Latest news on the war against Russia (official)

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29.01.17 10:08
One Ukrainian soldier wounded as 55 militants’ attacks reported yesterday
The terrorists continue to use large-caliber guns firing at Ukrainian soldiers’ positions in the Donbas.
It was reported about 55 militants' attacks at Ukrainian soldiers in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area over the past 24 hours, Censor.NET reports citing the ATO press center.
In the Mariupol sector, Shyrokyne, Vodiane, Lebedynske, and Talakivka were shelled with 122 mm guns. Shyrokyne, Novotroitske, and Krasnohorivka were mortared by the militants. The terrorists used grenade launchers and small arms near Marinka, Vodiane, Shyrokyne, Lebedynske, Talakivka, Novotroitske. The militants' snipers were spotted at Novotroitske and Hnutove. Shyrokyne was fired from the militants' IFV.
In the Donetsk sector, Avdiivka, Zaitseve, Luhanske, Kamianka, Troitske were fired from 120 mm and 82 mm mortars, grenade launcher and small arms.
In the Luhansk sector, the pro-Russian militants used 122 mm guns firing at Krymske, while Novozvanivka and Troitske were fired from grenade launchers.

29.01.17 12:53
Militants attacked Avdiivka industrial zone: Ukrainian military suffered losses, - ATO Staff
The militants shelled the industrial zone in Avdiivka this morning, then stormed the positions of the Ukrainian army.
Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the vicinity of Avdiivka as a result of the militants' morning assault. This was announced by the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) Staff spokesperson Leonid Matiukhin, Censor.NET reports citing 112 TV Channel.
Losses also reported, though the exact number of victims is yet unknown.
"The militants use the same tactics as at Svitlodarsk salient. They fired from mortars, grenade launchers and other arms for about an hour. At about 7 a.m. they started attacking our positions,'' Matiukhin reported.
''Their goal was to knock out our military from our positions. Our soldiers repelled the attack. The battle was quite harsh. We suffered losses, though their losses were heavier,'' he said.
Matiukhin could not give an exact number of losses among the Ukrainian military, however, he confirmed that there were fatalities. "Three soldiers were wounded," he added.

29.01.17 14:57
Three Ukrainian soldiers killed in attack at Avdiivka industrial zone, - Defense Ministry
Militants attacked Ukrainian positions this morning.
Three soldiers killed and another one wounded in a fighting at the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area this morning. This was announced by Defense Ministry spokesperson on ATO matters Oleksandr Motuzianyk, Censor.NET reports citing 112 TV Channel.
Ukrainian forces suffered losses in the vicinity of Avdiivka industrial zone which was attacked by the militants.
The militants fired the industrial zone in Avdiivka from small guns and mortars and then stormed the positions of the Ukrainian military.
Also, a blind shell launched from the occupied territory was discovered in the center of Avdiivka today.
Another two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded over the past 24 hours in the ATO zone, Motuzianyk added.

Russian militants attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbas from artillery and mortar launcher, 3 Ukrainian troops were killed
Sunday, 29 January, 2017 - 22:13 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russian militants continue shelling Ukrainian positions in Avdiyivka from artillery and mortar launchers. Ukrainian troops along the entire frontline have been placed on the high alert. 3 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and one soldier was injured, as reported by the press center of the Headquarters of the Anti-Terrorist Operation.

In the Mariupol sector Russian militants conducted the biggest number of shooting attacks at Ukrainian positions yesterday and used entire batteries of heavy armor. The number of incidents reached 38, and 14 involved use of heavy armor. Russian militants shelled Ukrainian positions between Novotroitske and Dokuchaevsk from mortar launchers. They launched several dozen mortar shells from Donetsk toward Krasnohorivka. Russian militants focused their efforts on coastal area. They launched over 180 122-mm bombs at Ukrainian positions in Vodiane within 180 minutes, shooting not from one spot, but from two – from Zaichenko and Sakhanka.

In the Luhansk sector yesterday Russian militants provided the hardest attack in Krymske. Russian militants launched 50 bombs during two artillery barrages. A series of hostile provocations took place in the Popasna area between 3 and 8 p.m. In total, Russian militants attacked 6 times in the Luhansk sector, using heavy weapons 2 times.

