The American Volunteer in the Donbas Battalion: Russian Roulette (Dispatch 66)
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- Опубликовано: 31 май 2024
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In this dispatch, VICE News correspondent Simon Ostrovsky interviews an American volunteer in the Donbas Battalion to find out why he joined the unit, and what he thinks about the crisis in Ukraine.
Read Now: The Only American Fighting For Ukraine Dies in Battle - bit.ly/1sVlz5h
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Check out "Crimea: A Look Inside the New Russian Territory" - bit.ly/1mjdFuH
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RIP Franko. Even if you didn't agree with his aims, you have to respect the man for giving up a life of comfort and luxury in the United States to travel to Ukraine and fight for an idea. He was an investment banker in the US and graduated from West Point, but insisted on being a private and using the same equipment as the rest of the men. Unfortunately, it was this very humility which ultimately caused his death. Had he been better protected by body armor he wouldn't have died from shrapnel.
Damn... Gerojam slava.
DontNeedToKnow84 he did what he felt was the right thing to do whether he died or not he died doing what he wanted to do
@@charlesholmes1598 Assuming the right thing to do is go to a country that previously defeated fascism that just got a fascist dictatorship artificial construct taking up the name of a spanish dictator get the hate of the silent majority who finally told on him and let the dpr clean him out. Some rightful guy there...
@@syntheticdawn4992 what the hell are you talking about, jeez
@@syntheticdawn4992 there are far right groups in the Russian separatists
I am proud that Simon Ostrovsky was able to secure Franko's legacy before his passing so at least his message and story can be passed on.
this is a real reason to go to war, to protect your land from foriegn invaders.
nobody invaded anyone. Its ukrainian nationalists vs russian speaking ukrainians and not russians...
so what happened in Crimea is what then?
xpowerlegendx
Other than all the separatist leadership you mean?
xpowerlegendx If you've seen previous dispatches it shows separatist with Russian ID's and passports. Not to mention theres a separatist training camp in Moscow..
lol he deleted his comment. what a little Ruski bitch
the american fighter "Franko" in this video died in battle on august 19 2014. He seems like a genuinely good person and was willing to put his life on the line for what he truly believed in. Its sad to learn that he died. History will show that you died for a good cause. RIP hero!!
Fast forward to 7, September, 2022...
He should of stayed home. The idiot.
RIP Brother!
fights with nazis, got what he deserved.
:) lolol
David Stickney takes a Nazi to know one he ain't no Nazi I see no dead Jews here so.....your statement is irralvent
Roma whatever you fuck... Google babi yar same mother fuckers as your right sector
Roman Power What are you talking about there was a lot of anti-jewish violence there.
We lost "Franko" on the 19th of August in the battle for Illovaysk... Rest in peace, Hero of Ukraine!!!
***** Russian trolls have no brain, no heart, and no soul.
The end of NovoRuSSia is near. Russia is next. And after Russia dies China will rip Russians to pieces
@@yurylevin7133 Russia China north Korea whoever wants it! Слава Украина
Scrappy zohan I see your brain is full of shit dude
@@andriangladiuc3223 that is a russia
ruclips.net/video/Vb1IymGkBjI/видео.html
And the second is from DNR
ruclips.net/video/XdH08Wc5--s/видео.html
@@coldturkey5333 Are you American saying that?
I dont care were your from. The dombas battalion mentalety should be in every person. You should not fight for money. But for your flag, people, etc. I respect the dombas batalion. i hope one day i could do the same thing for my country
*****
So according to that logic, an ethnic Russian in Donetsk or Lugansk who stands up and fights for his people and for his flag, against Ukraine, would be okay? Is that not the Donbass battalion mentality? Most of the separatists (and they are separatists not terrorists, we really need to stop throwing that word at every group we disagree with) are from that area and are fighting for the independence of their people. You may not agree that they should get independence, but that does not change the fact that they are fighting for freedom, against a regime/country that they see as not representing them.
"Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Free Man, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth."
A man who fights for his country is far superior to a man who fights for money.
*****
Those insurgents are not pursuing the reunification with Russia. They voted to set up their own independent state separate from Ukraine because nazis seized the power in Kiev via illegal coup d'etat.
It's been 7 years Franco, RIP.
R.I.P Hero!
Thank you, friend of Ukraine
One of your best interviews. This was great.
