The August Crisis
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A Cause for Concern
NATO symbol
NATO symbol
Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region
Belgium
September 3rd, 1991
Belgium
September 3rd, 1991
From A Lesson in Tension: NATO during the Late 1990's By: James Lothright, Copyright 2014
Karsten Voigt, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, was the first to speak after all the delegates sat down "We are at a cross-roads in our organizations history. With the collapse of the Warsaw Pact we found the bulwark of Communism in Europe was gone. We thought our fight was over, but it has just begun. The nations of Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belorussia have declared their separation from the Soviet state. According to the Ukraine and other proclaimed states, Russian troops are already on the march. I called you all here because of something that happened in Ukraine two days ago. After losing a battle in Luhansk, which is in Eastern Ukraine, the Red Air Force unleashed their fury on the city. It is reported that over 100 Soviet Tu-95 bombers bombed the city without mercy. Ukraine also reported that among the 1000 military dead, 10,000 civilians were killed in the bombing. I propose that NATO express it's shock and dismay at this action and pressure the international community to enact sanctions on the Soviet Union".
That statement was met by silence from the others in the meeting. Finally the delegate from the United States stood "I think I speak for the United States when I say that we back that decision". This was followed by the delegates from the rest of the organization, save Turkey. Turkey, who had joined in 1952 decided against angering the Soviet Union, who was sharing a border with them. Turkey's statement rose tensions between them and NATO as questions were asked about their loyalty to NATO. Some saw them as Russia's puppet and working for them instead of the rest of the international community. This, among other concerns, were the reasons behind Turkey leaving NATO in 1992.
*********
New York City, New York
United States of America
September 3rd, 1991
The United Nations Security Council is now open. First on the agenda is the Russian Invasion of Ukraine." said Aurel Munteanu, President of the Security Council. The Soviet Delegate, Yuli Vorontsov, stood at that and said "The Ukraine is a key part of Russia, therefore it is not a nation." he said before sitting down.
"We never stated that it was, just that you invaded the region. Now please be seated and let the others speak." Samir Shihabi said. Yuli nodded and returned to his seat. The delegate from the United States rose and was given the floor "I would like to call to attention the Soviet destruction of Luhansk. After losing a battle with Ukrainian forces the Red Air Force was mobilized. Reports show that 142 Soviet Bombers bombed the city for almost ten minuets. In addition to the 1,000 military dead, over 10,000 innocent men, women and children were killed in the attack". There were murmurs from around the room as Yuli hid his head from the judging glares of the others around him. The delegate continued "That is why I propose a order a UN task force to intervene in the conflict and set up a safe zone for civilians".
The rest of the Security Council all stood and said 'Aye" in more or less unison. The Russian Ambassador looked up and around at the others and rose from his seat. The room was quiet as they awaited his vote. Finally he spoke "Nay". With that one word the UN was paralyzed in indecision, unable to intervene in any sort of conflict including the Soviet Union.
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Damn, I will change it. Thanks for the positivity though. If you want more people to see it then get the word out, tell your buddies on the site and stuff.I think you mean Turkey leaving NATO in 1992 not 1972. Other than that, I'm enjoying this and don't know why it hasn't garnered more attention. Please keep it up.
Internal Troubles
Map of the Kazakh SSR
Map of the Kazakh SSR
Almaty, Almaty
Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic
August 23rd, 1991
Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic
August 23rd, 1991
Valery Kanakin jumped from the plane, soon followed by his team members. They were diving into Almaty, KSSR because protesters had taken to the streets in protest against Nursultan Nazarbayev who had pledged loyalty to the Moscow government. Valery was guided by the light of the many fires pocketing the city and police and protesters battled for control. The Red Army had moved into many other major cities across Central Asia to assure both order and obedience from the populace. Now Spetsnaz were called upon to finish the job. Across Central Asian and Southern Caucasus SSR's Spetsnaz units were restoring order to the land.
