Yevgen Ershov, Head of Security Development at “Haydamaky”, Major of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the 3rd degree for personal courage and heroism, expressed in defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine told Agravery.com about the promised end to raiding, the use of the experience of special operations forces in the fight against raiding and why, when talking about a truce, the soldiers prepare for the worst - attack of enemies .  

Is there life after the front line? Why did you decide to fight raiding in Ukraine?

- For me, this was the only right solution. With the beginning of the war, my brothers and I went through the hottest spots: Krasnyy Luch, Starobeshevo, Ilovaysk, Debaltseve, Shirokino, Donetsk airport. After a gunshot wound and rehabilitation, I returned to the front line again. I quit after the end of the contract. I considered several options. There were even offers from private military companies and various questionable structures. But I wanted to be useful to the country and to protect it. I even considered the police. But the meeting with the heads of "Haydamaky" was the defining moment for me. From the first minutes of the conversation I realized that those are my people. People that care about the future of the country. And not another bespoke security structure that, in times of conflict, takes the side of the payer. “Haydamaky” was created by those who defended Ukraine at the front line. And who were ready to always and fully defend it here in the rear.

 Does the experience at the front line help at work?

- Without no doubt, yes. Raiding is very similar to an attack by separatists. They work randomly. This is either a “battle exploration” or an action plan when they clearly know what, where and how. We need to protect people, shareholders, warehouses, equipment and documents. If it was a "reconnaissance", then after some sonversations, they just sat in the car and drove away. The fact that they did not expect that lawyers, fighters and journalists would work against them worked out here.

Are journalists also working with “Haydamaky”?

- Journalists are the fourth power. Ever since the founding of the “Haydamaky”, we have not betrayed our overriding principle - absolute transparency and honesty. And to avoid different situations, we invite local journalists and investigators to the scene of the conflict. For the press, as the fourth power, to see with their own eyes. In the world of information wars, it is the only possible way to overcome lies. Photo and video capture by the media avoids many issues. No attack begins without preparation and reconnaissance. If the raiders came to you, that means only one thing. That you have already "checked" and there’s a “bug” in your surroundings. Sometimes it's a person in a management position. As a rule, raiding begins long before the physical confrontation. A lot of "black PR" is poured on the owner and its company. It is clear that people get paid for such actions. Such information attacks can be countered only with the help of independent media and relevant NGOs, which can significantly influence the actions of colleagues who have decided to help the raiders.

Who are the members of SC “Haydamaky”? How is the staff selected?

- "Haydamaky" is a kind of Special Forces. Only reliable, experienced and motivated people are taken to. I often draw parallels. There are lawyers who specialize in economic conflicts work. And there are experts in economic and physical security. Even former criminal investigators work here. The power unit consists of fellow combatants, who served in the third regiment of special purpose. They are clearly oriented in non-standard situations and, in the event of confrontation with the raiders, do their best to avoid the use of physical force. Also, all the guys have a discharge of a guard that allows them to carry out security activities. Each week, we work out the theoretical and practical aspects of combat tactics, first aid, business communication style, compilation of a psychological portrait of conflict participants, legislative and regulatory framework for security activities. To keep fit, once a month guys pass basic standards and visit the gym regularly. And it is a must.

It's like on the front line, when you go on the assault, you are covered by snipers, there is also the artillery. And the information is prepared by scouts.

- Each of us is 100% sure of the other. If, God forbid, the case comes to a violent confrontation, you know that your brothers will always cover you. Only under such conditions can one count on 100% success.

Do you only go to the raptures? Are there any other options?

- Our security company is established on the basis of the Ukrainian Agri Council. Its creation was initiated by agrarians, who needed professional protection from the raiders. This is a significant advantage over other security structures. After all, “Haydamaky” protects the interests of farmers only. Today, “Haydamaky” includes 75 farms from different parts of Ukraine. We have already learned to work ahead of schedule. And if a year ago we had to come when raiding is in full swing, now we stop the possible capture at the stage of preparation. Because our specialists help to establish the protection of the enterprise, close the legal loopholes, prepare the team. Regular visits also help. When the security already knows us, and informs what cars, with which license plates "revolved" around the enterprise.

How do you “Haydamaky” see in five years? The authorities have already declared the end of the raid.

- My dream is that in five years the Ukrainian farmers would not have to protect their crops, their business and their lives. Therefore, we will make every effort to keep the agrarians of Ukraine alive. There is a doubt about the promised end to raiding by the authorities. When a truce is announced at the front line, we prepare for the worst. Peace has never come after the promises of not to shoot. For if the enemy has a purpose, they act. And it works treacherously - they either lay an explosive under the concrete overlap of the DAP, or sends the DRG to our rear. And same with the end of raiding. If it was said after at least one year without any conflict, that would be a fact. And yes, this is just populism that the raiders have already violated. Therefore, we are ready. On the front, they say "it's better to be a living paranoid than a dead hero." Same with agrarian enterprises. It is better to be well protected and ready to repel any attack than to wonder why the promised end of raiding has not come.

So we're moving forward. And we are opening new directions. We already have a professional bodyguard group, who has added specialized training and discharge to their front-line experience. And we provide appropriate services. They clearly know how to deal with different conflict situations. If there is a threat to the client's life, they have the right to use the weapon. A bodyguard team was created to ensure that we could fully protect the agrarian family in the event of a physical confrontation with the raiders.