Everybody has the right to declare independence! Americans should agree with me on this aspect. If Eastern Ukraine can win against Western Ukraine, they deserve the land! Same thing goes for Western Ukraine. I'm hoping East Ukraine wins so their bloodshed did not go in vain.
Independence what you're talking about. It is simple any attempt steal land by Russia
Bet J bullshit. East Ukraine wants to become independent.
bullshit. Putller wants to have East Ukraine on the list his property
Bet J Calling him Putler proves your incompetence. Russia is the largest nation in the world, annexing Eastern Ukraine would not benefit Russia, it would only create problems.
He is not only Putller is has blood on his hands and bandits mentality for such kind of person world may expect the worst things
May he rest in peace now. I admire his bravery to stand up for freedom.
The Only American Fighting For Ukraine Dies in Battle: news.vice.com/article/the-only-american-fighting-for-ukraine-dies-in-battle
Rest In Peace, Frank.
Diimaa I just heard on the news that he is dead.
Diimaa more like Rest in piss
John Connor fuck you
***** and fuck you
Rest In Peace Mark Paslawsky....I honor your commitment and fight against Russian aggression and Russian rebels in Ukraine...Please respect and honor the only American in last decade to die fighting against the Soviets....I mean Ruskies....
Thank you with much love and honor from Texas,
RGP
not R.I.P for american invader on Russian Land
Donetsk Peoples Republic - russian etnos, russian language, Russian Land
DPR - this is NOT Ukraine !
@@titwi5656Cope and seethe vatnik
"To me it's all about revolution right now." We meet "Franko," the American fighting in #Ukraine's war. Check out all of our Ukraine coverage here: news.vice.com/topic/ukraine
Great insight, great interview, thanks heaps. Stay safe brah
***** You are incorrect, it's Russians who shut it down.
***** You've got to be kidding, are you not?
andra killpauk
yup. that's what cnn says
drusha1 cnn. lol.
R.I.P.
I-hate-Google CIA guy. Not to be sure about anything...
Jack London
Sure. a CIA guy serving as a private :D I think you should stop taking those pills. Or start taking some.
Franko was a champion of freedom and a proud warrior of the highest ethics. Today, long after Franko's death he has his desire of other Americans joining his defense of human freedom.in Ukraine.
RIP Franko, A true warrior.
It was reported that "Franko" perished today in a battle near Donetsk.
RIP, our brother.
The best of this world will always remember you.
Americans, your ancestors also considered separatists in England. Why now you do not support those who fight for their freedom.
because that was over 200 years ago dumbfuck. there is no one (at least that i know of) that fought in that war thats alive today. which means that its ancient fuckin history. and a different story.
Ukraine right now fighting for freedom against russian aggression so it means that America is on the correct side of this war.
Because the Media shows only those who support separatism. According to this poll:
www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2014%20April%205%20IRI%20Public%20Opinion%20Survey%20of%20Ukraine,%20March%2014-26,%202014.pdf
45% believe that Ukraine should be a unitary state with Crimea, with 8% believe that Ukraine should be a unitary state without Crimea. 4% wanted Ukraine to break into several states. 26% wanted federalism. That was Eastern Ukrainians. The overall opinion of Ukraine is, not surprising at all, against separatism.
The move for separatism isn't the wish of the Ukrainian people, it is only the will of Russia.
Bet J lol, said so on cnn and fox news?
Псакин сын We (Americans) don't believe our government in blind way. We know what word democracy means. We may say that someone from govt is lying. I don't think that this same is in Russia. My personal thinking going straight from me.
I hope that Russia will lose that game.
Thank you, never knew you but will remember you always ,got protecting my land
If anybody knows anything about the Spanish Civil War 1930's would have heard of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. This is not new. This guy is not CIA he's just feels strongly about a cause. Most Americans are not that passionate about anything but their cable. I don't agree with the guys cause but my hats off to somebody who believes in something enough to put his hide on the line.
Sadly that man died. He went out fighting and defending.
Any plans for Eddie Huang fresh off the boat: Ukraine
Swift lol^
Congratulations for the only good commentary.
we are working on it XD
7 years without you:(
Rest In Peace, Warrior! You were a great friend to my husband 💙💛
He was a terrorist.
Rest in Peace!
RIP Franko, thank you...
Rest In Peace
Wow after watching now 11/2022
Спасибо друг.
I've been asked by Dutch guy on reddit how he can join Ukrainian army to fight the terrorists. I didn't think he was serious. but now I am pleasantly surprised that there are people who really want to help Ukrainians in fight with terrorussia.
thanks you all guys for support!
