Through it all, they have had ample help from Russia’s professional and state-sponsored Cossack forces, who have come by the thousands to defend what they see as historically Russian lands. They have manned checkpoints on its highways, guarded the headquarters of its separatist government, patrolled the streets with their ceremonial whips in hand and are now helping build and defend fortifications on the de facto Crimean border with Ukraine.
Then, at Cherkashin’s command, they shouted the celebratory Cossack salute - “ Lyubo!”įor the past two weeks, the Cossacks - a caste of warriors who have guarded the borders of the Russian empire for centuries - have played a key role in the Russian occupation of Crimea. You understand? It’s all about finances!” At this, the group of men looked around at one another and grumbled in approval. “That means state recognition, it means training for our cadets,” Cherkashin explained to his Cossack commanders, who are known as atamans. It would mean a chance to be integrated into the Russian security forces - just like their Cossack brothers to the east have been under Russian President Vladimir Putin. Next week, a referendum on Crimea’s independence from Ukraine will open the door for Russia to annex the entire Crimean Peninsula, and for the local Cossack paramilitary groups, that marks the opportunity of a lifetime.
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