in Ukraine. The political processes. In November 2011 the which the Ukrainian President attended. authorities reacted harshly: on November The Maidan demonstration became a association agreement text was approved. According to the Lithuanian president 30 Special Forces of the police dispersed continuous event. Along with pro-European The next year it was initialed. For its final Dalia Grybauskaite, European leaders the protesters on Kiev’s main square – slogans the protest leaders used increasingly 12 13

more anti-Putin rhetoric and called on However, Putin’s plan did not work: the the country to pull out from under the discount on natural gas and the generous Kremlin’s influence. Among the demands, loans did not calm down the Ukrainian for example, was for Ukraine to refuse opposition, and the mass protests joining the Customs Union with Russia. downtown Kiev were gaining force. In order to rein in the protesters, the parliamentary Vladimir Putin tried using economic majority loyal to Yanukovych by manual measures to break down the growing anti- vote passed a legislative package aimed at Kremlin sentiments. On December 17, suppressing the protests. The laws were 2013, Yanukovych met in Moscow with the partially based on Russian practice and, Russian president and negotiated a 30% for example, introduced the concepts of discount on Russian natural gas, which the «extremist activity» and «foreign agents.» Kiev officials had been unable to achieve Former Minister of Justice of Ukraine for a number of years. Furthermore, Serhiy Holovaty openly said that this Putin agreed to provide the Ukrainian package was «the Russian FSB think tanks’ government with a $15 billion USD loan work product.»14 from the Russian National Welfare Fund (however, Yanukovych managed to receive The Ukrainian public was outraged by just the first transfer of $3 billion USD). that new oppressive legislation, and three days later about half a million protesters Opponents of Putin and Yanukovych gathered downtown Kiev demanding saw in those agreements signs of political resignation of the Ukrainian President. corruption. One of the protesting Two months of standoff between the Ukrainians’ leaders, parliamentary Arseniy protesters and the government ended in Yatsenyuk openly called the loan extended tragic bloodshed: the protesters were fired to the Ukrainian government a «political upon with live ammunition, and in the bribe.»12 The Novaya Gazeta newspaper course of two days more than 50 people reporter Yulia Latynina stated that Putin were killed. «[was] trying to buy Ukraine by paying CONTRARY TO THE Yanukovych.» Following an investigation, Office EXPECTATIONS OF of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine THOSE WHO INSTIGATED «Step number one: threaten the found President Yanukovych liable for the THE BLOODY MAIDAN Ukrainian economy with such sanctions shooting of the protesters; according to the SUPPRESSION, DEATH that Yanukovych will be forced to refuse Office, he gave the order to use weapons OF THE PEOPLE DID NOT from alignment with the EU. Step number to his administration and the Ministry STOP THE PROTESTS BUT two: support Yanukovych with a loan of Internal Affairs brass.15 Head of the RATHER RADICALIZED which he will never be able to repay. Step Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) Valentyn THEM. FEARING BEING number three: in exchange for the writing Nalyvaichenko added that the plan of the ARRESTED, THE TOP off or restructuring the loan finally grab a violent suppression of the demonstrations LEADERSHIP INCLUDING hold of Ukrainian businesses. By hook or was developed by Russian special services, PRESIDENT YANUKOVYCH by crook,» wrote Latynina to describe the and Russian FSB operatives were directly FLED THE COUNTRY Kremlin’s plan for Ukraine13. involved in its implementation.16 14 15

ARMED PEOPLE IN RUSSIAN MILITARY UNIFORMS (BUT WITHOUT INSIGNIA) APPEARED ON THE TERRITORY OF CRIMEA, GAINED CONTROL OVER THE PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE SITES AND BLOCKED OFF UKRAINIAN MILITARY BASES

