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Rebels and oligarchs: 7 key players in eastern Ukraine

A look at the Russian-born rebels and the wealthy Ukrainian oligarchs who are key players in Ukraine's restless east.

4. Igor Bezler

Known for his brutal control of the town of Horlivka, Igor Bezler goes by the nickname Bes ("demon"). According to the Guardian, Mr. Bezler is a Russian citizen from Crimea who once worked as a director of a funeral parlor. He is described as “a loose cannon liable to fight with the leadership of the Donetsk People’s Republic.” He is alleged to have a Russian military background and have fought in Chechnya and Afghanistan. Like Igor Girkin, Bezler seized the opportunity presented by Russia’s actions in Crimea.

In his interview with the Guardian, Bezler showed off Ukrainian prisoners he was holding captive. When questioned about them, he grew angry saying, “They are fascists! So why should we stand on ceremony with them?” His whereabouts are currently unknown with some Ukrainian media reporting that he fled Horlivka for Russia. He was added to the European Union blacklist on May 12. 

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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