Russia Begins Controversial Psychiatric Evaluation of Captured Ukrainian Pilot

[Igel]

9. It's routine intimidation and humiliation.

When Ukr troops crossed the border, rank-and-file soldiers were allowed back but officers were fingerprinted and copies of their documents made.

Numerous--hundreds--of charges have been alleged against people from Kolomoyskyi and Taruta down to artillerymen and soldiers accused of war crimes, ethnic crimes, intimidation, etc.

Some of it could have the purpose of allowing confiscation of property and funds. Some is just intimidation--they can no longer travel freely, since Interpol's been apprised of some and has no way of saying, "Sorry, that's a political charge masquerading as a criminal case." Some merely restricts the people from visiting Russia or, as it turns out, the Crimea and parts of the Donbas that many hail from or have friends in.

All of it is, of course, PR.

The torture done by pro-Russians, tying up people to poles so others can humiliate and beat them, none of that counts. In fact, none of it is reported. One woman, now a political appointee in Ukraine, was knocked to the ground and beaten--broken nose and ribs, massive bruising. When her attacker was finally identified, Moscow furnished the attacker asylum, a warm welcome, and a stipend as a guest.