In the Donetsk sector yesterday Russian militants attacked the Avdiivka industrial area. They randomly used heavy armor. 2 mortar attacks took place at the Svitlodarsk bulge. 3 Russian militants’ provocations took place in Zaitseve, Verkhiotoretske and Kamianets. Russian militants made an assault at Avdiivka industrial area this morning. Artillery preparation started at 5 a.m., and after 7 a.m. they changed over to the offensive. Adversaries have not succeeded as the attack failed; Russian militants incurred losses and retreated southwards. Capable countermeasures taken by Ukrainian troops played the key role in this success. In total, 11 Russian militants’ attacks took place in the Donetsk sector in the last 24 hours, and 3 of them involved use of heavy armor.

 

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30.01.17 10:08
Militants used tanks in yesterday's fighting near Avdiivka, Ukrainian soldiers rebuffed attack, - journalist
Russian occupation forces, having suffered heavy losses in yesterday's clashes near the Yasynuvata interchange and Avdiivka industrial area, attempted to wrest ground from Ukrainian troops.

According to him, Ukrainian positions came under heavy artillery fire by the 1st Army Corps of Russia's hybrid forces. He emphasized the fighting was taking place in the government-controlled territory (as stipulated by the Minsk agreements).
"However, the Russian command is going to keep threatening Avdiivka at all costs. None of OSCE inspections can reduce the intensity of the fighting. Soldiers at the front line say Russian mercenaries used battle tanks," Butusov wrote.
He added that the 72nd Mechanized Brigade deployed in that area keep holding the lines with Ukrainian artillery providing proper support.
"The situation near Avdiivka requires the most serious attention," the journalist concluded.

30.01.17 10:24
Five Ukrainian soldiers killed, nine wounded, four injured over past 24 hours, - ATO Staff
Five Ukrainian soldiers were killed, nine wounded, and four injured in enemy attacks in the Donbas on Jan. 29.

"Unfortunately, five our soldiers died, nine were wounded and four injured," the message notes.
Yesterday, the OSCE mission recorded 2,260 cease-fire violations in the Donbas.

 

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semms like a "spring offesive" in preparation,probing attacks,where they are looking for some weaknesses in the lines

 

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semms like a "spring offesive" in preparation,probing attacks,where they are looking for some weaknesses in the lines

Rather, there is a provocation to the Ukrainian army arteleri back kick, then to show its impact on television for propaganda purposes.
Given that the attacks are carried out with the most densely populated areas, in what would be the result of a retaliatory strike art is not difficult to foresee

 

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30.01.17 17:02
Ukrainian military repulse enemy, improve their tactical set-up near Avdiivka, - journalist

However, the possibility of militants further trying to regain lost ground is still high.
"We've got some details of the Jan. 29 battle near Avdiivka. It turns out, the units of the 1st Battalion of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade ably defended their positions. In a daring counterattack, they (by accident) took a number of enemy positions near the Yasynuvata junction, on the flank of the industrial zone. They managed to capture three terrorists, however, probably, as a result of artillery barrage by Russian occupation troops only one survived," he said.

"The fighting is still going on. The 11th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the "Donetsk People's Republic" and the redeployed reserves are trying to turn the tide. However, Ukrainian soldiers are kicking back. Other Ukrainian units are also engaged, including the 12th Mechanized Infantry Battalion. Thus, firing back, our troops improved their tactical set-up in the course of battles during Jan. 29-30. The enemy has been knocked out again. But the firing is underway. Our soldiers hold the lines, though it is still highly probable militants will continue attempts to regain lost ground," Butusov said.
"Unfortunately, our gains have cost us high price - the blood of soldiers and officers of the 1st Battalion who defend Avdiivka and are not going to step back. Only forward," the journalist concluded.

0.01.17 18:56
Three Ukrainian soldiers killed, 20 wounded and traumatized in action as at 6 p.m., - Staff
Three Ukrainian servicemen were killed, 20 were wounded or suffered injuries in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area as at 6 p.m. Jan. 30.

