Mystery Deepens in Kournikova Kidnapping: Fifth Man, Contradictory Confession Haunts Investigation

 

by Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Reporter

ZELENOGORSK PRAVDA | May 29, 2025

ZELENOGORSK – The investigation into the brutal kidnapping and murder of journalist Anna Kournikova has plunged into deeper uncertainty, with Chernarussian authorities grappling with a contradictory confession, the elusive presence of a "fifth man," and troubling gaps in the official narrative provided by foreign partners.

Key revelations and inconsistencies emerged following the detention of Albanian national Vedat Goxha by Albanian National Police. While Goxha confessed to being one of the four elite mercenaries seen on security cameras forcibly removing a drugged Kournikova from the Kamenka Detention Facility, Chernarussian investigators now find his account riddled with discrepancies that point to a more complex and shadowy operation.

The Goxha Conundrum:

• Failed Identification: A prison official, previously bribed to facilitate Kournikova's illegal release and who observed the mercenaries, was shown Goxha's mugshot. According to local police sources speaking anonymously, the official "could not identify" Goxha as one of the four men who entered the facility. This directly contradicts Goxha's confession of direct participation.

• The Driver Theory: This failure, coupled with the known presence of a driver maneuvering the getaway SUV outside the facility (obscured by glare on cameras), has led investigators to a new hypothesis: Goxha may have been the unseen fifth man – the driver – rather than one of the four who physically took Kournikova.

• Doubtful Testimony & Capability: While Goxha's account of the mercenaries' landing via seaplane near Electrozavodsk and the subsequent carjacking and murder of Ruslan Voronov (whose SUV was used) aligns with Chernarussian evidence, his overall role is suspect. Investigators highlight Goxha's lack of any known link to separatist commander Verica Rexha, the alleged mastermind. Furthermore, Albanian police records state Goxha "never learned to drive a vehicle" and was primarily an enforcer operating locally in Tirana, not an international assassin.

• Convenient Disappearance: Albanian police reported Goxha vanished three days before the kidnapping, only to reappear two days after it. Chernarussian authorities, citing these inconsistencies and Goxha's unlikely profile for the core hit team, express "every reason to doubt" the Albanian version of his involvement. The nature of his confession and its timing raise questions about its reliability and potential motivations.

The Established Timeline & Lingering Gaps:
Based on evidence, investigators have reconstructed this sequence:

1. Arrival & Murder: A four-man mercenary team landed by seaplane near Electrozavodsk late at night. They were met by a fifth contact, believed to be associated with Chernarussian organized crime, facilitating their insertion. The team then located and carjacked Ruslan Voronov at a gas station. He was beaten, driven to a remote location, shot dead, and dumped.

2. The Drive to Kamenka: The four mercenaries, now joined by the driver (potentially Goxha or the fifth contact), proceeded in Voronov's SUV to the Kamenka Detention Facility.

3. The Snatch: Security footage shows the SUV arriving. The driver turned the vehicle around while the four mercenaries disembarked. They entered the facility and emerged minutes later carrying a heavily sedated Kournikova. She was forced into the second row, driver's side of the SUV, which then sped away.

4. Abandonment & Cleanup: The SUV was found abandoned two days later on a desolate road near Kamenka, close to where Kournikova's body was later discovered. Forensic examination yielded no evidence – a finding investigators find highly suspicious, indicating a thorough professional cleaning.

5. Goxha's Reappearance: Goxha surfaced in Albania around the time the SUV was found.

The Core Mysteries:
The investigation is now dominated by unresolved questions:

• Who is the Fifth Man? Was it Goxha (as the driver), the initial contact met at the landing site, or someone else entirely? What is their connection to Chernarussian organized crime and Verica Rexha's network?

• Why did Goxha Confess? If he wasn't one of the four seen on camera inside the prison, why admit to being part of the extraction team? Was he pressured, misled, or attempting to shield someone?

• What was Goxha's True Role? Driver? Local logistics support provided by the fifth contact? Or is his involvement altogether different than confessed?

• The Impeccable Cleanup: Who meticulously sanitized the SUV, and where was this done during the two days it was missing? This points to significant local support and planning.

• Albanian Coordination: Chernarussian investigators are openly skeptical of the information flow from Albanian authorities regarding Goxha, demanding greater transparency and corroboration.