Pluto,
The Donbass rebels simply wanted a referendum to determine their land's own future. For that reason they were labeled terrorists.
@@kneelingcatholic Слава Донбасс
@@kneelingcatholic the referendum is a sham. Any referendum with Russian involvement is a staged event to get the results Putin desires. It's not even something a sane person will deny
Hugh,
a couple of things,
1. do a search for 2014 Guardian article 'Putin says eastern Ukraine referendum on autonomy should be postponed'....
my point is that the 2014 referenda in Donbass were held in IN DEFIANCE OF RUSSIA as well as of Ukraine. Donbass voted for independence.
2. look up the 2010 Ukraine election. (even wiki will do) Donbass voted 85% for Yanukovich. False referendum or not, it should not be hard to understand Donbass frustration when the president they elected got run out of office by a mob throwing molotov cocktails.🙁
I love how comments are so fit together
Main comment: Pro-this
Reply: Pro-that
Pro-this
Pro-that
Pro-this
Pro-that
Wow, if only everyone had listened to him early on. RIP
RIP FRANKO
Thank you ! Glory to the hero !
RIP Mark Gregory Paslawsky. You died fighting the good fight. May your deeds live on throughout the decades.
RIP. Franco died yesterday near Donieck.
RIP :(
How do you get in contact with these guys?
The Donbas Battalion and Symeon Sementchenko are not regular army, nor have they been directly involved in heavy combat until recently. Donbas battalion is a Punisher/ Cleansing Battalion that goes from village to village and city to city after it is cleared of militia. Their only purpose has been the mutilation and mass murder of defenseless, unarmed people.
Strange, official Kiev insists there are no foreign nationals in their military or private funded battalions.
he has a ukrainian citizenship
He said that is has Ukrainian citizenship because his parents descent
If he has dual citizenship he is unable to serve and is in fact subject to criminal prosecution. According to Ukrainian federal law dual citizenship is strictly forbidden, unless you are an oligarch...
VoodooRabbit Garuda So according to you, the "pro-russians" in eastern Ukraine are not russians since they were born and raised in Ukraine, right?
Well some of them, as we know a lot were actually born and raised in Russia.
@@Makiave1i duel citizenship is illegal in Ukraine.
RIP
"Franko",thank you so much!
Chechen fighters in Ukraine no one bats an eye, but an American in Ukraine and everybody loses their minds.
Because it's not part of the plan.
may GOD bless you Franko'' the American and the Ukraine for your good deeds may god be with you ...peace
amazing interview, thank you.
Rest in peace
Extremely proud of this man.
Amazing guy. More power to him. Glory to Ukraine!
So Ukraine has to rely on some old guy from America, who can hardly walk?
An AK 47 doesn't care if you are old or young. The "separatists" are going down. Victory Day is just around the corner for Ukraine.
Alex Marshall
we'll see. Victory Day has been arround the corner for months now, my guess is that Kiew is running out of steam. In any case, if the Russians decide that they had enough, this clowns are finished.
Scherbenkacks I've seen a veteran in his 60's do 20 pull-ups in 30 seconds. I wouldn't underestimate this guy just because he's an elder.
ClintEastwood711
Just look at the way he moves, he is way past his prime.
R.I.P. Man(
Heroes will never die
RIP!
He is the man! Mad respect to him.
Да уж... Сегодня он погиб под Иловайском.
Wow vice, why is this not on your website?! But can be found on you tube. I've noticed certain Russian roulette videos are maybe "censored from being on the app? Weird
This guy , "Franko" , was a hero.
he got what he deserved for joining a fight that was nothing to do with him
John Bodnar
None of those things are true. Even if they were, this Yankee got what he deserved.
69
You are a liar
John Bodnar
I speak the truth.
69
I provided facts , you did not.
this video explains why the army has been treated so badly by the current Ukraine government.. because most of the people in the Ukrainian army actually do not believe that the current government should be the government.
Proven totally wrong in the last 8 months huh?
@@Hugh-Glass no not, 8 years ago it was an entirely different situation as nowadays
R.I.P
RIP, Franko :(
Should be more such kind of people like this man. Thank you Simon you are the Great. Very interesting.
My brother, a former 18 series (multiple) mos is in Ukraine currently training and advising as a Ukrainian gov.paid contractor.
Company named para-solution security. Lots of decent Americans followed Franko, who was a brave warrior of freedom.
He died today. RIP
RIP...