"A total of 37 attacks were recorded. Unfortunately, three our soldiers were killed, seventeen were wounded and three get injured," the situation report reads.

 

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30.01.17 23:40
OSCE observers recorded more than 2,300 explosions in Donbas over past day

OSCE Special Monitoring MIssion (SMM) recorded over 2,300 explosions, primarily in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area on Jan. 29.
The statement reads: "he SMM recorded fewerceasefire violationsin Donetsk region between the evenings ofJan.27 and 28 compared with the previous reporting period (including about 330 explosions compared with about 520).In the following 24 hours, however, the SMM recorded over 2,300 explosions, primarily in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area.
"During the day onJan.29, positioned in "DPR"-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk) for over five hours, the SMM heard over 100 explosions assessed as outgoing rounds of an undetermined weapon 1-5km at directions ranging from south-east to south-west, 116 undetermined explosions 2-7km at directions ranging from south-south-west to north-north-west, and 101 undetermined explosions 1-5km at directions ranging from south-east to south.
"The same day, positioned 6km north-west of Donetsk city centre for over four hours, the SMM heard over 1,330 undetermined explosions 1-7km north, north-north-east and north-east, and 16 undetermined explosions 2-10km west, north-west, and north-north-west. The Mission also heard uncountable explosions assessed as impacts of automatic-grenade-launcher rounds, and intense heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire.
"Positioned in Avdiivka for over four hours, the SMM heard 416 undetermined explosions 2-5km east-south-east, as well as uncountable bursts of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire," the report reads.

 

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Russian militants attacked Ukrainian positions 56 times in Donbas in the past 24 hours, 5 Ukrainian soldiers were killed
Tuesday, 31 January, 2017 - 1:07 (EET)

Russian militants launched several hundred shells and missiles in the Avdiivka industrial area. ATO troops defeated Russian militants’ attack in Avdiivka industrial area and occupied their positions. Russian militants continued shelling ATO troops in all sectors from mortar launchers, tanks and grenade launchers and brought rocket artillery up to the frontline. Ukraine reports 5 killed in actions, 9 wounded in action in Donbas during the last day, according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.
In the Mariupol sector, the Russian militants launched 20 shells toward ATO forces near the village of Talakivka using Grad multiple rocket missile systems. They also used Grads, 122mm artillery systems, mortars of various calibers, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms shooting on the village of Vodiane. The village of Lebedynske came under 122mm artillery fire. The militants also fired mortars of various calibers on the town of Krasnohorivka. Militants were shooting for several hours with recesses, launching about 120 mortar shells. Russian militants used rocket-propelled grenades and small arms shelling Krasnohorivka. Russian militants also shelled the villages of Hnutove, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne and Talakivka. Russian militants launched 20 missiles from Grad multiple rocket launchers at Talakivka. Additionally, the Russian militants used armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles in Shyrokyne.

In the Donetsk sector, the Russian militants tried to storm the Ukrainian positions twice near the town of Avdiyivka. Also Russian militants shelled Avdiivka residential quarters. 2 civilians sustained fragmentation wounds. Some residential buildings were damaged too. Having suffered losses, Russian militants were forced to retreat. During the day, they continued shelling with the use of mortars of various calibers on Avdiyivka, and the villages of Verkhniotoretske, Opytne, Luhanske, Zaitseve and Kamianka. Furthermore, the villages of Novhorodske and Pisky came under tank fire.

In the Luhansk sector, Russian militants opened fire from mortars of various calibers and rocket-propelled grenades on the town of Popasna, and the villages of Novo-Oleksandrivka, Troyitske and Novozvanivka. In total, 8 Russian militants’ attacks took place in the Luhansk sector yesterday, and heavy armor was used five times.