A Tangled Web:
The murder of Anna Kournikova was a brazen attack on justice and free speech. The emerging details of the operation, however, reveal a labyrinthine plot with layers of deception. The confession of Vedat Goxha, rather than providing clarity, has woven a new thread of mystery into the fabric of the crime, highlighting potential international dimensions and the sophisticated tradecraft of those involved. The presence of an unidentified fifth operative on Chernarussian soil, the sanitized crime scene, and the unreliable confession underscore the challenges facing investigators and the lengths to which Kournikova's killers went to cover their tracks.

The Zelenogorsk Pravda will continue to follow this developing story closely.

Svetlana Golikova is an investigative correspondent for Zelenogorsk Pravda, specializing in organized crime and national security. Reporting contributed by Anton Belov in Novigrad.

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

Prison Officials Charged in Journalist’s Assassination; Ties to Crime Lord Verica Rexha Revealed

Novigrad, Chernarus — May 28, 2025

By Svetlana Golikova, Zelenogorsk Pravda

Svetlana Golikova

In a dramatic development, Chernarusian authorities have charged multiple prison officials with complicity in the assassination of investigative journalist Anna Kournikova, linking the plot to notorious Albanian crime lord and separatist commander Verica Rexha, who was killed last week in a military operation. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the arrests late Tuesday, revealing a web of corruption that bridges organized crime and the Chernarusian separatist movement.

Kournikova, whose exposés on Chernarusian narcotics trafficking and separatist-colluding officials made her a target, was murdered in March under circumstances initially shrouded in mystery. New evidence ties her death to Rexha, a shadowy figure whose dual role as a Chedaki separatist leader and transnational crime operative allowed her to orchestrate the killing with chilling precision.

From Orchards to Underworld

Verica Rexha

Born into poverty near Rruga Hasan, Albania, Rexha’s trajectory

 from farm girl to feared assassin reads like a crime epic. Her

 father’s agricultural transport business, exploited by Balkan gangs

 for drug and human trafficking, became her gateway into organized

 crime. By 16, she was collaborating with Kosovar mafia

 underbosses, later forging ties with Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and

 Russian syndicates.

Rexha’s ruthlessness propelled her rise. After a short-lived marriage to a Bulgarian crime boss—whom she abandoned along with their three children—she embedded herself in Chernarus’ separatist Chedaki movement. There, she revolutionized its hierarchy by recruiting women into leadership roles, leveraging their underestimated status to deepen ties with foreign criminal networks. “Male commanders dismissed these women as non-threats,” a Ministry investigator noted. “That blindness became their weapon.”

The Kournikova Contract
Kournikova’s reporting on Chedaki-linked narcotics routes and official corruption reportedly irked Rexha, whose smuggling operations funded separatist activities. While Rexha initially deemed the journalist “unreachable,” Ministry data indicates she later greenlit a contract with four Albanian mercenaries—all personally tied to Rexha—to silence Kournikova.

The prison officials now facing charges allegedly facilitated the hit by leaking Kournikova’s whereabouts or granting assassins access during a staged custody transfer. “These individuals betrayed their duty to protect a citizen in state care,” Justice Minister Irina Veshnyakova declared. “Their actions served a criminal cabal, not Chernarus.”

Rexha’s Demise and Disturbing Legacy
Rexha met her end on May 1 in a Chernarus Defense Forces raid near Vladimirovka, North Zagoria. Recovered from her body was a trove of intelligence: encrypted contacts of assassins, smuggling routes, and—most puzzlingly—multiple explicit videos, including some featuring Rexha herself. While the Ministry declined to speculate on their purpose, insiders suggest they may have served as blackmail tools or transactional currency.

“Rexha’s phone was a Pandora’s box,” a security official stated anonymously. “The videos shocked us, but the names in her files will unravel networks for years.”

Fallout and Future Reckoning
The charges underscore the Chedakis’ reliance on criminal revenue and international alliances. With Rexha’s death, authorities aim to dismantle her network, though experts warn of retaliatory violence. “This isn’t over,” said Novigrad criminologist Dmitry Fedorov. “Her associates—especially those women she empowered—won’t vanish quietly.”

