Russian bikers take lead at block posts in Crimea. Pic here of commander of post blocking east-west highway. #ukraine pic.twitter.com/9LHf5G2Az9
— Alan Cullison (@AlanCullison) February 28, 2014
Some kind of war. Biker dudes and military without insignia.
Update:
Here’s more on the bikers.
Via ABC:
While a group of camouflaged, armed militiamen patrolled Crimea’s main airport today, there was a second gang of tough-looking men who showed up to join the pro-Russia side to take control of this mostly Russian enclave of southern Ukraine.
The tattooed and bejewelled crew was decked out in leather, black jeans and heavy boots, with patches of a wolf and flame stitched onto their vests. They were the Russian biker gang, the “Night Wolves.” They’ve modeled themselves on the Hell’s Angels, and President Putin has been known to don a leather jacket and ride with them.
Its president, Hirurg, had just landed from Moscow and the local Simferopol chapter was there to pick him up (alas, in a car, not on Harleys). Burly and broad-shouldered, Hirurg sported a goatee, sideburns and a friendly — if intimidating — demeanour. “Hirurg” means surgeon in Russian and he said he was an actual surgeon (having watched every season of “Sons of Anarchy,” I was disappointed the name wasn’t for something more dramatic).
President of biker gang "Night Wolves" arrived at Simferopol airport from Moscow, says here to ask what locals need. pic.twitter.com/eiMs6qKvkA
— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) February 28, 2014
Update:
Just any old biker group, their aim is to “spread Russian influence around the world”.
Let’s look at pictures from the past few years, with leader receiving medal from Putin for restoring a Soviet monument, and Putin riding with them:
HT: Werewolf