 

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Russian troops massively shelling Ukrainian city Avdiivka by rockets and artillery, Ukraine prepared to evacuate 12 000 civilians
Tuesday, 31 January, 2017 - 12:50 (EET) in Top stories, Video, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russian forces continue their attacks in the area of Avdiivka in Donbas, with the use of heavy artillery and mortars, according to the Anti-Terrorist Operation Headquarters.
“The invaders are not even stopped with the fact of losses they have sustained as a result of the attempts to seize Ukrainian positions,” the report reads.
At the same time, the press service of the 72nd Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade wrote on Facebook that the militants took advantage of a short ceasefire and attacked the positions of the Armed Forced of Ukraine (AFU) near Avdiivka: “An hour ago, the enemy requested a truce and, taking advantage of the calm, launched an attack. The attack was repulsed, and the enemy stopped. The battle is still ongoing.”
As reported by the press center of ATO headquarters, Avdiivka remains one of the hottest places along the demarcation line. As of 4:00, Russian occupants released on the Ukrainian positions over 80 missiles from BM-21 Grad MLRS and 30 artillery shells of 152 mm caliber. The enemy also fired 120mm, 82mm mortars, tanks and small arms.
“In addition, the occupants overnight made another attempt to storm the AFU positions, which was repulsed,” the statement said.
As reported earlier, the Russian side has provided a guarantee to the Joint Center for Coordination and Control (STSKK) on a seven-hour ceasefire near Avdiivka, from 10:00 to 17:00. According to the ATO headquarters, January 29, the invaders repeatedly tried to storm the Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka, and were forced to retreat, having suffered losses.
As a result of shelling, Avdiivka is left without water, electricity and heat. This was reported on Facebook by Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, the governor of Donetsk oblast.
“Russian have just killed the power line to Avdiivka. The Donetsk filtration plant and Avdiivka coke plant, which provided heat for Avdiivka, are now de-energized. The city is left without water, electricity and heat,” Zhebrivskyi said.
Current temperature in Avdiivka is -18°C, without central heating civilians will not survive. Ukrainian Emergency services prepared to evacuate 12 000 people from Avdiivka.

 

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Ukraine appeals to UN over Russian mass shelling of Avdiivka in Donbas
Tuesday, 31 January, 2017 - 15:41 (EET) in Latest news, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas


Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations (UN) Volodymyr Yelchenko has addressed UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with a letter against the background of the escalation in Donbas and the shelling of Avdiivka in Donbas by Russian militants, according to Volodymyr Yelchenko’s official Twitter page.

“We demand from the Russian Federation to cease hostilities immediately and to comply strictly with the cease-fire,” the letter reads.

Volodymyr Yelchenko reports about massive attacks by the Russian militants using all available weapons, including MLRS “Grad” for the last 2 days, eight Ukrainian troops were killed.
“For the last two days, the document notes, Russian occupation forces have carried out massive attacks along the demarcation line, using Grad rocket systems, 152 mm and 122 mm artillery, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, tanks, all of which are prohibited by the Minsk agreements, as well as small arms. The Russian weapons have killed 8 Ukrainian soldiers and left another 26 wounded,” reads the letter.
On January 30, 2017, Russian-militants’ strikes left the Ukrainian government-controlled town of Avdiivka without electricity, water and heat. In the evening of January 30, 2017, a state of emergency was declared in Avdiivka:
“More than 400,000 peaceful civilians in the region have no access to water, electricity and heat,” the document reads.
Volodymyr Yelchenko adds that Ukraine is ready to convene UN Security Council emergency meeting in the case if Russian militants continue shelling of Avdiivka, Donetsk region in the next 24 hours.

 

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31.01.17 16:50
Russian aggression is external threat for European Union, - Tusk
Russian "aggressive policy towards Ukraine and its neighbors" is one of external threats for the entire European Union.