As the manhunt expands, Kournikova’s colleagues vow to continue her work. “Anna knew the risks,” said editor Pavel Zhukov. “But she also knew truth outlives fear.”

For now, Chernarus confronts a stark truth: in its prisons and battlefields, the line between keeper and killer has never been thinner.

Svetlana Golikova is an investigative correspondent for Zelenogorsk Pravda, specializing in organized crime and national security. Reporting contributed by Anton Belov in Novigrad.

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

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© 2025 Zelenogorsk Pravda. All rights reserved. Republication prohibited.

Prison Officials Charged in Journalist’s Murder; Separatist Commander Linked to Killing

By Svetlana Golikov

Senior National Defense Reporter

Svetlana Golikova

NOVIGRAD — Two senior officials at the Kamenka Detention Facility in South Zagoria have been charged with the abduction and murder of investigative journalist Anna Kournikova, in a case that has exposed alleged collusion between prison authorities and separatist operatives, according to Chernarusian Ministry of Justice officials.

Vladimir Vyurov and Alexandr Evtushenko, both employed as custodial supervisors at the prison, were arrested late Sunday night by Ministry of Justice agents. Charging documents reveal the pair allegedly removed Kournikova from her cell and handed her over to four armed, plainclothes individuals who drove her away in an SUV. Within 20 minutes of her departure, Kournikova—known for her exposés on separatist violence—was executed in what officials describe as a meticulously planned “hit.”

“This was not an extraction. This was an assassination,” a Ministry of Justice official stated anonymously, citing forensic timelines. “Her elimination was swift, deliberate, and meant to silence her.”

Separatist Commander Orchestrated Killing
The ministry alleges the operation was orchestrated by Verica Rexha, an Albanian expatriate and senior commander within the Zagorian separatist movement. Intelligence reports indicate Rexha ordered Kournikova’s murder to prevent her unpublished findings from reaching Chernarusian authorities. Documents seized from Kournikova’s office reportedly detailed eight separatist-led pogroms, including identities of perpetrators—information officials say could have “crippled” the group’s recruitment efforts.

“Her notes were a roadmap to war crimes. Rexha saw her as an existential threat,” the official added.

Investigators traced plans for Kournikova’s kidnapping to the day she departed Tanoa, a foreign location where she had been researching separatist activities. Emails and text messages linked Rexha directly to the plot, though the four armed assailants remain unidentified. Ministry sources speculate they were elite mercenaries recruited by Rexha, who was herself killed in a military operation in North Zagoria two weeks ago.

Bribes and Betrayal
Vyurov and Evtushenko allegedly received “several hundred thousand rubles” in bribes to facilitate Kournikova’s removal from custody. The electronic transfers, detected just two days before their arrest, flagged their involvement. While the pair claimed ignorance of the kidnappers’ intent, charging documents assert they “willfully enabled” her murder.

The case has ignited outrage among press freedom advocates, who note Kournikova is the third journalist killed in Chernarus since 2021. “This isn’t just corruption—it’s a pact with terrorists to murder the truth,” said Irina Morozova, head of the Chernarus Journalists’ Union.

Unanswered Questions
Ministry officials acknowledge gaps in the investigation, including the identities of the four assailants and whether additional prison staff were complicit. With Rexha dead, prospects of uncovering the full network behind the killing remain uncertain.

As Vyurov and Evtushenko await trial, Kournikova’s colleagues vow to publish her final investigations. “Anna’s work won’t be buried,” said a fellow reporter, who requested anonymity. “The world will know what she died for.”

The Ministry of Justice has pledged a full audit of detention facility protocols, though for many, the reforms come too late. Kournikova’s legacy, however, endures—a stark reminder of the peril faced by those who dare to expose the shadows.

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Svetlana Golikov is a senior national defense reporter for Zelenogorsk Pravda, specializing in conflict and corruption investigations. Additional reporting contributed by Pavel Ivanov.

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

Chernarus Forces Prevail in Brutal Leskovets Campaign; Valbono and Damyanovo Held Against Separatist Onslaught

 Zelenogorsk Pravda

October 15, 2023
By Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Correspondent

Svetlana Golikova for Zelenogorsk Pravda

In a series of grueling battles over the past week, forces of the Chernarus 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade have repelled separatist attempts to seize key villages in northern Leskovets, securing critical victories at Valbono and Damyanovo despite staggering losses. Classified operational summaries reveal a campaign marked by tactical adaptation, foreign intervention, and the resilience of Chernarusian troops in the face of overwhelming odds.