answering the question asked by an Ministry of Defense, I must admit, to deploy American journalist, stated that «they were Special Forces units of the Main Intelligence local self-defense forces.»17 Directorate and Marines under the guise of fortifying the defense of our military sites in Soon, however, Putin exposed his own Crimea.» lie. In his interview for the documentary «Crimea: The Way Home» – shown on «Our advantage -- you know what it was? the state-run Rossiya TV channel – the It was me handling that [operation] personally. Russian president openly admitted to Not because I did everything right, but because have personally directed the actions of when top state officials do it, it’s easier for the the Russian armed forces in Crimea.18 executives to work.» Photo: Reuters He also spoke about how and under what circumstances he gave the order to After the takeover of Crimea separatist PUTIN'S REVENGE moved from Kiev to Crimea. First in commence the annexation. actions were organized in a number of Simferopol and later in Sevastopol local Ukrainian regions. Armed people started Contrary to the expectations of pro-Kremlin parties organized rallies Here are Putin’s three key quotes: seizing administrative buildings in those who instigated the bloody Maidan demanding the secession of Crimea Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, and . suppression, death of the people did not from Ukraine. Soon armed people in «It was the night of February 22 – 23rd; In April, by the Kremlin’s script, People’s stop the protests but rather radicalized Russian military uniforms (but without [we] finished [the meeting] about 7 AM, I let Republics were proclaimed in Donetsk them. Fearing being arrested, the insignia) appeared on the territory of everyone go and went to sleep at 7 AM. And, and Luhansk regions declaring their country’s top leadership including the peninsula, gained control over the saying goodbye, I must admit, saying goodbye, independence. President Yanukovych fled the country. primary infrastructure sites and blocked before everyone left, I told all my colleagues – Representatives of the pro-European off Ukrainian military bases. With those and there were four of them – that the situation «Why does Putin want foreign lands? opposition in Kiev formed a temporary forces’ support the so-called «Crimean in Ukraine has developed in such a way that Who needs that? Why make an enemy out transitional government. Independence Referendum» was held on we were forced to start working on returning of the friendly Ukrainian nation? Putin is March 16, and already on March 18 Russia Crimea to Russia.» avenging Ukraine for Maidan. Most likely, Having lost its ability to affect the officially announced that the peninsula he is scared mad that Maidan may take situation in Kiev, the Kremlin started to was now its part. «In order to block off and disarm 20,000 place in Russia as well,» stated the Russian implement its Plan B aimed at breaking off people – well armed people – a certain opposition politician Boris Nemtsov in southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. The Russian authorities initially composition of personnel is necessary – not just March 2014.19 claimed that they had nothing to do with quantity-wise, but also quality. Specialists who As early as February 21 – the day the actions of the armed people in Crimea. knew how to do that were needed. Therefore, A de facto war broke out between Yanukovych fled – the hotbed of tension For example, on March 4 Vladimir Putin, I issued instructions and directives to the Russia and Ukraine. Since spring of 2014 16 17

2.5 YEARS OF WARFARE TURNED THE INDUSTRIALLY DEVELOPED DONBASS, NOW ESSENTIALLY CONTROLLED BY THE KREMLIN, INTO A SEMI-DESTROYED, DEPRESSED REGION

Photo: AP

combat has been taking place on the European leaders have made multiple IN FEBRUARY 2015 MINSK WAS THE SITE OF TALKS ATTENDED Donbass territory which the new Ukrainian attempts to regulate the conflict between BY PRESIDENTS OF RUSSIA, UKRAINE, AND FRANCE, AND THE administration declared an «anti-terrorism Russia and Ukraine. For instance, in CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY. THE "MINSK ACCORDS" WERE RATIFIED, operation zone.» The Ukrainian army in the February 2015 Minsk was the site of OBLIGATING PUTIN TO ENSURE THE WITHDRAWAL OF ARMED UNITS east of the country is confronted by well- talks attended by presidents of Russia, FROM DONBASS AND RETURN TO UKRAINE THE COMPLETE CONTROL equipped fighters who have received access to Ukraine, and France, and the Chancellor OF ITS EASTERN BORDERS. HOWEVER, THE TERMS OF THE ACCORDS HAVE STILL NOT BEEN OBSERVED Russian munitions and military equipment of Germany. The result of these talks were (including tanks and artillery). The the so-called «Minsk Accords,» obligating Kremlin denies participating in the military Putin to ensure the withdrawal of armed Photo: AP operations carried out by the official armed units from Donbass and return to Ukraine forces; however, over the many months of the complete control of its eastern borders. of Ukraine and did not recognize the prosecution, as well as oppression of the the confrontation volumes of evidence have However, the terms of the Accords have legitimacy of attaching Crimea to Russia. freedoms of opinion, faith, and beliefs.22 been collected to prove the fact of the direct still not been observed. On December 19, 2016, the UN Assembly invasion into the Donbass territory by active General adopted one more resolution, At the same time, the conflict in eastern units of the Russian army.20,21 The world community interprets according to which Russia, «occupying Ukraine remains in a «frozen» phase, Putin’s actions as aggression against Crimea, violates and abuses human rights which is used by the Kremlin as an effective 2.5 years of warfare turned the Ukraine. On March 27, 2014, after the by imposing on the Ukrainian peninsula mechanism to blackmail and pressure the industrially developed Donbass, now annexation of Crimea to Russia, the its [Russia’s] legal system.» political leadership of Ukraine and the West. essentially controlled by the Kremlin, into Assembly General of the United Nations After all, Putin still retains all the abilities to a semi-destroyed, depressed region fully adopted a resolution by which it supported The resolution talks about murders, shift the military conflict into an active phase dependent on Russian subsidies. the sovereignty and territorial integrity kidnappings, politically motivated criminal regardless of the world’s reaction. 18 19