"The first threat, an external one, is related to the new geopolitical situation in the world and around Europe. An increasingly, let us call it, assertive China, especially on the seas, Russia's aggressive policy towards Ukraine and its neighbours, wars, terror and anarchy in the Middle East and in Africa, with radical Islam playing a major role, as well as worrying declarations by the new American administration all make our future highly unpredictable. For the first time in our history, in an increasingly multipolar external world, so many are becoming openly anti-European, or Eurosceptic at best. Particularly the change in Washington puts the European Union in a difficult situation; with the new administration seeming to put into question the last 70 years of American foreign policy.
"The second threat, an internal one, is connected with the rise in anti-EU, nationalist, increasingly xenophobic sentiment in the EU itself. National egoism is also becoming an attractive alternative to integration. In addition, centrifugal tendencies feed on mistakes made by those, for whom ideology and institutions have become more important than the interests and emotions of the people.
"The third threat is the state of mind of the pro-European elites. A decline of faith in political integration, submission to populist arguments as well as doubt in the fundamental values of liberal democracy are all increasingly visible," Tusk wrote.
The president of the EU Council said that "in a world full of tension and confrontation, what is needed is courage, determination and political solidarity of Europeans."
"Let us show our European pride.... But today we must stand up very clearly for our dignity, the dignity of a united Europe - regardless of whether we are talking to Russia, China, the US or Turkey. Therefore, let us have the courage to be proud of our own achievements, which have made our continent the best place on Earth. Let us have the courage to oppose the rhetoric of demagogues, who claim that European integration is beneficial only to the elites, that ordinary people have only suffered as its result, and that countries will cope better on their own, rather than together.
"We must look to the future... But we should never, under any circumstances, forget about the most important reasons why 60 years ago we decided to unite Europe.... It must be made crystal clear that the disintegration of the European Union will not lead to the restoration of some mythical, full sovereignty of its member states, but to their real and factual dependence on the great superpowers: the United States, Russia and China. Only together can we be fully independent," Tusk summed up.

 

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Friday, 3 February, 2017 - 0:12 (EET) in Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russian troops fired at Ukrainian army positions and civil objects in Donbas in all sectors 67 times in the past 24 hours. 2 Ukrainian soldiers reported as killed in action (KIA) and 14 wounded in action (WIA), 2 civilians were killed and 6 injured, according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.

Russian troops continued to shell the town of Avdiyivka with the use of heavy weapons, i.e. Grad multiple rocket launchers, 152mm and 122mm artillery systems and tanks. Shells have directly hit points distributing humanitarian aid to locals. Russian troops have fired on a stadium in the heart of the town, where there is a tent site with heating stations. They have fired on school No. 2, which was used as a humanitarian aid collection point. A wounded woman was found near the No. 2 school building, which came under fire. She was rushed to hospital but died of wounds. This is the second dead person in Avdiyivka in the past hour. A foreign press photographer Christopher Nunn from the United Kingdom had a face injury, according to Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, the head of the Donetsk regional military-civil administration of Ukraine.

Russian troops made a direct hit on a house at 19 Molodizhna Street in the town of Avdiivka. A gas pipeline and the heat transport system have been damaged. One shell has hit a vehicle of Ukraine’s State Emergency Situations Service, among the dead was an emergencies service worker, reports Hromadske TV.

In the Donetsk sector Russian troops near Avdiivka continue shelling day and night non-stop. Russian troops are intensively using heavy armor near Popasna, Avdiivka, on Butivka coal mine-Pisky position, in Krasnohorivka, in the vicinity of Dokuchaevsk and near the Azov Sea. Russian troops intensified their attacks at Butovka coal mine flak position. Tank shooting attack from Spartak direction lasted many hours there yesterday. Russian troops opened fire from mortars, cannons and Grad MRLS from the settlement itself. The situation was especially restless at the Svitlodarsk bulge, in Zaitseve, Verkhniotoretske and Pisky yesterday. Russian troops are also using heavy armor in this area, trying to split Ukrainian forces and distract commanders’ attention from the point of main effort.

In the Mariupol sector, the Russian troops fired Grads and 122mm artillery systems on the village of Vodiane. A series of hostile provocations was instigated along the entire frontline, involving use of small weapons, cannons and mortar launchers. Russian troops opened fire from a tank, 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms on the town of Krasnohorivka. The enemy also used 122mm artillery systems and mortars in the villages of Hranitne, Bohdanivka and Shyrokyne. The town of Maryinka and the village of Chermalyk were attacked with the use of mortars of various calibers. The Russian troops fired rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and small arms on the villages of Shyrokyne, Novotroyitske, Novomykhailivka and and used armored personnel carrier in Novohryhorivka.

