پرچم‌های قرمز: بررسی تسلیحات و مهمات در درگیری جاری در اوکراین، ۲۰۱۴

Armament Research Services (ARES) is a specialist consultancy which offers technical expertise and analysis to a range of government and non-government entities in the arms and munitions field. This report examines over 100 distinct weapons systems, over 60 different types of munitions, and over 70 different models of armoured fighting vehicles, as well as miscellaneous associated materiel, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to items which may indicate flows of arms and munitions into and within the affected areas of Ukraine. Beginning with an assessment of the arms and munitions employed during the initial unrest in Kiev, in February 2012, the report documents relevant materiel up until the time of publication (November 2014). As is typical of conflict in the internet age, commentators are quick to point to apparent discrepancies in photographs and video as evidence of external assistance. This conflict, with its internecine trappings, has been no exception, notably in the misidentification of various older anti-tank weapons as their modern replacements. Whilst information warfare undoubtedly has a role to play, many of these errors need not be the product of deliberate propaganda. The complex history of Soviet and Russian weapons development has resulted in the erroneous identifications of certain weapons systems. This report examines the significant range of arms and munitions carried and employed throughout the conflict by armed individuals on all sides. It also examines, somewhat less extensively, the range of armoured vehicles and aircraft observed in the conflict. The contents of the report represent only an initial assessment of materiel documented in Ukraine. This assessment relies primarily on publicly released material made available through mainstream media sources and social media platforms. This is supplemented by material collected directed by journalists, NGO workers, and local sources on the ground. To what degree is Russia supplying the weapons that are helping antigovernment forces in Ukraine sustain their secessionist movement? This report on the weapons and military vehicles used in the Ukraine conflict provides evidence for both sides of the argument. The report cites several examples of cross-border materiel support to separatists and rebels fighting the government in Kiev. Certain items the researchers came across gave their team pause, as these weapons had been introduced into service only after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union or had never been documented outside the countries that developed them. The team was able to positively identify 20 weapons systems in Ukraine that had never previously been exported from their country of origin. Nineteen of those came from Russia, and one was from Poland. From Russia, ARES identified exotic killing tools like the VSS suppressed marksman rifle, heavy armor like the T-72B3 main battle tank, and newer thermobaric rocket launchers like the MRO-A that have not been seen outside the Federation's borders. The lone Polish flag item was the PPZR Grom man-portable air defense missile system, which ARES spotted in a YouTube video released by the Ukrainian military. The missile was manufactured in 2007, according to markings painted on its exterior. But the report also draws conclusions that counter the widely accepted narrative that the insurgents depend on Russian materiel This report represents the culmination of months of research, identifying and examining over 100 different weapons systems, more than 60 different munitions, and more than 70 different armoured vehicles documented in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The report details a number of so-called flag weapons which have likely been supplied by foreign states, including materiel produced after the fall of the Soviet Union, and up to present day. It also examines the use of cluster munitions, incendiary weapons, white phosphorus, land mines, and tactical ballistic missiles. The contents of the report represent only an initial assessment of materiel documented in Ukraine. This assessment relies primarily on publicly released material made available through mainstream media sources and social media platforms. This is supplemented by material collected directed by journalists, NGO workers, and local sources on the ground. This Report Examines The Significant Range Of Arms And Munitions Carried And Employed Throughout The Conflict By Armed Individuals On All Sides. It Also Examines, Somewhat Less Extensively, The Rangeof Armoured Vehicles And Aircraft Observed In The Conflict. This Report Examines Over 100 Distinct Weapons Systems, Over 60 Different Types Of Munitions, And Over 70 Different Models Of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, As Well As Miscellaneous Associated Materiel,in The Context Of The Ongoing Conflict In Ukraine. Particular Attention Is Paid To Items Which Mayindicate Flows Of Arms And Munitions Into And Within The Affected Areas Of Ukraine. Beginning With Anassessment Of The Arms And Munitions Employed During The Initial Unrest In Kiev, In February 2012, The Report Documents Relevant Materiel Up Until The Time Of Publication