THE PRIMARY MEANS OF AFFECTING THE UKRAINIAN PUBLIC OPINION WAS BY PROPAGATION OF THE KEY KREMLIN TV CHANNELS PRACTICALLY ALL ACROSS THE TERRITORY OF UKRAINE VIA SATELLITE. HERE WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE POINT OF VIEW, BUT RATHER ABOUT AN AGGRESSIVE INFORMATION WAR WHICH MASS MEDIA CONTROLLED BY PUTIN WAGE AGAINST UKRAINE

1. Using «hate language» 2. Disinformation

Russia accepted the results of the The Kremlin mass media Ukrainian elections, and Vladimir systematically manipulate and fabricate Putin has met multiple times with the facts in order to mislead or deceive their Ukrainian President audience. and is conducting official talks with him. However, this does not prevent Russian A prime example of this was the TV channels from continuously referring coverage of the tragic incident when the to the Ukrainian leadership as the «Kiev Malaysian Boeing was shot down in the junta» that came to power «illegitimately.» sky over Donbass on July 17, 2014. The Ukrainian troops participating in military international Joint Investigation Team operations against separatists in the east concluded that the airliner had been of the country are called by the Kremlin downed by a missile fired from a Russian propaganda by names none other than «hit Buk missile system from the territory squads» and «Banderites» [or «Bandera’s controlled by separatists, after which the goons»]. Armed supporters of the self- system returned to the territory of Russia.23 declared Donbass republics, on the contrary, are respectfully called «people’s In turn, the Kremlin propaganda A HYBRID OCCUPATION The primary means of affecting militias.» offered a theory that the Boeing was shot the Ukrainian public opinion was by down by a Ukrainian fighter jet. Simultaneously with the external propagation of the key Kremlin TV Often the rhetorical attacks on Ukraine aggression against Ukraine, a «hybrid channels practically all across the territory on Russian television channels are closely Propaganda reporter Mikhail Leontyev occupation» of the country was begun. of Ukraine via satellite. Here we are intertwined with anti-American rhetoric. demonstrated in a Russian TV broadcast After a new Ukrainian President and not talking about freedom of speech or For example, in April 2016 it went so far a satellite image that allegedly captured parliament were elected in 2014, the offering an alternative point of view, but that the Kremlin’s nefarious propaganda the moment of the attack. Uncovering the Kremlin organized a whole series of rather about an aggressive information mouthpiece Dmitry Kiselyov compared lie did not take long; it turned out that a measures to weaken the sociopolitical war which mass media controlled by Putin the USA’s politics in regards to Ukraine Google map image taken two years prior to situation within the country. In the wage against Ukraine. with the politics of the Nazi Germany and the tragedy was being used for that photo. Kremlin’s arsenal were propaganda showed during the broadcast a portrait of Besides, the airplane captured in that mechanisms, political provocations, and In covering Ukrainian politics they use Adolf Hitler along with a quote attributed image was a Su-27, rather than a MiG-29 as corruption of Ukrainian opinion leaders. three key methods: to him. Leontyev had represented. Furthermore, 20 21

Ukrainian troops who took over the city after the separatists had retreated.25 As a result a scandal broke out, and Channel One admitted that it held no proof of the «crucified boy» information it had published but refused to offer any apologies.26 Vladimir Putin Viktor Yanukovych Viktor Zubritsky News Channel 112 President of Russia Former President Former Head of Former Channel 112 of Ukraine the MVD of Ukraine Producer

