Tymchuk: ‘Gasoline war’ raging in Luhansk between militant leaders and ‘Cossacks’

REUTERS

The Cossack group of fighters has cornered the market in fuel illegally brought into Ukraine in part by Russia’s “humanitarian convoys,” according to Tymchuk. 

"There is a gasoline war involving the LNR "Cossack" fighters, who control 80% of the gas stations in the south of Luhansk region,” Tymchuk said.

“The fuel in these areas comes from Russia in two ways – convoys (10 to 15 fuelling vehicles in each column, escorted by armed guards) and through previously arranged contraband routes," Tymchuk wrote.

After a confrontation at the end of January, two gas stations controlled by the Cossacks were burned down as a result of "sabotage,” Tymchuk said.