In the Luhansk sector, the Russian troops fired 152mm and 122mm artillery systems on the villages of Krymske and Vrubivka, mortars on the town of Popasna, and the villages of Katerynivka, Novozvanivka and Troyitske, and small arms on Krymske. Russian troops’ 152-mm projectile damaged two power transmission lines in Vrubivka, Popasna district. School premises on the territory of Triokhizbenka village council were damaged and a roof of a building ruined as a result of Russian troops’ attacks.

 

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Russian troops attacked Ukraine 115 times in Donbas, used Grad rocket systems, 3 Ukrainian soldiers killed in the past 24 hours
Sunday, 5 February, 2017 - 0:00 (EET) in Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas


Russian troops’ shooting attacks continued non-stop in Donbas in the last day. 3 Ukrainian soldiers reported as killed in action, 2 of them were killed in the vicinity of Halytsynivka as a result of Russian troops’ attacks from Grad MRLS (multiple launch rocket system), and 8 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action, according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.

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In the Donetsk sector, Russian troops fired from the occupied Staromykhailivka using BM-21 Grad MLRS multiple rocket launchers on the village of Halytsynivka. Russian troops fired from 152mm and 122mm artillery systems and 120mm and 82mm mortars on the town of Avdiyivka and the villages of Luhanske, Troyitske, and Zaitseve. Avdiivka, the vicinity of the Donetsk airport and the Azov Sea are the most restless frontline areas. Russian troops brought up tanks to Avdiivka yesterday and started shelling Ukrainian troops’ positions. Local inhabitants were victims of Russian troops’ attacks yet another time. A multi-storey building was damaged by a direct hit of Russian troops’ missile which left a family with five small children homeless. State Emergency Service of Ukraine evacuated 244 people from the town, 114 of them being children. Russian troops repeatedly used tanks when shelling villages of Pisky, Kamianka and Luhanske. Russian troops also opened fire from small arms on the village of Zaitseve. Russian troops resumed hours-long shooting attacks at Butovka coal mineposition and Ukrainian strongholds near Donetsk airport. The situation was also restless at the Svitlodarsk bulge where Russian troops were actively shooting at Ukrainian troops from heavy large caliber weapons.

See also: New video and satellite photo of Russian shelling from residential area in Donetsk
In the Mariupol sector, Rusiian troops’ shooting attack continued non-stop all day long in the south area, along Pavlopil-Shyrokyne line. Russian troops kept using large artillery and mortar launchers and sporadically used tanks in southernmost area – in Shyrokyne. The number of hostile missiles reaches hundreds. Russian troops used rocket artillery early in the morning and late at night.Russian troops used Grad BM-21 multiple rocket launchers as well as 152mm and 122mm artillery systems to shell the village of Talakivka. The towns of Krasnohorivka and Mariinka, and the villages of Vodiane, Lebedynske, Novotroyitske, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne, and Chermalyk came under fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars. Russian troops shelled Ukrainian positions near Novotroitske 4 times, using cannons and mortar launchers 3 times. Russian troops also fired from rocket-propelled grenades on the village of Hnutove. The Russian troops’ sniper was active near Pavlopil. Vodiane and Lebedynske were attacked by an infantry fighting vehicle, Chermalyk came under fire of assault antitank weapons. Shyrokyne was attacked by an infantry fighting vehicle and a tank.

In the Luhansk sector, Russian troops used 152mm and 122 mm artillery systems, and 120mm and 82 mortars to shell the town Popasna and the villages of Troyitske, Novooleksandrivka, and Novozvanivka. They fired rocket-propelled grenades and small arms on the villages of Krymske and Katerynivka. The villages of Stanytsia Luhanska and Valuyske came under fire from grenade launchers, and a sniper was active there. The situation was the most difficult in the Popasna district with epicenter in Troitske, where Russian troops were using heavy weapons all day long. Russian troops fired anti-aircraft guns on Troyitske.

Ukrainian military intelligence reports that military political authorities of Russian Federation warned authorities of self-proclaimed “Donetsk people’s republic” (DNR) that they will be dismissed in case they lose control over “Yasynuvata stronghold”.