MVD in the government of Yanukovych Russia Today was the first to accuse – has been named its actual owner (it the Ukrainian government of attacking was his subordinates who participated in the airliner, referring to a Twitter message experts noticed that the dimensions of the forceful suppression of the Maidan posted by some Spanish dispatcher named the aircraft did not correspond to the protests).28 After President Yanukovych fled, Carlos who allegedly had been employed at dimensions of objects on the ground, and the head of the MVD also left Ukraine; he the Borispol airport in Kiev. the time and place of the incident did not is currently wanted by law enforcement. match the reality. Besides, the Donetsk Zakharchenko controlled Channel 112 «Military airplanes were flying next airport was seen in the image, whereas the to the 777 three minutes prior to its 24 through his close associate Viktor Zubritsky, Boeing was shot down 50 km away from it. a media manager who was at one point disappearance from the radar screens, suspected of kidnapping Maidan activists.29 just three minutes,» the channel quoted 3. Provocative Lies «Carlos.» Subsequently this theory was «They are screaming nonstop, on every Observers noticed many times that aired by other Kremlin mass media as Covering Ukrainian events, the channel, that fascists have taken over the coverage of Ukrainian events was done well. However, Ukraine officially refuted Kremlin propaganda often create deceptive power in Ukraine, that those fascists are by the channel according to the Kremlin the existence of such employee; moreover, news stories aimed at invoking hatred now marching on Crimea, threatening the propaganda standards. In 2015 the channel it turned out that the law prohibited any towards the Ukrainian military and Russian population, that they soon will be received an official warning from the person who did not possess Ukrainian officials. This is not just disinformation in Russia. This is the hysteria,» says former National Council of Television for airing citizenship from working in air services. but rather lies that breed hatred. Russian Union of Journalists secretary Igor propaganda aimed at stirring up hatred in Yakovenko.27 the Ukrainian society.30 «Carlos’» Twitter account (@ Here’s one flagrant example of such spainbuca) was soon deleted, and no lies: a Channel One story in which the *** The information attack on Ukraine is journalist was ever able to contact him. viewers were told that Ukrainian armed In order to protect its country from held on the international level, too. The The Novaya Gazeta noted that the forces that took control of the city of aggressive propaganda and disinformation flagship of Putin’s propaganda – state- mysterious Spanish dispatcher first Sloviansk executed a child by crucifying the Ukrainian government banned the owned Russia Today – continuously appeared in the information field on him in the central square while his mother broadcasting of Russian channels. That discredits Ukraine in English, Spanish, and the Russia Today website on May 9, and city residents watched. Journalists prompted the Kremlin to support Ukrainian Arabic language broadcasts. 2014, where, against the background of a went to the city and questioned multiple mass media loyal to Russia and able to serve photograph with the face covered up, the locals but could not find a single piece of the interests of the Russian ruling elite. This TV channel, for example, was channel ran a story about a dispatcher evidence that a child had been executed. noted for using crude disinformation who was a foreigner and was allegedly On the contrary, Sloviansk residents And so Channel 112 appeared in Kiev. during the coverage of the Malaysian threatened in Kiev for expressing his spoke of the tactful behavior of the Vitaliy Zakharchenko – who headed the Boeing crash. thoughts.31 22 23

SVOBODA'S CRITICS SAY THAT RADICAL ACTIONS ORGANIZED BY THE PARTY UNDER NATIONALIST SLOGANS DO A FAVOR TO THE KREMLIN PROPAGANDA WHICH ACTIVELY PUBLICIZES "THE ATROCITIES OF UKRAINIAN NAZIS"

RUSSIA TODAY WAS THE FIRST TO ACCUSE THE UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT OF ATTACKING THE AIRLINER, REFERRING TO A TWITTER MESSAGE POSTED BY SOME SPANISH DISPATCHER NAMED CARLOS WHO ALLEGEDLY HAD BEEN EMPLOYED AT THE BORISPOL AIRPORT IN KIEV

Photo: Reuters

It should be noted that Russia Today with representatives of former Ukrainian books, the so-called «black ledgers» of the Radicals from Svoboda also TV channel receives enormous funding political elite who fled to Russia and . «In those documents periodically attack their compatriots in from the Russian government. For example receiving financing from foreign special where Yanukovych’s political consultant Kiev. For example on August 31, 2015, in 2017 the TV channel will receive from services as well as from those who fled Manafort was listed we saw a payment during protests in front of the Ukrainian the Russian budget 18.7 billion rubles from Ukraine. These funds are later used to Svoboda in the amount of $200,000,» parliament a party activist threw a live (more than $300 million USD). According to destabilize the situation inside our reported Leshchenko.34 grenade at the police as a result of which to Russian economist Vladimir Milov’s country.»33 four law enforcement officers guarding the calculations, this money allocated for Svoboda’s critics say that radical perimeter were killed.36 propaganda could have been used to For example, such accusations are actions organized by the party under increase Russia’s spending on funding aimed at the Ukrainian nationalist party nationalist slogans do a favor to the Kremlin After Viktor Yanukovych fled the basic sciences by a third.32 Svoboda which failed to win any seats propaganda which actively publicizes «the country the Party or Regions headed in the Ukrainian parliament during atrocities of Ukrainian Nazis.» The most by him was dispersed. So, prior to From the look of things, neither the most recent elections. Member recent example: the Svoboda activists beat the 2014 parliamentary elections the does the Kremlin skimp when it comes of Parliament [from the Democratic up a Russian voter in front of the Russian Kremlin needed a new loyal political to supporting radical political groups Alliance] Serhiy Leshchenko has stated embassy building in Kiev where he had been force which would represent its interests operating on the Ukrainian territory. that Svoboda was receiving financing trying to vote in the parliamentary elections in the Ukrainian politics and the future According to the SBU head Vasyl from the Party of Regions which was on September 18, 2016. The story about this . Hrytsak, «Ukrainian special services have headed by Viktor Yanukovych. After the incident was aired by the Ukrainian TV recorded multiple instances of certain latter fled, Leshchenko gained access to channel 112 and was actively rebroadcast by Several organizations competed for the Ukrainian politicians secretly meeting documents containing the second set of the Kremlin media.35 position of the chief pro-Kremlin power. 24 25