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The Twin Battles of Valbono: A Costly Triumph

The village of Valbono, a strategic gateway to southern Leskovets, became the focal point of two brutal clashes. Initial intelligence indicated separatist plans to fortify the village for a southward offensive. On May 25, the 1st Battalion launched Operation OP2505-09-7, deploying BTR infantry squads, T-72 tanks, and BRDM scout cars. The assault quickly faltered as separatist forces—a mix of Russian militia, Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) special forces, and local levies—destroyed reconnaissance vehicles and repelled disorganized advances. By nightfall, all armored assets were lost, and the village was briefly retaken by the enemy.

Undeterred, the 1st Battalion counterattacked the next day (OP2505-16-1), bolstered by two additional T-72 tanks from the battalion commander’s personal guard. This time, forces encountered foreign combatants: North Korean regulars and Spanish troops fighting alongside separatists. Concentrated armor and disciplined infantry charges shattered enemy lines, though losses remained devastating. Every BTR, BRDM, and three T-72s were destroyed. Yet, the tide turned as reinforcements secured the village.

“The commitment of extra tanks proved decisive,” noted 2nd Army Corps analysts. “Enemy counterattacks dissolved under concentrated fire.”

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Salash and Damyanovo: Halting the Northern Advance

To the west, the 4th Battalion faced its own crucible. On May 16, Operation OP2505-16-2 disrupted a separatist bid to capture Salash. Despite losing two T-72s and the command squad, Chernarusian forces annihilated eight enemy BMPs and two tanks. The victory was pyrrhic but critical.

The following day, separatists shifted focus to Damyanovo (OP2505-16-3). Ambushed by Russian naval infantry and Chechen militia, the 4th Battalion fought a desperate holding action. Reinforcing T-55 tanks and infantry repelled waves of attackers, including Spanish regulars attempting to flank positions. By operation’s end, both BMPs and three tanks were lost, but separatist forces suffered catastrophic losses—three T-55s, a T-72, and multiple UAVs.

“Their mechanized units bogged down in the terrain,” recounted an acting commander. “We turned their ambition into a graveyard.”

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Foreign Forces Exposed: A Coalition Against Chernarus

Operational reports confirm alarming details: separatist ranks included not only Russian proxies but Spanish regulars, North Korean troops, and Chechen fighters. UAVs and advanced armor suggest external backing, though analysts stopped short of naming state sponsors.

“This was no ragtag militia,” a 2nd Army Corps officer stated anonymously. “Their coordination and equipment point to a deliberate, multinational effort to destabilize Leskovets.”

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Aftermath: Holding the Line

While Chernarus retains control of Valbono and Damyanovo, the human and material costs are severe. Over 15 armored vehicles were destroyed across the operations, with infantry units decimated. Yet, commanders emphasize the strategic outcome: separatist capabilities in northern Leskovets are “shattered for the foreseeable future.”

General Vadim Nabokov praised troops for their “unyielding resolve,” while Colonel Denis Rozhkov underscored lessons learned: “Adaptation under fire—and the courage to commit reserves—made the difference.”

As rebuilding begins, questions linger over foreign involvement. For now, however, Chernarusian flags fly over villages paid for in blood.

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

LEAKED DOCUMENTS REVEAL COSTLY BATTLES AND CIVILIAN CONTROVERSY IN NORTHWESTERN CHERNARUS

Zelenogorsk Pravda reporter Svetland Golikova

 Zelenogorsk Pravda

Defense & Security Bulletin
By Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Reporter
Dateline: Zelenogorsk, Chernarus — May 11th, 2025

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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MILITARY SHORTFALLS AND LEAKED RECOMMENDATIONS

Admiral Kravchuk’s reports acknowledge critical weaknesses:

1. No counterbattery systems were available to neutralize separatist mortars in Yalmta, leading to preventable casualties.

2. Repair units were not deployed during key operations, forcing crews to abandon damaged tanks and scout cars.

3. 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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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

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⚠️ 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.