 

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Cats on duty in the area ATO. PHOTO

 

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Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbas 82 times in last day, most of attacks were with the use of heavy weapons
Thursday, 9 February, 2017 - 23:54 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russian troops shelled the Donetsk sector massively using the heavy armor. Areas near Mariupol and civilian infrastructure in the Luhansk sector came under Russian troops’ fire. Russian troops attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas eighty two times in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian troops incurred no casualties in Donbas over the last day, according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.
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In the Donetsk sector, Russian troops used banned 152mm artillery systems to shell the village of Luhanske. They were actively using heavy weapons both during the day time and at night. Tense situation stands in Avdiivka and at the Svitlodarsk bulge.Mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms were used to fire on the town of Avdiivka, and the villages of Nevelske, Verkhniotoretske, Kamianka, Opytne, Pisky, Troyitske, Luhanske, Myronivske, and Zaitseve. Luhanske and Avdiivka were also attacked by tanks. Russian troops made a total of 33 attacks upon Ukrainian positions in the Donetsk sector over the last day. Almost 2/3 of the attacks were made with the use of heavy weapons.

In the Luhansk sector, Russian troops used 152mm and 122mm artillery systems to shell the villages of Novotoshkivske and Krymske. They were using artillery. Russian troopsfired over 90 shells in the area over the last day. The village of Malynove came under mortar fire, while grenade launchers and small arms were fired on the town of Popasna, and the villages of Katerynivka, Krymske, Novozvanivka, Zhovte, and Novo-Oleksandrivka. Additionally, Novozvanivka was attacked by Russian troops’ infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. Russian troops made a total of 25 attacks in the Luhansk sector over the last day, 1/3 of them included the use of heavy weapons.

In the Mariupol sector, Russian troops opened fire from 152mm and 122mm artillery systems on the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Lebedynske and Shyrokyne. They used mortars to shell the villages of Shyrokyne and Hnutove. Grenade launchers and small arms were used to fire on the villages of Lebedynske, Vodiane, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne, and Hnutove. Russian troops made a total of 24 attacks in the Mariupol sector over the last day, ten of them included the use of heavy weapons.

 

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Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbas in all sectors in the past 24 hours, one civilian wounded
Saturday, 11 February, 2017 - 0:15 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbas 61 times in the last day. One civilian was wounded on a landmine on the road between frontline villages Pavlopil and Chermalyk, at present Ukrainian doctors struggle for his life and health, according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.
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In the Donetsk sector, Russian troops attacked the town of Avdiivka, and the villages of Luhanske, Troyitske, and Verkhniotoretske with mortar fire. They used grenade launchers and small arms to fire on Avdiivka, and the villages of Zaitseve, Opytne, and Pisky. Ukrainian positions near Avdiyivka were attacked by Russian troops’ infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Russian troops used heavy weapons in the Svitlodarsk bulge and on the outskirts of temporarily occupied Horlivka, in Zaitseve and Verkhnotoretske. In total, Russian troops violated the ceasefire 24 times in the Donetsk sector.

In the Luhansk sector, Russian troops used mortars, grenade launchers and small arms to attack the villages of Shariv Kut, Lobacheve, and Novozvanivka. They opened fire from mortars, launching 6 mortar mines on Ukrainian positions in Novooleksandrivka. The village of Vodiane came under fire from IFVs. Russian troops violated the ceasefire 15 times in the Luhansk sector.

In the Mariupol sector, Russian troops attacked the area close to the Azov sea the most. They lobbed mortar shells onto the villages of Vodiane and Pavlopil. Grenade launchers and small arms were used to fire on the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Pavlopil, Novotroyitske, Shyrokyne, Hnutove, Lebedynske, and Vodiane. Russian troops’ IFVs attacked the Ukrainian positions near Shyrokyne. In total, Russian troops violated the ceasefire 22 times in the Mariupol sector, 2 of them involved the use of heavy weapons.