As they neared the ground Alpha Group pulled their parachutes and landed in the city. They were in the Industrial District, on the edge of the city and run by a new start up, set up by protesters. Alpha Group knew their objective, find and eliminate the protesters by any means necessary, collateral damage would be tolerated. Valery looked to his squad and nodded, giving them the signal to split up into their respective units. Valery and his unit were assigned to the Residential District where the police has had the most difficult time suppressing the revolters. Valery turned a corner and ran into a group of protesters as they moved down the street. Valery and his men dived behind a corner to keep out of sight. "They are in a turtle formation, much like the Romans I read about back at home." Valery thought as he peaked around the corner. The protesters were advancing slowly with makeshift shields covering every possible body and opening, creating a shell much like a metal turtle. Valery grabbed a flash grenade from his belt and threw it at the metal beast advancing down the street. Valery hoped that they would be stunned long enough to let their guard down and allow for his men and him to advance.
The bang went off and he heard shields clatter to the ground. The Spetznaz emerged and converged on the stunned people laying on the ground. They tried to surrender but they had orders, so they were carried out. One after another they were shot for their treachery. Some tried to run but were shot in the back instead of the face. One woman fell to the ground and went still so they thought she was dead. As the Spetznaz moved past her one stepped on her and she yelped in pain, exposing her ruse. Valery flipper her over and looked her in the eye. She was pale...and almost chilly to the touch but that could be contributed to the blood loss and cold weather. He mouthed the words "Do svidaniya predatelem" before shooting her in the head. Her face showed a second of pain before she went truly limp. One of his men sighed as he turned from the woman. Valery grabbed his shoulder "Do you feel bad for that woman?" he asked.
The man, who was a new addition to the squad, nodded "I just haven't gotten used to having to move from killing strictly men, to killing both men and women." he said.
Valery nodded. He had gone through the same stage when he first joined the Spetznaz. "Trust me, you will get over it." he said before moving past the man. He led his men down the street and turned the corner. There he saw a group of protesters and police doing battle. He grabbed his gun and opened fire on the protesters, soon followed by his men as they caught up. The protesters and police both dove for cover, but it was already too late for the protesters. When Valery and and his men met the police they had surprised looks on their faces. Valery went up to one and recited what he was told to "I am from Alpha Group. I have been sent to assist you in suppressing the revolts. Do not worry, just cooperate". The men nodded and watched as the Spetznaz moved on.
Still from a amature video in Almaty, 1991
15 minutes later...
Valery divided into cover as gunfire began to disintegrate the barricade he was hiding behind. His men had surrounded one of the apartment blocs that had been causing the most trouble to police. After the protesters were pushed out of the Police Station, they raided the armory and are holed up in there. Alpha Group squads from across the city had reported the revolt suppressed in their district, making this the last bastion of opposition to the Motherland. Because of that the entire Almaty Police Force had surrounded the building and Alpha Group was also regrouping here. It had been almost 3 hours since Valery had dropped into the city, three hours to long for his taste.
The local Kazakh Militsiya had gained some mortars a month back, now they were being put to good use. While they were making some hits it was only on the roof, building a large sunroof if anything. Fortunately the Alpha Group was prepared for such an occasion. One of his men brought forth the AT-5. It was dropped almost an hour ago with a note "This is it. Don't waste it.". Along with the weapon itself they were given 4 rockets, only 4 to bring down a stronghold filled to the brim with weapons; fortunately Valery had a plan. The structure was a 'modern' building built no more than 5 years ago. In its design it has a large part of the apartments being held up by supports that go from the ceiling to the ground. Knocking those out would bring down the front of the building and taking out a sizeable majority of the revolters.
He fired at the supports four times and knocked them out. They took cover as the front collapsed in a loud crash. Valery stood as the dust began to settle. The police looked at him and Valery nodded, so they charged the building. As Valery walked away gunfire erupted from the building signaling that the police were well on their way in taking it back. Valery smiled while gunfire continued the emanate from the ruins. A group of helicopters landed and Alpha Group was whisked away, secure in the knowledge that Kazakhstan would stay Soviet for the time being.
