Andy Milburn commanded a particular operations process power combating the Islamic State in Iraq.
However the retired Marine colonel says he’s by no means seen atrocities like those dedicated by the Russians in Ukraine.
“I’ve seen lots of devastation and depravity of mankind,” he mentioned. He was in Bucha, exterior Kyiv, the place the our bodies of tons of of massacred civilians, together with kids, have been discovered after Russian forces have been pushed from town. “Bucha — Bucha was one thing that actually…left me numb for a number of days … household automobiles, each occupant killed, not only one or two, not simply because troopers have been set off pleased however clearly focused all alongside that street,” he mentioned. “It simply left me with such a sense of contempt and anger that I by no means felt for the Islamic State, [that] I by no means felt for al Qaeda.”
Milburn, who retired in 2019 as deputy commander of U.S. particular operations forces within the Center East, traveled to Ukraine in March desiring to cowl the battle as a journalist. However he shortly determined he wanted to become involved.
“Simply writing about stuff wasn’t actually in any respect satisfying,” mentioned Milburn, who spoke to NBC News from Kyiv.
He fashioned the Mozart Group, drawing in different former British and American commandos to create a group of particular operations veterans that trains and equips Ukrainian troopers. The identify was meant as a counterpoint to the Wagner Group, a infamous Russian mercenary group. However Milburn says his group doesn’t struggle.
“It’s actually vital that we get guys in who will not be adventure-seekers,” he mentioned. “They’re not right here to get their gun on, as a result of they’ve ethical readability. They see a function right here, they usually need to be right here for that motive.”
He says he has about 10 to fifteen trainers within the nation at anybody time, all vetted by his contacts within the British and American militaries. All are volunteers.
Though Washington says it’s sending billions in navy assist, and Ukrainian officers says it has made a vital distinction, Milburn says he’s seen little proof of any reaching the entrance traces, not less than among the many Ukrainian particular operations forces he’s attempting to assist. Pentagon officers say they don’t have deal with on what occurs to the help as soon as it reaches Ukraine.
“They’re in need of particular person first assist kits, they’re in need of physique armor, they don’t have gloves, they don’t have eye safety, they don’t have ear safety,” Milburn mentioned. “We noticed a unit the opposite day the place they evacuated six guys who’ve ruptured eardrums in in the future. You understand, I imply, the fixes for this stuff are straightforward.”
He’s been impressed, although, by the bravery of Ukrainian troopers.
Knocking out Russian tanks has grow to be “nearly passe right here,” he mentioned. “There are guys who will, with a handheld weapon just like the Javelin or the NLAW (antitank weapon) or an RPG, knock out two or three T-72s in the midst of the day and never even consider it as value discussing. Issues that will get you a silver star or a Navy Cross within the U.S.”
Milburn believes his group has made a distinction. Along with fundamental ways, the Mozart Group has skilled Ukrainians methods to be snipers and methods to take away landmines, he says, they usually have additionally eliminated landmines themselves.
“I can let you know with none proof that I’m assured that we’ve most likely saved Ukrainian lives,” he mentioned. “And I hope inflicted extra ache on the Russians due to the coaching that they’ve had.”
However he says the battle is in a brand new part, “a grinding struggle of attrition … and that’s why it’s so vital to tip the steadiness again in favor of the Ukrainians,” he mentioned. “On one facet, you’ve obtained mass, only a unending provide of personnel. The Russians are taking heavy casualties, however they simply don’t care.”
Biden administration officers have discouraged Individuals from going to struggle in Ukraine. In March, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby mentioned “we urge them to not go” and that individuals who needed to assist Ukraine ought to donate to reduction businesses as a substitute. That very same month, when requested about would-be navy volunteers, White Home Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referred reporters to a State Division journey advisory that mentioned Individuals mustn’t go to Ukraine and people there ought to depart instantly.
Didi Martinez contributed.