UKRAINIAN HACKERS FROM THE CYBERJUNTA GROUP STATE THAT THEY HAVE HACKED INTO VLADISLAV SURKOV’S EMAIL AND PUBLISHED THE CORRESPONDENCE CONFIRMING THE KREMLIN’S DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE EVENTS IN UKRAINE

The face-off to occupy this niche in 2014 Bloc defending the interests of Vladimir January 2015, in the heat of active warfare back in 2007 Putin became godfather to was between the Strong Ukraine party Putin. «If they say one word unfavorable in eastern Ukraine, Bloc representative his son. Medvedchuk assumed the role created by Serhiy Tihipko who had served to the Kremlin, they will immediately lose Yulia Lyovochkina accused the Ukrainian of the intermediary between Kiev and as Vice Premier-Minister in Yanukovych’s their assets in Russia. They transferred government of «building a wall with the Kremlin’s appointees on the invaded government, and the Opposition Bloc everything there. Russia» and called on her European Donbass territories. In 2014 National which former Party of Regions veterans colleagues to act against that.39 Security and Defense Council head Andriy built on the crumbles of the old party’s The Bloc leaders’ billions are safe kept Parubiy stated that it was Medvedchuk structure. by their best friend Putin. Moscow keeps Moreover, bills brought before who was the channel of financing extremist the former ‘Regionals’ on the hook with the parliament by the Opposition groups that organized the armed uprising In the end, the Kremlin bet on the money and blackmail.» «Putin gave to the Bloc members are apparently first in the cities of Donbass.40 Opposition Bloc and appointed Vladislav Party of Regions money, let them structure approved by the Russian President’s Surkov, Aide to the Russian President, as shady gas and oil schemes, but demanded administration. This follows from the The primary lever of the Kremlin’s its Moscow handler. The cause for this that they keep their assets in Russia. And email correspondence between the Russian pressure on Ukraine has been and still most likely lay in the fact that the Bloc now what? ‘Yours yesterday is ours today.’ President’s Aide Vladislav Surkov with his remains the Ukrainian company Naftogaz leaders were dependent on the Kremlin The Opposition Bloc won’t make a sound subordinates, which has been hacked and – a state-owned monopoly that has been and thus were easily controlled. As a against the Kremlin because it’s got all of published for public access. for many years criticized of corruption. result of the elections the Bloc received their capitals. Putin has long been keeping Naftogaz controls more than 80% of 9.43% of the vote and formed a 27-member Ukrainian politicians on the money hook,» is the person extraction, transportation, and sales of gas parliamentary party.37 says Landik.38 often named as one of the key ideologists and oil on the territory of Ukraine, and representing the interests of Vladimir fully services the supplying of Russian gas Vladimir Landik, former Party There are plenty of examples of Putin in Ukrainian politics. He is to Europe. Many Ukrainian politicians are of Regions associate of the so-called how the Opposition Bloc represents connected with the president of Russia unable to resist the temptation to line their «Oppositionists,» frankly speaks about the the Kremlin’s interests. For example, in not just politically but also via family ties: pockets using Naftogaz schemes. 26 27

Oleksandr Onyshchenko. When Ukrgazdobycha state company (itself a Yanukovych headed the country, subsidiary of Naftogaz Ukraine). A joint Onyshchenko was a member of the Party of venture was created, the state company Regions. However, in the last elections he transferred the use of wells to it, and a ended up in the Verkhovna Rada through private investor brought in the funds and a majority constituency and joined the provided the labor, and also received the People’s Will parliamentary group. right to sell the extracted gas. That way instead of the state budget the money Onyshchenko has long been connected ended up in the pockets of those who to Yanukovych by business partnership. In controlled the joint ventures. Kiev Onyshchenko is considered the key oligarch in the sphere of gas extraction. The aforementioned Nadra Geocenter According to Ukrainian parliamentary Company where Onyshchenko was listed as Tetiana Chornovol, Onyshchenko was a director became part of the «Yanukovych long-time manager in Yanukovych’s team Family» business empire and received from and oversaw his business in the area of Ukrgazdobycha control over dozens of IN SPITE OF A WAR BETWEEN UKRAINE AND RUSSIA, NAFTOGAZ natural gas extraction. wells. (It is notable that the last agreement CONTINUES TO ACTIVELY COLLABORATE WITH GAZPROM – THE RUSSIAN to transfer control over wells was signed on NATURAL GAS MONOPOLY THAT THE KREMLIN HAS TRADITIONALLY Chornovol notes that in 2008 the day the Maidan protests began.) BEEN USING AS A POLITICAL PRESSURE LEVER Yanukovych’s people started to transfer ownership of gas extraction businesses After the flight of Yanukovych, his to shell companies so that state-owned minion Onyshchenko basically became the wells could later not be returned to the owner of gas extracting assets including In spite of a de facto war going on CRIME AND OLIGARCHS state. «And that is when Onyshchenko Nadra Geocenter, Has, Karpatnadrainvest, between Ukraine and Russia, Naftogaz AT THE KREMLIN'S SERVICE first appeared in the public eye. He turned Plast, Gazovy Alyans, and a host of other continues to actively collaborate up as director of a company called Nadra companies. That’s how he became the key with Gazprom – the Russian natural In spite of significant changes that Geocenter, which had been created in order natural gas oligarch of Ukraine. gas monopoly that the Kremlin has have taken place since the new government for Yanukovych to receive income from the traditionally been using as a blackmail and has come to power, old problems remain extraction of domestic natural gas,» says In the summer of 2016 Oleksandr political pressure lever against Ukraine, in the Ukrainian society. Forces which Chornovol.41 Onyshchenko fell under suspicion of as well as against countries of the West. have maintained their influence since the creating schemes to illegally sell gas and According to observers, the Ukrainian time of Yanukovych’s rule considerably The Onyshchenko operating scheme was named in a criminal case brought natural gas corporation is neck deep in hinder development of the country was as follows. Private companies extracted under the penal code section «grand scale corruption schemes: supply of equipment and implementation of reforms. In gas under joint operation agreements with embezzlement of state property.» and piping at inflated prices, speculation essence these are members of the former on extraction and sales of natural gas, President’s circle whose interests are tightly manipulation with finances, and so on. intertwined with the interests of Ukrainian Those schemes’ primary beneficiaries organized crime and supported by the remain the Ukrainian oligarchs who are Kremlin media. affecting the political processes in their