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Buckle your seat belts, this is going to be a long ride
Dobry Sawa sat at his post, eyes scanning the horizon and the enemy. On September 3rd Poland announced that it was seeking membership in NATO...something the Soviet Union expressed its contempt at. Now there had been a large troop buildup in Kalingrad, just across the border. It was claimed it was to aid the Red Army North in their invasion of the Baltic, but they had all but defeated the separatists proving them wrong. Dorby's commanding officer stood over his shoulder and scanned the skies. The Russians had been flying Su-25's across the border for three days now, Warsaw was getting nervous. Droby gripped his rifle harder as they roared once again across the border. "Don't worry Sawa." his commanding officer said "We will escort them back ASAP". Dorby nodded, but continued to scan the area wordlessly.
Suddenly a group of Russians appeared on the horizon, they were approaching the crossing, and fast. Dorby rose to his feet but his commanding officer pulled him back into his seat "Wait...what the fuck are they doing?" he asked. The pair watched as they group turned into a small army and continued to advance. Dorby heard something, it was familiar, it was Polyushka Polye, and old Soviet marching song. Dorby served in the Red Army for a time and struggled when was the last time he heard it...1986 it was. When his squad was deployed to Afghanistan. Dorby shot up again and his commanding officer spoke "I know, I hear it too. This is troubling news, go near the phone and prepare to call HQ. We might be at war". Dorby spoke for the first time in this conversation "OK Commander, give me the word." as he moved across the small booth and to the phone. He picked up the receiver and dialed every number but one, prepared to call at a moments notice. A tense atmosphere settled over hte room as the sounds of marching boots on pavement got closer. His commander, who was an old WW2 vet, stood right behind the window, one hand free and the other on his pistol.
Three minutes later the Soviets were within 100 feet of the booth that signified the border between Poland and Russia. Dorby tensed, his commander instead turned and pushed past him, to the outside. Dorby tried to stop him but was unsuccessful. He watched through the window as his commander confronted the Russians. He could not hear what he was saying, but only him talking worried him. The Russians stood on their side, cold faced as the Red Banner fluttered in the wind. Suddenly a shot rang out and his commanders head exploded. Blood and brain splattered as his body collapsed to the ground, the Ruskies did not even flinch. Dorby was about to press the button when he heard someone yell in Polish. He looked out the window as a man ran up and kicked the flimsy divider, knocking it over. He had a uniform Dorby recalled as a Spetsnaz uniform.
The man moved out of the way as the Russians crossed the border, invading Poland. Behind Dorby was the city of Goldap, a small town that had barely a unit of defenders, it stood no match against the Russians onslaught. Dorby quickly dialed the number for the HQ in Bydgoszcz. THe phone rang once before picking up and a woman's voice came over the phone. "Hello? This is the office of the President of Poland, how may I help you?"
"I have no time for formalities. The Russians have crossed the border near Goldap. I need you to tell the General immediately." Those words just left Dorby's mouth before a explosion destroyed the booth.
*********
Lech Wałęsa, 1991
President Lech Wałęsa sat at home watching the news when the words "News Flash: Invasion!" flashed on the screen. Before she could begin talking though the phone rang. Lech got up and answered it "Hello? This is Lech Walesa".
He recognized the voice as his Minister of National Defence, Piotr Kołodziejczyk. "Mr President, I am sure you have heard of it on the news?" he asked.
"Yes I have Piotr. Do they mean us?" Lech asked in a serious voice.
"Yes Mr President. The Russians have crossed the border and have taken Goldap." he said in an equally serious voice. There was silence as a faint voice from the TV floated into the room. Wałęsa tried to hear what she was saying but was unable to, so he gave up.
"Ok, thank you Piotr. Do what you do, I will do what I do." Lech said as his mind raced with the news he was given. Piotr hung up the phone and Lect dialed his Foreign Minister's number. The phone rang for some time before he picked it up. "This is Krzysztof Skubiszewski, what is needed?" he asked before the President could even speak.
"Mr Skubiszewski, I need you to go to the NATO HQ and speak in front of them. Hurry as our forces are no match for the numbers of the Soviets".
Skubiszewski nodded and hung up the phone to pack as Lech got in his car to go to his office. He had a long day ahead of him.
