This excerpt discusses the contents of a hard disk containing tapped conversations related to the crash of flight MH17. The conversations involve a former Russian army officer named Sergej Doebinski and his associates in eastern Ukraine. They discuss obtaining anti-aircraft weapons, particularly a BUK missile system, which is eventually delivered. MH17 is shot down, leading to 298 casualties. Doebinski initially seems unaware of the plane crash but later becomes concerned about the situation. Ultimately, the BUK system is returned to Russia, and the tapped conversations provide crucial evidence in the MH17 trial.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. This hard disk contains tapped conversations related to the crash of flight MH17.
2. The tapped conversations involve a man named Sergej Doebinski, a former Russian army officer who served in Afghanistan and Chechnya.
3. Doebinski retired in 2014 and lived in Ukraine.
4. Parts of Donetsk and Loegansk were controlled by pro-Russian separatists in the summer of 2014.
5. The Ukrainian army conducted artillery and air raids against the separatists.
6. Doebinski coordinated and led the separatist struggle against the Kiev government.
7. He ordered the delivery of a BUK anti-aircraft gun.
8. The BUK was positioned near Marinovka.
9. Flight MH17 had 280 passengers and 15 crew members and disappeared over eastern Ukraine.
10. MH17 was shot down by a rocket from the BUK.
11. All those aboard MH17 were killed.
12. Doebinski initially didn't fully realize the gravity of what had happened.
13. Later, he was told to report to Girkin, the defense minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic.
14. Girkin instructed Doebinski to take the BUK to the Loegansk border.
15. Doebinski received conflicting information about the location of the BUK.
16. Ultimately, the BUK was returned to Russia.
17. Doebinski shifted his focus back to the ongoing war in Marinovka.
These facts provide an overview of the events and individuals involved in the MH17 incident and the role of Sergej Doebinski in the story.