Igor Strelkov gave a detailed press conference in Donetsk (video)

After a long informational break caused by the redeployment of Slavyansk forces to Donetsk, the Donbass military leader gave a detailed press conference. In his usual explicit manner, he revealed the actual state of affairs at the front.

«The territory of the city of Donetsk is huge, as well as the territory of DNR. Effectively defending them in the situation of absolute technical superiority of our enemies is very difficult. Approximately 8–10 thousand people would have been enough to stop the Ukrainian army throughout Novorossia and go on the offensive. We are still short of people, but we will fight with the forces that we have. «

«Every man has to make a choice. If someone considers himself a man, he must defend his homeland. Not all possess moral and fighting qualities that make a good fighter but 3 months brought just a handful of volunteers, in the land where people are used to working in mines and coming face to face with danger. Many would join the militia in case some of social guarantees are given. And social security measures will be there. We will start with a salary for volunteers, about 8000 UAH (less than $1000) . «

«I request the people of Donetsk to show some understanding for the people who arrived here: for months they lived in a state of stress, facing death threat. Not all of them were prepared for getting into the peaceful city from the trenches. There were instances when some fighters thinking themselves big heroes, behaved inappropriately and rudely. Again, I apologize for any of such actions of my fighters. We fight the disorderliness with the toughest of methods. We do follow the rule of law and severely punish serious crimes and banditry. Perpetrators of such crimes will be immediately brought in front of the field courts, regardless of their relation to the militia. «