Escalation
Soviet Troops march into Poland
Soviet Troops march into Poland
Goldap, Warmian-Masurian
Republic of Poland
September 5th, 1991
Republic of Poland
September 5th, 1991
Dobry Sawa sat at his post, eyes scanning the horizon and the enemy. On September 3rd Poland announced that it was seeking membership in NATO...something the Soviet Union expressed its contempt at. Now there had been a large troop buildup in Kalingrad, just across the border. It was claimed it was to aid the Red Army North in their invasion of the Baltic, but they had all but defeated the separatists proving them wrong. Dorby's commanding officer stood over his shoulder and scanned the skies. The Russians had been flying Su-25's across the border for three days now, Warsaw was getting nervous. Droby gripped his rifle harder as they roared once again across the border. "Don't worry Sawa." his commanding officer said "We will escort them back ASAP". Dorby nodded, but continued to scan the area wordlessly.
Suddenly a group of Russians appeared on the horizon, they were approaching the crossing, and fast. Dorby rose to his feet but his commanding officer pulled him back into his seat "Wait...what the fuck are they doing?" he asked. The pair watched as they group turned into a small army and continued to advance. Dorby heard something, it was familiar, it was Polyushka Polye, and old Soviet marching song. Dorby served in the Red Army for a time and struggled when was the last time he heard it...1986 it was. When his squad was deployed to Afghanistan. Dorby shot up again and his commanding officer spoke "I know, I hear it too. This is troubling news, go near the phone and prepare to call HQ. We might be at war". Dorby spoke for the first time in this conversation "OK Commander, give me the word." as he moved across the small booth and to the phone. He picked up the receiver and dialed every number but one, prepared to call at a moments notice. A tense atmosphere settled over hte room as the sounds of marching boots on pavement got closer. His commander, who was an old WW2 vet, stood right behind the window, one hand free and the other on his pistol.
Three minutes later the Soviets were within 100 feet of the booth that signified the border between Poland and Russia. Dorby tensed, his commander instead turned and pushed past him, to the outside. Dorby tried to stop him but was unsuccessful. He watched through the window as his commander confronted the Russians. He could not hear what he was saying, but only him talking worried him. The Russians stood on their side, cold faced as the Red Banner fluttered in the wind. Suddenly a shot rang out and his commanders head exploded. Blood and brain splattered as his body collapsed to the ground, the Ruskies did not even flinch. Dorby was about to press the button when he heard someone yell in Polish. He looked out the window as a man ran up and kicked the flimsy divider, knocking it over. He had a uniform Dorby recalled as a Spetsnaz uniform.
The man moved out of the way as the Russians crossed the border, invading Poland. Behind Dorby was the city of Goldap, a small town that had barely a unit of defenders, it stood no match against the Russians onslaught. Dorby quickly dialed the number for the HQ in Bydgoszcz. THe phone rang once before picking up and a woman's voice came over the phone. "Hello? This is the office of the President of Poland, how may I help you?"
"I have no time for formalities. The Russians have crossed the border near Goldap. I need you to tell the General immediately." Those words just left Dorby's mouth before a explosion destroyed the booth.
*********
Lech Wałęsa, 1991
Warsaw, Masovian
Republic of Poland
September 5th, 1991
Republic of Poland
September 5th, 1991
President Lech Wałęsa sat at home watching the news when the words "News Flash: Invasion!" flashed on the screen. Before she could begin talking though the phone rang. Lech got up and answered it "Hello? This is Lech Walesa".
He recognized the voice as his Minister of National Defence, Piotr Kołodziejczyk. "Mr President, I am sure you have heard of it on the news?" he asked.
"Yes I have Piotr. Do they mean us?" Lech asked in a serious voice.
"Yes Mr President. The Russians have crossed the border and have taken Goldap." he said in an equally serious voice. There was silence as a faint voice from the TV floated into the room. Wałęsa tried to hear what she was saying but was unable to, so he gave up.
