Tymchuk: Insurgents and Cossacks vying for control in Antratsyt

REUTERS

"The Russian army units that have been stationed there remain neutral and intervene in conflicts between the Cossacks and the local terrorists only if there is a risk of direct armed confrontation," Tymchuk said.

"There are constant showdowns between the contenders for power. In particular, the Cossacks seek financial assistance from the Luhansk People’s Republic and access to the distribution of the humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation," Tymchuk said.

"At the same time, during the last week we observed the departure of Cossacks from the territory of the Donbas to the Russian Federation," Tymchuk added.