“There’s not a single piece of equipment in any of those photos that isn’t identical to what the Kiev Coup Kiddies have lost through their own troops deserting”
That isn’t completely true....
There is no doubt that some of the Rebels equipment is stuff that was abandoned by Kiev in Crimea, redone, and sent into the Southeast, specifically, a few t-64’s.
Now, whether the Russian Government did it, or just looked the other way as it came through, is a completely different story.
Much of what they have has been taken locally. Tons of ex-Soviet stuff, big and small, was just laying around in depots the Rebels captured. In addition, buying arms through the mafia in that part of the world is normal business practice, and has been for a LONG time.
Stuff the US sent to other countries is showing up in Southeast Ukraine according to what I've heard so that would almost have to be coming from sales to the people in the Southeast. Otherwise it would mean the US is playing both sides against the middle which isn't very reasonable even as a lame conspiracy theory. I would think that with all the government buildings they've captured people resisting Kiev probably have plenty of cash to pay anyone who will accept Ukraine currency.
The rumor mill in Ukraine seems to be everyone's hobby. Friends of mine call over there a couple of times a week and could stay on the phone for hours just listing the rumors that are flying around in Western Ukraine.
Eastern Ukraine, particularly the Southeast, is probably worse. I suspect a lot of the reports of "the Russians are coming" originate with people in the Southeast just like rumors of the 82nd Airborne being on the way were rampant in 1956 during the Hungarian revolt. They're basically wishful thinking on someones part.