"Ok, thank you Piotr. Do what you do, I will do what I do." Lech said as his mind raced with the news he was given. Piotr hung up the phone and Lect dialed his Foreign Minister's number. The phone rang for some time before he picked it up. "This is Krzysztof Skubiszewski, what is needed?" he asked before the President could even speak.
"Mr Skubiszewski, I need you to go to the NATO HQ and speak in front of them. Hurry as our forces are no match for the numbers of the Soviets".
Skubiszewski nodded and hung up the phone to pack as Lech got in his car to go to his office. He had a long day ahead of him.
Mistakes were Made
Picture showing every country that contributed forces to the peacekeeping force
Moscow, Central
Soviet Union
September 6th, 1991
Soviet Union
September 6th, 1991
President Yanayev sat at his office again, although he did not know why he was still there. He had finished the days work and it seemed to be wrapping up, but suddenly the door burst open. Yazov came in with a face as red as a rose and fury pasted over it. Yanayev knew what this was about, he just hoped he could have avoided it for a while longer. Yazov threw a newspaper on the desk "You fucking did it you fucking asshole." he said. He knew he was the best Yanayev had so he could say almost anything without fear of retribution.
"Is this about the raid yesterday?" Yanayev asked as he picked up the newspaper. Across it in big letters it had POLAND INVADED! SOVIET TROOPS CROSS NORTHERN BORDER!
Yazov tore the newspaper out of Yanayev's hands "Raid? THEY ARE CALLING IT A FUCKING INVASION! NATO accepted Poland into their organization and deployed peacekeepers to their country! Because of your pissing contest with the West NATO is on our doorstep. Why did you not ask me when you decided to 'raid' Goldap?" he asked as his mood changed from enraged to calm then back to angry.
Yanayev understood the gravity of his blunder but decided to appear calm. If not to him then to Yazov "Look Yazov. We need to show the West that the Soviet Union is not a relic from a bygone era. We need to preserve our strength." he said.
"You chose this way to do it? We could have dropped a nuke on Siberia if you wanted to do that. We could have flown bombers and jets and refueling planes close to other nations airspace. Hell we could have just dicked around in some stupid African nation. But no, you decided to FUCKING INVADE POLAND!" he yelled again.
"Look, Yazov. Just tell them it was a rogue commander or something. Trust me...it will all work out in the end." Yanayev said as he once again picked up the newspaper. Yazov steamed but said nothing, instead opting to leave the room. As he closed the door he turned to a group of generals who were outside the room. They looked at him expectantly so Yazov spoke "I have lost my faith in Yanayev, being planning". The group nodded and broke off to plan for their mysterious objective.
So Yanayev has completely gone off the deep end then? And Yazov's planning to overthrow him? How much worse can things get?
Discovery and Retribution
Gennady Yanayev Shortly Before Bloody Sunday
Gennady Yanayev Shortly Before Bloody Sunday
Moscow, Central
Soviet Union
September 8th, 1991
Soviet Union
September 8th, 1991
Yanayev nodded as the man continued to talk. "I have had a change of heart sir, that is why I have come to you with this information." he said apologetically. He had just uncovered a dastardly plot on his life by one of his most trusted advisors, Dimitri Yazov. With the aid of some not so senior generals he was planning to depose Yanayev, no doubt over the whole Polish episode. Yanayev knew he had to act fast lest they find out this man's treachery and launch the plot. He had very little to work with though and Yazov knew it. With most of the Red Army in Central Asia, the Rebel Republics, or the South Caucasus he had only a select few units to do what was necessary.
"And you are absolutely sure that Yazov is behind the plot?" he asked.
The man nodded "Yes, I have conclusive evidence that Yazov is leading the attempt". The man was a closet nationalist that valued Russia over most of the other Republics, save Belorussia curiously. Yanayev had no particular feelings of hate or admiration for the man, he was an employee of St. Petersburg after all. Yanayev wondered why Yazov included him in the coup...maybe because of his past in the KGB? Yanayev had no time to dwell on those petty thoughts though, he had to move fast.
"Fine...I will believe you. I would like for you to return home and not leave for the rest of the day. If you do the men will arrest you...what is your name sir?" Yanayev asked as he got on the phone with the Moscow Garrison.
