SHCHASTIA, Ukraine -- Fighters of volunteer Aidar battalion showed the Kyiv Post their base located at a former police school in the city of Shchastia in Luhansk Oblast.
Unlike most of other volunteer battalions that operate under control of police, Aidar was formed as a unit of Ministry of Defense to assist army soldiers in fighting against separatists in Luhansk Oblast. Shchastia is located at the front line, just 15 kilometers outside of Luhansk city, region’s capital and local stronghold of separatists that proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic. The town is often being shelled by the insurgents.
The Aidar fighters, among whom there are many former EuroMaidan protesters and local volunteers, are known for their risky attacks. By the end of the summer they’ve lost some 60 soldiers in fighting.
Residents of the region and Amnesty International human rights organization accused Aidar of numerous cases of car hijacking and kidnappings. Aidar soldiers explain their acts with the needs of the war time.
On Nov. 8 they showed the Kyiv Post five civilians that were captured by Aidar at the checkpoints for being drunk. The civilians are being forced to work at the battalion’s kitchen and help constructing a chapel. One of them, Luhansk resident, told Kyiv Post he has spent over three months in captivity.
