I recorded a fragment of the radio conversation and – despite C Sector’s accusation that we had illegally negotiated with the enemy – the audio proves that our commander refused to surrender or quit. Here is the transcript:
COMMANDER: I’m asking you, where did you get my radio?
BONDAR: From a captive. He’s alive …
COMMANDER: Brother, please tell me his nickname.
BONDAR: Not now. I have to find those who took him. My people are going for him now … Man, I don’t know what you think of our talks, but let’s resolve the issue!
COMMANDER: I’m repeating to you that yesterday a ceasefire was declared. We don’t want to kill anyone. We want peace. Do you understand me?
BONDAR: I understand you. But this ceasefire … Look, we don’t attack your Poltava or Kyiv! Not one of us went to your EuroMaidan protest when you stood there with guns.
COMMANDER: I came not from Maidan. I’m a professional army officer. I have my orders. I came here according to my instructions. What should I do – become a coward?
BONDAR: No, I don’t say that. But you should consider that you are fighting ordinary people – miners. And you have children at home. Why do you shell us? We want to stop this stupid war.
[At this point, other Ukrainian servicemen from a volunteer battalion nicknamed “Donbas” joined the radio conversation …]
DONETSK: Hey, “Bondar”, I hear you well. I’m personally from Donetsk and fight for my land. If you want peace, come to us in peace, and there will be no war. But if you want war, then it will continue.
BONDAR: I understand. Then let’s meet! Are you really from Donetsk?
DONETSK: Yep, brother, I’m from Donetsk. And I saw how all this separatism scenario started, and who paid for it and managed it! So please stop assuring us that you guys came in peace. I want to make my home in Donetsk. And 80 per cent in my detachment are Donetsk citizens. But you f***ers fight against our own people, our citizens, and my parents: so stop saying that you fight against the West!
[There was no reply from “Bondar”…]
DONETSK: Look, I’m talking to you in the proper Russian language! But we continue firing at each other. Your DPR or LPR – it doesn’t matter to me what state formation you’re trying to set up – you should finally chose: where are you going and what do you want? But people know what they want for a long time – people want peace! Why do you need to fire at anyone?
BONDAR: I agree with you! I am also against this war: so I am going to talk with you in person, but without being targeted by weapons. Let’s solve the issue!
[The commander of 40 Battalion rejoins the conversation …]
COMMANDER: And I’m telling you as well – let’s sort something out. Let’s make peace. But you and I alone will not make peace, right? I will not leave my positions. Do you hear and understand me?
BONDAR [sadly]: I hear you … Some of yours are firing at us from grenade launchers now.
COMMANDER: And I was just shelled by something heavier … Look, I am for peace. But if we agree to make peace, then this peace will not be according to your rules only, but by mutual consent.
BONDAR: Let’s have mutual consent! Let’s solve it! But tell your guys to stop firing at us. And let’s meet finally to talk in person, not by radio!
Originally Posted by OUTLAW 09
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