country now just like they did under Prime representative of such an Viktor Oleksandr Naftogaz President Yanukovych. establishment is Ukrainian parliamentary Yanukovych Onyshchenko Ukraine 28 29

THE SCHEME OF EMBEZZLEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF EXTRACTION AND SALES OF GAS UNDER JOINT OPERATION AGREEMENTS WITH UKRGAZDOBYCHA STATE COMPANY SOON THE «DAMAGING INFORMATION» WAS PUBLISHED AS WELL. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED SECRET RECORDING OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH PRESIDENT POROSHENKO THE PUBLIC WAS PROVIDED WITH A RECORDING OF ONYSHCHENKO’S PRODUCER INTERMEDIARY CONVERSATION WITH ONE OF HIS COLLEAGUES FROM THE UKRAINIAN Ukrgazdobycha state company COMPANIES CONTROLLED PARLIAMENT IN SOME SHADY JOINT BY O. ONYSHCHENKO EXCHANGE TRADE WINNERS Gas Trans Group, LLC Kievpromsbyt, LLC 2 640 UAH Excellent LTD, LLC 3 JOINT OPERATION EXCHANGES per 1000 m Gaztransproekt, LLC Karpatnadrainvest, LLC Center Commodity Exchange Naftogaz Trade, LLC make it public. The Kremlin’s propaganda a question, when you will tell everything, I Nadra Geocenter, LLC Lviv Universal Commodity Moricel Group, LLC HAS Company, LLC Exchange Lenster Company, LLC actively carried on this story. will say, well, how do you feel when you’re speaking with statements like this, are you TRANSFERRING ILLEGAL INCOME FROM THE RESALE OF GAS 6 900 UAH However, it soon came to light not afraid for your life, for the situation in THROUGH SHELL COMPANIES: Adelax, LLC; Bretton, LLC; Alondo, LLC; END USER per 1000 m3 Odin Group Service, LLC; Case Management, LLC; Tsentr Paritet, LLC Real Economy that handlers from the Kremlin stood general? You should say, in my life I have Sector Companies behind Onyshchenko’s actions. Mass lived through so much and I understand

