Russians forces in Crimea. AP
400 Ukrainian troops crossed the Russian border with both sides of the conflict giving differing accounts of why they did so. -AP Russia claims that 438 members of the Ukrainian military defected to Russia. Russian claims that the alleged deserters were allowed to safely enter the country. Ukraine claims that the soldiers were members of the 72nd army brigade who had come under heavy rebel attack. Running low on ammo after covering the escape of their comrades they fled their positions and headed into Russia.
My Comment:
Once again, the fog of war reigns supreme. Both the Russian and Ukrainian claims seem plausible at least. Both theories have some major problems with them as well. It's very possible that the unit defected. Many Ukrainian forces have done that, but my question is why now? What has changed? And the Ukrainian account makes sense considering how fierce the fighting has been. But why would retreating troops retreat in to Russia of all places? Why weren't they pursued? Why did Russia let them in? Are these men now prisoners, hostages or traitors? So many questions that will probably be unanswered for some time.
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