"The political elite has to be destroyed here."
Amen
Just heard he was killed recently. RIP Franko, you seemed like a gentle and kind man.
In early July, Oleg Dube, one of Donbass Battalions more committed volunteers fighting "separatists" had a falling out with Sementchenko because of the murder and cowardice displayed by the battalion in Nikolaeka. On his facebook page on July 7th he wrote : When they entered Nikolaevka, there were only unarmed townspeople there. They knew going in there was no militia. He describes the battalion filled with cowards shooting everything that moved and throwing grenades into the houses, cellars, and every structure, killing everyone and everything they came across.
RIP.
"He was saying that he was in pain and that he didn't want to die." something u need to know BEFORE u choose to go to war.
Probably, the best news.
RIP Franko and the other members of the Ukrainian Army and the Donbas Batallion, and of course civilians lost in the middle of combat this week. Hopefully Donetsk will be reclaimed soon and the pointless deaths will cease.
Trillions of dollars and millions of people, especially a half million are making sure this intelligent man didn't fight, nor die in vain
R.I.P. He was killed recently :(
A true hero. Вічна йому пам'ять.
This guy is a heroe more Americans should join the Ukranian brothers and join the European brigades. Full support from Italy !!
Слава Герою! R.I.P.
R.I.P. Franko...
Thanks, Simon. I enjoyed listening to this interview.
Good luck and good hunting to the Donbass Battalion.
Long live Ukraine.
phenixwryter This guy was killed by the separatists :)
Rest in Peace,Franko.
Ukraine remember your name.You saved many lives from Russian terror.
RIP Franko. You are braver then most us will ever be.
What part of America is that man from?
Canada,USA,Mexico,Brazil? .-.
Are you stupid?
He said he was born and raised in the U.S. idiot.
dewfan14 It is actually a valid question. He only said America. Not U.S. As far as I noticed, anyway. The U.S.A just happens to wrongfully consider itself to be "America".
He was born in the U.S.
dewfan14 He said America you idiot, America is two continents North and south not a country you stupid shit.! You should go back to school and learn something. ._.
A West Point grad with a heavy NY accent. I wonder how that accent meshes with Ukrainian or Russian-whichever one he speaks. RIP, “Franko.”
R.I.P. Franko
Unfortunately, "Franko" Quote: "died from heavy artillery fire while trying to free the town of Ilovaisk in Donetsk Oblast on Aug. 19 while serving in the volunteer Donbas Battalion."
RIP!
Go america!
Wise words.
2:00 nice Aimpoint on that AK.
Killed in action just 2 weeks after this was uploaded.
Surprise surprise you go to a country proud of defeating nazism and call yourself Franco after the spanish nazi-friendly dictator . Tell me one reason the locals wouldn't rat him out to donbass?
For every troll, don't say a word.
RIP dude
Freedom never was free. RIP, brave soldier!
facebook.com/levin.maks/posts/10203042716081859
Rest in peace Franko.
Rot in pieces. He came to subdue people that did not accept pro-western coup. He participated in murders of innocent women and children. Today he has found what he came for.
Why is Christopher Walken in Ukraine fighting Russian rebels?????? Someone explain this to me please.
Ask your dad Jesus.
LOL imagine Christopher walken doing this interview
His speech pattern though, sounds so much like Christopher Walken.
I like this guy!
Smart guy, Ukraine has to change its old habits for it to transform to a more strong and independent country.
Also: if American volunteer in Ukranian army is good, why Russian volunteers in rebels` squads is bad?
Because Russia is the one invading. This American joined to fight the invasion
@@luvmywohdes1464 US made the crisis at Ukraine
@@user-hr5xz6lm1t ;ddd dalbajob
@@benasoffensive2528 Are you an idiot?
So people from europe going to Iraq to fight the invader was justified? Why do they go to jail for comming back from there fight against the invader?
ДЯКУЮ!
Rip
A true hero! RIP!
RIP brother. We will always remember you.
BRAVO !!! FROM FRANCE !!
regardless the side he's on, he actually sound pretty smart and made some good points. RIP
Rest In Peace, Mark Gregory Paslawsky.
Can someone PLEASE help me to find the cap that Franko is wearing to buy online? (The tan one with the tan ukrainian flag patch) It looks awesome! Thank you so much!
Search online for "Nazi Ukrainian paramilitary". Come model it for me so I can flog you in it.
Oh, come on! This guy decided to have some fun. Let him do his thing.