Unpaid more than media published a video recording made that something needs to be left behind for 1.3B UAH Transferred out for land use rent 1.6B UAH immediately before Onyshchenko’s broadcast the children, a memory of some sort, need on one of Russia’s state TV channels. An to be honest, sit down and tell the truth instructor’s voice is heard in the recording, straight to the face: I am being threatened, I preparing Onyshchenko for the interview and am really receiving threats, you may say that, According to law enforcement, According to the former prime explaining exactly how the member of the or you may not, but I have made a decision Onyshchenko’s companies caused the state minister of Ukraine , Parliament should talk about his relationship for myself – I will remain honest. That’s it… losses totaling 3 billion Hryvnia: 1.6 billion vast amounts of money were spent by with the Ukrainian President: And now when I wave my hand, simply… I were proceeds from the sales of natural gas Onyshchenko specifically to remove the stay quiet and in one and a half seconds the to middlemen and transferred out through government. «A mass media campaign «I won’t be asking questions right now recording begins.» shell companies, and more than 1.3 billion was financed, politicians in the parliament because it will seem like they’re leading were unpaid land use rent. It should be were paid to come out to the podium and questions, leading… That is, cannot ask Soon the name of the «instructor» noted that the implementation of such a lie. For 10 months, $3 million a month went leading questions. So now you start with a became known as well. He turned out to scheme could be made possible only with toward removing the government. That phrase like this. He will now turn on, pause be the aforementioned Viktor Zubritsky – the cooperation of Ukrgazdobycha and was because the government did not give – one second, and you say: ‘But the situation creator of Channel 112 which is associated Naftogaz officials. Onyshchenko the ability to implement where I considered him a partner then with the name of the former MVD head corruption [schemes] in the energy and gas changed.’ Because that’s how it is... that is the Zakharchenko. The Onyshchenko case illustrates how sector,» says Yatsenyuk.42 truth. But the situation where I considered the Ukrainian criminal oligarchs’ interests him a partner changed. And after what did Soon the «damaging information» was coincide with those of the Kremlin. After the criminal case was brought, it change. What did he force you to do, then published as well. However, instead of the Returning Ukraine back into the sphere of fled abroad. In he started taking away the company. He is previously announced secret recording of the Kremlin’s influence is as beneficial to December 2016 he stated that he was in the aggressor, you understand? And you were negotiations with President Poroshenko Putin as it is to oligarchs like Onyshchenko. possession of damaging information about forced to toe the line. And now it appears the public was provided with a recording The Kremlin’s propaganda and the the Ukrainian leadership; that allegedly like you are his partner who fled from him. of Onyshchenko’s conversation with one oligarchs’ money hit the same target – the he had secretly recorded negotiations with But we need pressure here. Then I will ask of his colleagues from the Ukrainian new Ukrainian government. President Poroshenko and was planning to you... I just won’t right now… I will ask you Parliament in some shady joint. 30

