Top Cossack commander from DPR detained in Ukraine
At the checkpoint near Volnovakha, Ukrainian policemen of the Donetsk region detained the so-called Major General of the separatists, who led the Cossack regiment of the self-proclaimed DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic), reported the press service of the main directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in the Donetsk region.
The detainee was a 66-year-old man carrying a certificate of the chieftain of the DPR and a permit for carrying Cossack weapons, namely sabers, daggers and whips.
"It was established before law enforcement officers that he was the acting Major General of the regional Cossack organization of the DPR. He said that in 2011 he began to command the regiment, which included 90 rank-and-file Cossacks. In 2014, when the city of Donetsk was captured, the Cossacks joined the separatists," the report said.
The press service added that the duties of this formation included border protection and joint patrols on the territory of the Donbas.
"Now the operatives and investigators of the Volnovakha police department are questioning the Cossack commander of the DPR," the main directorate of the local police said.
Criminal proceedings were initiated in accordance with Part 1 of Article 256 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine that concerns assistance to participants in criminal organizations and concealment of their criminal activities.