ODESSA 2014-05-03

taijeronv · May 03, 2014, 07:04:36 AM

Interesting last two days I'd say.

At the moment all is quiet. This morning I had a nice breakfast downtown, not far from the prior days activities. After that I went to the market, no issues. And last but not least we took a drive by the building where all of the pro-Russian deaths took place. We didn't park and walk in, there were crowds so I decided to avoid that area for now. The police had it cordoned off, but were letting pedestrians into the area. Prior to the hullabaloo we were on the health road taking a nice 7k stroll and checking out the beach. Around 1700 my friend called and told me that dinner downtown would be a no go because of some protest march. At least that's what we thought it was, it was actually a combination pro-UKR march and soccer rally for the local team.

Well you know the rest. A pro-RUS group showed up, there was a fight, which escalated to some shootings, and then the final act was the destruction of the local pro-RUS camp at one of the main government buildings.

From what I could tell the police did not have control of the situation. Apparently the pro-RUS group was detained prior to them launching their attack, but someone in the police chain of command said to let them go. This is actually pretty common. My translator tells me that the local TCPs will stop vehicles with weapons, only to have the police show up and let them go. Their police force needs a complete transformation/reformation, as does their military.

Keep in mind the news you are watching back home looks a lot worse than what it is. Of course yesterday was pretty bad, but what I'm talking about is the impression people will get in regards to "daily" life.

I've been here since August of last year and have never had a problem. Most people pay me no mind, and a lot of them probably think I'm not even an American. They probably think I'm some other "brown flavor" not sure which, take your pick.

So that's it in a nutshell. Things are quiet for the moment. If Ukraine can get through their elections on 25 May, they may be alright. Of course the Rooskies may continue their assholeness but who knows.

The thing is, Odessans did not allow another Donetsk, or Slovyansk, they made their voices loud and clear.

Don't f**K with Odessa!

In the beginning there was some question on which way Odessa would turn. After yesterday I think it's clear on where they stand.

TJ

Jarhead0331 · May 03, 2014, 07:38:58 AM

Stay safe.

Thanks for your on the ground impressions.

Steelgrave · May 03, 2014, 08:24:01 AM

That's about as firsthand as it gets. What Jarhead said, stay safe.

endfire79 · May 03, 2014, 08:43:17 AM

Wow, stay safe, and away from the hooligans!

taijeronv · May 03, 2014, 08:57:26 AM

Funny you should mention hooligans.

They the pro-RUS should have thought twice about messing with soccer fans. Although not as bad as some other European countries, soccer fans are usually ready for a "fight". I guess they picked the wrong bunch to mess with.

My unofficial translator (she), said that both Kharkiv and Odessa fans were fighting the Rooskies.

I saw one video that showed young teenagers, and babushka's (grandma's) gathering cobble stones as ammunition. They were using the Ukrainian flag as an improvised ammo carrier to carry as many stones as they could. I thought to myself, what better way to use your flag than to bear ammo against your enemy.

My friend told me that there are still about 50 Rooskie types on the roof of the building from yesterdays fire. I told her they have two options. Jump or starve.

endfire79 · May 03, 2014, 09:22:42 AM

Soccer fans (and babushka grannies) are another level above hockey fans. They are indeed special!

Mr. Bigglesworth · May 03, 2014, 09:31:24 AM

Glad to hear you are well. YOur view of the street feel really helps understand what is going on.

Centurion40 · May 03, 2014, 11:11:57 AM

Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 03, 2014, 07:38:58 AM
Stay safe.

Thanks for your on the ground impressions.

What JH said!

OJsDad · May 03, 2014, 11:39:25 AM

Quote from: taijeronv on May 03, 2014, 07:04:36 AM
Apparently the pro-RUS group was detained prior to them launching their attack, but someone in the police chain of command said to let them go.

Was the someone in the chain of command a Pro-Russian letting them cause trouble or Pro-Ukraine hopping they'll get their heads busted.

Stay safe.

z1812 · May 03, 2014, 05:49:48 PM

46 pro Russians killed could very well strengthen Putin's resolve to intervene.

In terms of the elections I wonder if there will be enough civil order for them to proceed.

Gusington · May 03, 2014, 07:43:44 PM

Be careful man.

pawelj · May 07, 2014, 10:25:32 AM

Quote from: z1812 on May 03, 2014, 05:49:48 PM
46 pro Russians killed could very well strengthen Putin's resolve to intervene.

In terms of the elections I wonder if there will be enough civil order for them to proceed.

You are mistaking him for someone who give a toss about people. He only cares about them as a possible excuse for trouble.
After all he has likely arranged the destruction of apartment buildings in Moscow as an excuse to invade Chechnia.