Hand Signals and Journey to Militia’s Location

The army-backed militias have taken to various fighting tactics and strategies. A militia regiment in southern Ukraine says it has manned a fortified defense fortress to withstand the enemies’ onslaught.

KOMPAS/HARRY SUSILO

A militiaman carrying an anti-tank gun walks out at an armory in southern Ukraine, Wednesday (22/6/2022). The Ukrainian-Russian war is still raging in eastern and southern Ukraine through artillery battles and missile attacks.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted many civilians to take up arms. In addition to enrolling with the state draft, they have joined armed militias to fight Russian troops on the battlefield. Others have opted to contribute to the country in other ways.

The army-backed militias have taken to various fighting tactics and strategies, both offensive and defensive. A militia regiment in southern Ukraine says it has manned a fortified defense fortress to withstand the enemies’ onslaught. After more than a week of communicating with the regiment, followed by authorities’ inspection of the required documents, we were able to visit the site where a militia has taken up position on Wednesday (22/6/2022).

“The enemy closely monitors our position in various ways, whether through satellites, drones, photos on social media or, of course, news media. They have cruise missiles with a range of hundreds of kilometers. If our location is detected, we risk facing shock tactics,” said Rodion, a high-ranking member of the militia regiment.

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They agreed to being videotaped and photographed, on the condition the documentation did not give away any clues as to their geographical location. They were taking any and all means to protect their position.

To access the location, the first thing a member of the press must do is to request permission for access with the top militia officers. Journalists must submit their accreditation issued by the Ukrainian armed forces, their passports as well as the registered number and IMEI of their cellular phones.

Having obtained permission, we set out on our journey to the site, passing through nine checkpoints guarded by dozens of armed men. In several locations, barricades made from concrete blocks and sandbags had been erected to slow approaching vehicles.

Several checkpoints had been reinforced with trenches dug along the road leading to the checkpoints. These trenches measured at least 1 meter wide and 1.5 meter deep, and were around 10 meters long. It was thus impossible for vehicles to pass the road without going through the checkpoints.

Hand signals

Anyone passing the checkpoints is required to present their documents. Military officers and militia members are exempt from the requirement. While they can be recognized by their uniforms, those aboard a vehicle will salute the guards using a hand signal. The guards return it with another gesture in a certain code that is known only among the military and militias.

The hand signals are quick, but the guards can still ask additional questions through more gestures before they allow nonmilitary travelers to pass.

KOMPAS/HARRY SUSILO

A militia bears two anti-tank guns as he exits an armory in southern Ukraine, Wednesday (22/6/2022).

In addition to the road barricades that forces vehicles to slow down, their drivers must comply with the instructions of the armed guards manning the checkpoints. A number of other guards also line the road, all armed with rifles in a ready position. Taking photographs at the checkpoints requires permission.

After driving for almost 100 kilometers, we caught sight of the militia’s location. We arrived and pulled up by a gate, waiting for permission to enter from Rodion, who had been waiting inside the trenches.

On Rodion's orders, the gate was opened and the guards allowed us in. There were a number of warehouses inside the site, which Rodion said was used to store weapons, ammunition, and food. We were not allowed to enter the munitions warehouse.

Munitions warehouse

We were taken on a tour of the munitions warehouse, which was located next to the gate. Rodion allowed us to take photos and videos. Inside were bullets of various calibers, land mines for targeting enemy vehicles and troops, mortar, artillery shells, and rockets. They were from various countries, including the Czech Republic, Finland, Belgium, the United States, and Bangladesh.

As Rodion was showing us the munitions cache, several militia members entered carrying several missile launchers and anti-tank missiles.

Among the anti-tank missiles were US-made Javelins, which have been lauded for their effectiveness in destroying Russian tanks and armored vehicles.

Militia member Dorolenko said contemporary weapons were relatively easy to use. "[We need] to practice only an hour or two. Even monkeys can use it because it's very easy," he joked.

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Dorolenko said militia members needed to have at least basic knowledge about warfare and using weapons. They had to then develop further knowledge on operating artillery, field or anti-air defense guns, as well as driving tanks, he said.

Even if a person met these minimum requirements, they were not automatically eligible to join the national armed forces or the independently administered militia.

"War isn’t simply about bravery. You have to know how to win,” said Sergei, a middle-ranking officer in the Ukrainian armed forces.

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in the wake of the Mariupol siege, the country would continue to fight to protect the lives of its citizens. Hoping for the war to end soon, the Kyiv government knows that rebuilding Ukraine will definitely take huge resources, including human resources.

This article was translated by Musthofid.