Checkpoint Clash in Northwest Chernarus: Peace Activists and Military Dispute Incident

Svetlana Golikova

 by Svetlana Golikova, 

National Defense Writer, Zelenogorsk Pravda

Northwest Chernarus —Activists from the Chernarussian peace organization Trees for Peace accused military police of firing on their unarmed vehicle without warning in northwest Chernarus, destroying the car in an incident that has reignited tensions over civilian access to conflict zones. While no injuries were reported, the group claims the attack underscores escalating risks to civilians, while a military source alleges the activists ignored checkpoint protocols.

Activists’ Account:

Spokesman Vyacheslav Komorov stated the group was en route to investigate claims from the village of Yalmta that Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) armored vehicles had demolished buildings during operations. “We were fired upon suddenly—no warnings, no chance to comply,” Komorov said, calling the incident “reckless” and vowing to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Defense. The activists’ vehicle, riddled with gunfire, was rendered inoperable.

Military Response:

An anonymous source within the Chernarus Coastal Operations Group (ChCOG), the logistical command overseeing domestic military activities, countered that the activists’ vehicle breached a checkpoint. “Protocol mandates disabling vehicles that evade inspection,” the source explained, emphasizing soldiers are trained to target engines, not occupants. The ChCOG claims checkpoints in the region—unlike restrictive zones such as Leskovets—allow civilian passage but require compliance with searches for weapons or propaganda.

Regional Policy Divide:

The incident highlights inconsistent military policies across Chernarus. While regions like Leskovets enforce full lockdowns during operations, northwest checkpoints permit civilian traffic with advisories about “assuming the same risks as soldiers” in active zones. The ChCOG source attributed discrepancies to “corps commanders’ discretion,” a point likely to fuel scrutiny over accountability.

Broader Context:

Northwest Chernarus remains a hotspot for counterinsurgency operations, with frequent clashes between CDF troops and rebel factions. Civilian groups like Trees for Peace have long criticized the military’s transparency, particularly after reports of property destruction. This latest confrontation raises questions about balancing security measures with civilian safety, as Komorov warned, “When dissent is met with bullets, peace becomes collateral.”

Next Steps:

The Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on the pending complaint. Meanwhile, analysts urge clarity on checkpoint protocols and civilian advisories to prevent further escalation. As Chernarus’ conflict drags on, the divide between frontline realities and grassroots peace efforts grows ever starker.

Svetlana Golikov is a National Defense writer for Zelenogorsk Pravda, covering military affairs and civil security. Additional reporting contributed by Pavel Voronin.

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

Clash Over Staroye Artillery Strike: Peace Group Accuses Chernarus Military of Cover-Up

By Svetlana Golikova, 

National Defense Writer

ZELENOGORSK — A Chernarussian peace advocacy group has leveled explosive allegations against the government, claiming the Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) deliberately shelled the village of Staroye in eastern South Zagoria and concealed responsibility for the destruction. The accusations, met with swift denial from military officials, have ignited a bitter public dispute over transparency in ongoing counterinsurgency operations.

At a press conference near the Balota naval aviation base, Trees for Peace spokesperson Ruslan Belvidorov presented video footage purportedly showing a Chernarus rocket artillery vehicle firing moments before shells devastated Staroye, destroying 60% of its structures. “The government is lying to its citizens,” Belvidorov declared. “This was not separatist aggression—it was our own artillery that turned Staroye to rubble.”

The Chernarus Coastal Operations Group (ChCOG), the strategic command overseeing the region, dismissed the claims as “dangerous misinformation.” An anonymous ChCOG press representative asserted the video actually depicts a counterbattery unit—a system designed to locate and neutralize enemy artillery—firing in response to separatist attacks. “The CDF saved Staroye from total annihilation,” the representative said. “Our forces destroyed at least one hostile artillery piece poised to strike again.”

Contradictory Narratives, Mounting Questions

Belvidorov criticized the military’s refusal to engage with his group, revealing that repeated attempts to contact commanders of the 4th Light Mountain Rifle Brigade and its 1st Battalion were “rebuffed.” “What is the Army hiding?” he demanded. “If their actions were justified, why silence?”