The man took a deep breath and puffed out his chest before responding. "I am Vladimir Putin Comrade". Yanayev nodded as the garrison commander sleepily got on the phone.
"Yes...hello Karpukin. Yes I have a job for your men. I want you to arrest Yazov, General..." Yanayev said as Putin left the room. "Yes. Yes but you must hurry Commander. If you encounter any resistance then subdue it in any way possible." Yanayev said before hanging up the phone. Across town men and APC's sprung to life. They had one objective, crush the revolters before they could do any damage to the Soviet Union.
*****
World-Wide
Earth
September 10th, 1991
Earth
September 10th, 1991
What you are watching now is a clip from an amature video, provided by Russia Today, dated as September 8th, 1991. According to informants within the Soviet Union Yanayev is battling Yazov in yet another coup attempt on the Russian President's position this year. Our information says that numerous generals and other "enemies of the State" have been detained indefinitely. Dimitri Yazov, apparently the center of the Anti-Yanayev coup, has gone missing as of yesterday. Soviet troops stormed his home and offices to find he had fled. President Yanayev assures us that this is only a "family feud" and does not concern the West.
This comes only two days after Soviet troops attacked Goldap, in Poland, destroying a crossing station, a house and killing two Polish soldiers before fleeing back across the border. As tensions continue to rise to heights not seen since the darkest days of the Cold War, one can only wonder what comes next.
Shift of Priorities
Ruins of Keiv
Ruins of Keiv
Kiev, Kiev City
Republic of Ukraine
September 10th, 1991
Republic of Ukraine
September 10th, 1991
President Kravchuk sat in shock as the building shook around him. The Russians had been launching constant bombing raids, rocket attacks and artillery barrages to support their soldiers who were deep in the suburbs. The office door lay open as people milled about with nothing but a dull murmur floating into the office. They were burning or shredding important documents to keep them out of Russian hands. One of his senior Cabinet members stopped at the doorway and looked in. He walked in slowly "I know Kravchuk, it hurts to leave your nation once again, but you have to. If you do not then you will surely be killed." he said. He motioned to a armed man near the door "We have a escort, you must come now." he said. He moved to grab him but was shrugged away instead. "Get out of here." President Kravchuk said, stunning the man. "I will not leave Ukraine now, never again." he said in a distracted tone. The cabinet member looked at the escort who pointed at the clock, it was time to go "Fine. Just be at peace when they execute you." he said before running out of the office.
Kravchuk had a military radio on his desk to monitor the battle for Kiev, and it was not going well. "We are pulling back.", "I am sorry, but we must give in.", "They have overrun [insert makeshift fort name here]! We are retreating!" came a lot. Suddenly a large explosion blew out the windows of his office. The glass cut him like a hot knife through butter but Kravchuk did not care, he simply stared and listened to the reports. After almost five minutes the entire building was deserted and Kravchuk was alone. With tears in his eyes he began to write. Not to anybody in particular, it was a general letter to anybody who cared to read it.
I am Leonid Kravchuk:
Here in the Ukraine I made my stand against almost a century of Soviet-style oppression. Unfortunately my experiment in Republicanism failed. As I write this Russian troops are entering my dear Kiev. I cannot tell you how it came to this, Only that I regret it has. I now write this as my last statement, to be read to the world once found. I know if the Ruskies found this first, they will burn it, but at least I will be at peace. ".Then he chucked it out the open window, onto the street. WIth that done, and the Russians only a block away from his office, he did the unthinkable. Kravchuk opened a drawer on his desk and pulled out a revolver he had received once he was sprung from Prison. With his eyes closed tight and a tear rolling down his cheek he pulled the trigger. His brain evacuated his skull and when the Russians found him he was dead.
Outside the remnants of the "Ukrainian Freedom Army" fought with the last of their ammo. When that was used up they used their fists in a futile attempt to buy their President time to escape. One soldier, whose name has been lost to history, found the note and escaped the city. Why he picked it up is not known but this random act set in motion a chain of events that led to a very tense situation.