PUTIN'S OBVIOUS 1. “Weimar syndrome. Yegor Gaidar - about the dangers of originated in Russia.” The “RBC” newspaper. September post-imperial nostalgia.” The “Kommersant” newspaper. 28, 2016 TARGETS ARE February 6, 2006 24. “Leontyev calls ‘cattle’ those who doubt the MOLDOVA, 2. “Vladimir Putin: ‘The collapse of the Soviet Union authenticity of the attack on Boeing image.” The “Snob” is the largest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.’” magazine. November 15, 2014 BELARUS, AND “Regnum” IA. April 25, 2005 25. “Journalists have not found the confirmation KAZAKHSTAN. 3. “Ukrainian intelligence stated 20 industrial companies of ‘Channel One’ story about the crucified child in HOWEVER, THERE were exported from Donbass to Russia.» “Vzglyad” Sloviansk.” “Republic” internet publication. 14 July 2014 business newspaper. 4 March 2016 26. “’Channel One’ defended itself over the ‘crucified boy’ ARE ALSO RISKS 4. “Sworn neighbors. Russia and Ukraine: the history of story.” “Republic” Internet publication. 22 December FOR THE BALTIC ‘brotherly’ relations.” Lenta.ru. January 3, 2014 2014. 5. “Putin was ready to stop the ‘’ by 27. “The Russian mass media: the Kremlin’s instrument STATES, IN SPITE force.” BBC Russian Service. January 27, 2012 of anti-Ukrainian propaganda?” Radio Liberty. March 3, OF THEIR NATO 6. “Putin was ready to stop the ‘orange revolution’ by 2014 MEMBERSHIP force.” BBC Russian Service. January 27, 2012 28. “Zakharchenko’s Labyrinth.” “Nashі groshі” Photo: Reuters 7. “Sworn neighbors. Russia and Ukraine: the history of Ukrainian publication. January 27, 2014 ‘brotherly’ relations.” Lenta.ru. January 3, 2014 29. “Media Manager Viktor Zubritskiy is accused of 8. “Nemtsov: Kharkov agreements corrupt Ukraine and kidnapping Maidan activists.” Radio “Mediananny.” СПИСОК ИСТОЧНИКОВ СПИСОК Russia.” “The Ukrainian Pravda” newspaper. May 9, 2010 April 3, 2014 NATIONAL INTERESTS with the onset of Putin’s campaign 9. “Medvedev explained why Russia pays $ 40 billion 30. “’Inter’ and ‘112’ “warned” for airing pro-Russian against Ukraine. It should be noticed for the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea.” “Polit.RU” propaganda.” The “Argument” online magazine. February OF RUSSIA information-analytical portal. May 18, 2010 18, 2015 that the Kremlin strategists skillfully use 10. “Yanukovych refused European integration because 31. “The anniversary of the Boeing crash: what of pressure from Russia.” “Pronedra” Internet magazine. consequences the tragedy had in Ukraine.” The “RBC” Russia is critically interested in methods of external pressure on Ukraine November 29, 2013 newspaper. 17 July 2015 maintaining peaceful and good neighborly as well as «agents» inside the country – 11. “Zakharchenko apologized for the harsh dispersion 32. “18.7 billion of taxpayers’ money on lies and of people at Evromaidan.” “Segodnya.ua” internet propaganda.” Vladimir Milov LiveJournal. December 19, relations with surrounding countries. This above all, local oligarchs interested in the magazine. December 2, 2013 2016 guarantees our state economic advantages reinstatement of the old ways. 12. “Putin gave Yanukovych a $3 billion political bribe - 33. “Hrytsak: some Ukrainian politicians receive from Yatsenyuk.” “Glavred.info” internet magazine. May 25, runaway elites and Russian secret services financing and political stability. And there is no 2016 for destabilization of Ukraine.” “GORDON” internet doubt that it corresponds with the national The outcome of the showdown 13. “Why did Putin give $15 billion USD to Yanukovych?” publication. June 10, 2016 “Novaya Gazeta” Issue 143. December 20, 2013 34. “People’s Deputy: Yanukovych’s Party paid to interests of Russia. between the Kremlin and Ukraine will also 14. “Ex-Regions: The Kolesnichenko-Oliynyk bill was ‘Freedom’s’ nationalists.” “Ukraina.ru” internet magazine. directly affect the future of Russia and the case of the FSB ‘think tanks’.” “Glavkom” internet August 19, 2016 However, instead of improving magazine. January 18, 2014 35. “The video of the beating of a Russian at the embassy Europe. If Putin’s unrelenting pressure 15. “GPU has assigned the responsibility for the Maidan in Kiev surfaces.” “Lenta.ru” internet publication. relations with the world around, proves fruitful, and Kiev returns into executions on Yanukovich.” The “Vesti” newspaper. April September 18, 2016 Putin maintains a continuous policy 3, 2014 36. “’Freedom’ in Kiev signed its own warrant.” The the domain of the Kremlin influence, 16. “Nalyvaychenko confirmed FSB involvement in the “Novaya Gazeta” Issue 95. September 2, 2015 of aggressively bringing to heel those then there is no doubt that the Russian events on the Maidan.” The “Vesti” newspaper. April 3, 37. “In the Ukrainian elections, the Kremlin puts 2014 its money on the Opposition Bloc.’” The “Hvilya” countries which he sees as being in president will attempt applying the same the realm of the Kremlin’s geopolitical 17. “Vladimir Putin answered the journalists’ questions information-analytical portal. September 15, 2014 methods towards other countries of the about the situation in Ukraine.” The official website of 38. “Landik: Yanukovych said: ‘Keep searching, I don’t influence. A broad arsenal of means is the President of Russia. March 4, 2014 have a penny in Europe.’ He wasn’t lying; the Oppo Bloc’s former USSR. Putin’s obvious targets used for that: persuasion by propaganda, 18. “Crimea. The Way Home.” A documentary by billions are stored by their friend Putin.” “GORDON” are Moldova, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. VGTRK journalist Andrei Kondrashov. March 15, 2015. internet publication. July 19, 2016. financial support of loyal parties and 19. “Boris Nemtsov: Putin takes revenge on Ukraine for 39. “Lyovochkina helped Russia at PACE by telling about journalists, corruption, economic pressure, However, there are also risks for the Baltic Maidan and fears a Maidan in Russia.” A joint project the warring government and the ‘bloody pastor.’” “The States, in spite of their NATO membership. by ICTV and the ATR Crimean channel “Freedom of Ukrainian Pravda” newspaper. January 28, 2015 political blackmail, and finally direct speech.” March 12, 2014 40. “Parubiy: Medvedchuk is one of the organizers of the military intervention. 20. “Evidence of Russia’s participation in the defeat rebellion in the Donbass.” LB.ua, an Affiliate Resource of Putin has proven more than once of Ukrainian troops near Debaltsevo.” Open Russia. the “Left Coast” weekly. July 4, 2014 February 8, 2016 41. “Chornovol described how ‘Yanukovych’s manager’ Such hybrid aggression casts a that he is a threat to his citizens as well as 21. “The participation of Russia in the war proven with the Onyshchenko became a new gas oligarch.” TSN the surrounding countries. And the less help of Google Maps.” BBC Russian Service. May 28, 2015 Television News Service. 16 June 2015 shadow of doubt on the effectiveness 22. “Turkey opposes Russia in the UN.” Gazeta.ru. 42. “Yatsenyuk about Onyshchenko’s statements: I want of the European security systems, the counteraction he encounters, the more December 21, 2016 to find out who placed the order and who got paid.” vulnerability of which became obvious aggressive his actions will become 23. “The MH17 investigation states the Buk missile UNIAN news agency. December 9, 2016 “I don’t believe that friendship with Russia is bad. But I don’t like it when ‘friendship’ is forced by means of bribery and violence.” BORIS NEMTSOV

An electronic version of this report is available on the website 4freerussia.org