The ChCOG defended the opacity, citing operational security: “Field commanders cannot divert resources to press inquiries during active combat.” The representative further argued that the task force entered Staroye only after separatist shelling ceased, enabling troops to fortify defenses ahead of a “massive combined arms attack” by insurgents. Both sides suffered “heavy casualties,” the representative noted, but the village remained under government control.

Belvidorov rejected this timeline, insisting commanders could not have pinpointed artillery impacts without entering the strike zone. “You don’t march into an active bombardment,” he countered. “The military knew where shells landed but not their origin—unless they fired them themselves.”

A Village Caught in the Crossfire

Staroye, a rural settlement of fewer than 800 residents, has been a flashpoint in the grinding conflict between Chernarus and separatist factions in South Zagoria. The ChCOG maintained that counterbattery operations and the subsequent ground defense “prepared the battlefield” to repel insurgents. Yet locals describe a harrowing scene. “The earth shook for hours,” said one displaced villager, who requested anonymity. “Whether it was our army or rebels, we paid the price.”

With no independent verification of the artillery’s origin, the dispute underscores deepening mistrust between Chernarus’ military and civilian watchdogs. As reconstruction efforts limp forward, Trees for Peace vows to release additional evidence, while the ChCOG urges “faith in our defenders.”

For now, Staroye’s survivors remain trapped between competing narratives—and the rubble of a battle neither side will admit to starting.

Svetlana Golikova is a national defense writer for Zelenogorsk Pravda, specializing in military affairs and security policy.

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

Chernarus Forces Repel Separatist Armor Assaults in North Zagoria; Civilian Atrocities Mount

By Svetlana Golikova, 

National Defense Writer

Zelenogorsk Pravda | May 5th, 2025

ZELENOGORSK — The frontlines in northern Zagoria have solidified near Vladimirovka-Yelenovka-Volnovakha-Bogdanova following a week of intense armored clashes, as Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) repelled repeated separatist assaults. The Chernarus 10th Separate Tank Brigade spearheaded operations, inflicting heavy losses on rebel forces while sustaining limited casualties, according to the Chernarus Coastal Operations Group (ChCOG).

In four major engagements, separatist factions lost three heavy tanks, two medium armored vehicles, and multiple technicals and drones, while government forces reported the destruction of only two BMP infantry fighting vehicles. The decisive encounter occurred near Volnovakha, where ChCOG field commanders attributed the lopsided outcome to the separatists’ “dire logistical shortages,” crippling their combat effectiveness.

Logistical Woes Fuel Separatist Desperation

Anonymous ChCOG sources claim rebel commanders, grappling with supply chain collapses, have escalated extortion campaigns against civilians to seize fuel, funds, and conscripts. These tactics, however, have failed to alleviate operational crises. “Pogroms only deepen local hostility,” a source stated, noting that such atrocities divert CDF resources toward humanitarian interventions, increasing risks for troops without strategic gains.

Lists, Mass Graves, and Militia Brutality

Recent operations uncovered grim evidence of separatist coercion. In Volnovakha, slain rebel commanders carried lists of alleged “assassins” targeting civilians—names intelligence officials deem possibly fictitious. “These lists circulate for months. We question if they’re real or just tools of terror,” a ChCOG officer revealed.

Elsewhere, mass graves linked to separatist-aligned “local levies” exposed a pattern of brutality. Rebel units recruit civilian sympathizers as militias, tasking them with arresting perceived threats. Detainees face summary execution or deportation to separatist strongholds. “These militias act as judge, jury, and executioner,” a source said, stressing that such tactics paralyze civilian cooperation, forcing CDF reliance on drones and aerial surveillance for intelligence.

Agents in the Shadows

Despite challenges, ChCOG operatives deploy volunteer agents in occupied zones to track rebel movements. “Their courage keeps us informed,” an official acknowledged, though aerial assets remain critical as trust in besieged communities erodes.

Strategic Stalemate

While CDF retains battlefield dominance, ChCOG sources warn that humanitarian crises risk prolonging the conflict. “Every atrocity hardens resolve but drains resources,” one admitted. With no end in sight, the path to stability remains fraught, as military success contends with the human toll of separatist desperation.

Svetlana Golikova is a national defense correspondent for the Zelenogorsk Pravda, specializing in conflict reporting. Additional sourcing by Selena Gomez.

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