Senior military commander suspended over past links to Donetsk separatists

Source: Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine

Serhii Salavatov, who became a commander of the 107th separate battalion in August, faces suspension after an explosive reports about his alleged ties to the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic”

The Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) admitted that they have no prior information confirming Salavatov’s involvement with any illegal armed groups linked to the “DPR.” However, after Hromadske.ua published their investigation, TDF leadership launched an inquiry into the situation.

In an official statement, TDF Command said: “Given the information published on social media on October 16, 2024, TDF Command has launched an internal investigation. During the investigation period, Serhii Salavatov will be suspended from his duties. A final decision will be made based on the outcome of this investigation.”

The earlier report by Hromadske.ua revealed that Salavatov had contacts with separatists in Donetsk.  Starting in 2014, his social media profiles displayed posts shared from pro-Russian and separatist groups. Salavatov later deleted the posts, claiming his ex-wife got access to his social media accounts to share those posts.

Reporters learned that Salavatov allegedly made phone calls to Mezhlum Damirchan, a senior official of the DNR internal ministry- the latter is now on the wanted list in Ukraine.

Adding to the controversy, phone records showed that Salavatov called hotlines to enlist in the so-called “people’s militia” in May, 2014.

It is also alleged that Salavatov was in touch with Anton Kalchenko, a “DPR” militant, and Oleksandr Alekseiev, a member of the so-called Kramatorsk “General Assembly” that helped create the “people’s militia” in Donetsk. Salavatov denied he knows neither of the men.

His phone number was also listed on  a Russian recruitment website for militants and mercenaries. The mounting evidence suggests that Salavatov even participated in the 2014 “independence referendum” in Donetsk.