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Zelenogorsk Pravda reporter Svetland Golikova |
Defense & Security Bulletin
By Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Reporter
Dateline: Zelenogorsk, Chernarus — May 11th, 2025
LEAKED DOCUMENTS REVEAL COSTLY BATTLES AND CIVILIAN CONTROVERSY IN NORTHWESTERN CHERNARUS
Classified military reports expose high casualties, separatist resupply networks, and disputed claims over civilian infrastructure damage.
Zelenogorsk — A trove of leaked classified documents from the Chernarus Coastal Operations Group has shed light on a series of intense battles fought by the Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) against separatist forces in Northwestern Chernarus last month. The reports, authored by Admiral Kravchuk, deputy commander of the Coastal Operations Group, detail operations in the villages of Yalmta, Stary Saltov, and Psenchenoye Pole, revealing both tactical successes and troubling gaps in military accountability.
OPERATION YALMTA: COLLATERAL DAMAGE AND NGO DISPUTES
The most controversial incident occurred during Operation OP2505-02-7 in Yalmta, where a government building—the town council hall—collapsed during combat. Initial accusations by NGOs, including the peace group "Trees for Peace," alleged the CDF deliberately destroyed civilian housing. However, the leaked after-action report contradicts this, stating the collapse was caused by a misfired RPG from Chechen separatists during a firefight.
Key findings from the report:
Command Squad BMP crews fired only 10 rounds from their 30mm autocannons, deemed insufficient to level the structure.
Task Force Commander testimony corroborated by prisoners of war confirms Chechen RPG teams targeted CDF positions moments before the building fell.
"Trees for Peace" representatives refused to disclose sources for their claims, raising questions about the origins of the narrative.
Despite the military’s conclusions, the incident has fueled distrust among local civilians. “Why was a government building the only one destroyed?” asked Yalmta resident Ivan Petrov in an interview. “We demand an independent investigation.”
HIGH COST OF VICTORY IN STARLY SALTOV AND PSENCHENOYE POLE
The leaked reports highlight the 3rd Tank Brigade’s success in repelling separatist forces but underscore staggering losses:
Yalmta: 14 CDF soldiers killed, 2 tanks destroyed.
Psenchenoye Pole: 9 casualties, 2 BRDM scout cars lost.
Stary Saltov: Light losses (<5 personnel) but critical intelligence seized, including evidence of separatist resupply networks involving armored vehicles and foreign fighters.
Notably, Spanish regulars and Chechen militias were identified among separatist forces, pointing to international involvement. The CDF’s reliance on Su-25 ground-attack aircraft in Psenchenoye Pole proved decisive, with three Sukhoys destroying multiple enemy vehicles, including T-55 tanks.
MILITARY SHORTFALLS AND LEAKED RECOMMENDATIONS
Admiral Kravchuk’s reports acknowledge critical weaknesses:
No counterbattery systems were available to neutralize separatist mortars in Yalmta, leading to preventable casualties.
Repair units were not deployed during key operations, forcing crews to abandon damaged tanks and scout cars.
Intelligence gaps persisted despite capturing enemy documents, including network plans and laptop data.
The admiral’s recommendations—prioritizing artillery countermeasures, embedding repair teams, and expanding air support—have yet to be publicly addressed by the Defense Ministry.
GOVERNMENT SILENCE, PUBLIC OUTCRY
The leaked documents have ignited calls for transparency. Opposition MP Natalya Volkov demanded a parliamentary inquiry, stating, “Families of fallen soldiers deserve to know why their loved ones died due to avoidable failures.”
The CDF declined to comment on the authenticity of the reports but reiterated its commitment to “protecting Chernarus from foreign-backed destabilization.”
ANALYST PERSPECTIVE
Military analyst Dmitry Kozlov noted, “These leaks confirm the separatists are well-armed and externally supported. The CDF’s ability to hold the Yamlta-Stary Saltov line is a tactical win, but without addressing logistical flaws, long-term stability is at risk.”
CONCLUSION
As Chernarus grapples with the fallout of these revelations, questions linger: Who leaked the documents? Why did NGOs withhold evidence? And will the Defense Ministry implement Admiral Kravchuk’s reforms? For now, the villages of Northwestern Chernarus remain a fragile buffer against a resurgent threat.
— Svetlana Golikova
Defense Correspondent, Zelenogorsk Pravda
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The Chernarus Defense Ministry has not verified the authenticity of the leaked reports. This article is based solely on documents provided to the Zelenogorsk Pravda.
This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.