 

[ANACONDA]

New attack in Donbas – water, power supply halted as over 300 shells in Avdiyivka
Monday, 20 February, 2017 - 0:08 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

A Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman has announced Russia`s hybrid military forces continue shelling Ukrainian positions along the entire contact line, and new escalation has been reported near the Ukrainian-controlled town of Avdiyivka as Ukrainian troops deployed outside it come under attack.
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”Enemy troops enjoyed the support of mortars and tanks of Russia`s occupation forces. The fighting lasted for seven hours without a break. According to rough estimates, the adversaries lobbed over 300 shells into areas near the town of Avdiyivka and fired over 70 tank projectiles. The situation near Avdiyivka is getting worse,” Defense Ministry press secretary for Anti-Terrorist Operation issues Oleksandr Motuzianyk said at a briefing on Sunday, February 19.
Enemy artillery projectiles damaged power lines on Saturday night, which caused blackouts in Avdiyivka again, Motuzianyk said.
Ukraine`s State Emergency Situations Service reported in turn that the water supply in the town had been suspended after the outage.
”On February 18, a 110 kV high-voltage transmission line, Makiyivska 1-Avdiyivka Coke Plant No. 2, was damaged amid fighting, as a result of which, the power supply was discontinued in Avdiyivka (where about 22,000 people live),” the service said in a statement
The water supply there was also suspended. At the same time, the heat supply on Sunday morning was maintained by Avdiyivka coke plant`s heating system (air temperature in apartments was 20-25 degrees above zero), according to the service.
Intense mortar attacks lasted many hours at the Svitlodarsk bulge, near Horlivka, between Horlivka and Yasynuvata, in Opytne and Pisky. Ukrainian troops are actively returning fire.
Vodiane was the epicenter of combat in the Mariupol sector yesterday. Russian troops were shooting from mortar launchers in the morning and brought in barrel and rocket artillery in the afternoon. In total, they launched 24 122-mm artillery shells, 30 mortar bombs and 30 Grad rocket projectiles. A series of intense hostile artillery and mortar attacks took place in Krasnohorivka, Novohryhorivka and Pavlopil.

 

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2 Ukrainian soldiers killed and 2 wounded amid 83 attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas in last day
Friday, 24 February, 2017 - 23:57 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russia`s hybrid military forces attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas 83 times in the past 24 hours with 1 Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and 2 wounded in action (WIA), according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.
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”In the Donetsk sector, an enemy tank repeatedly attacked the town of Avdiyivka. Mortars of different calibers were used to shell the villages of Pisky, Zaitseve, Troyitske, and Kamianka. The occupiers also used grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms to fire on Avdiyivka, and the villages of Novhorodske, Pisky, Verkhniotoretske, Novoselivka, Luhanske, and Zaitseve. Moreover, our positions near Novhorodske were under sniper fire,” the headquarters said.

The town of Popasna and the village of Novozvanivka in the Luhansk sector came under mortar fire. What is more, the Russian occupation forces opened fire from rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns on the villages of Troyitske, Krymske, and Novo-Oleksandrivka. Furthermore, enemy infantry fighting vehicles attacked Novozvanivka, while anti-aircraft shells were lobbed into Troyitske.

”In the Mariupol sector, mortars of various calibers were fired on the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Novotroyitske and Taramchuk, while rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and small arms were used to attack the villages of Vodiane, Pavlopil, Hnutove, Shyrokyne, and Novotroyitske. Additionally, a sniper was active in Shyrokyne,” the report says.

Ukraine`s Defense Ministry has confirmed the death of an officer of the Ukrainian airmobile forces who was seriously wounded in the village of Opytne in Donetsk region two days ago

”An officer of the Ukrainian airmobile forces, who was seriously wounded in Opytne two days ago, died in a hospital in the city of Dnipro yesterday,” Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman for Anti-Terrorist Operation issues Andriy Lysenko said.

 

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Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions 92 times in Donbas in the past 24 hours, 16 Ukrainian servicemen wounded
Saturday, 25 February, 2017 - 23:28 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Russian troops continue attack Ukrainian positions in Donbas and demonstrate a disregard of all the agreements reached on the ceasefire. Russian troops shelled at Ukrainian territories in Donbas 92 times in the last day, 16 Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action (WIA), according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.

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In the Donetsk sector, Russian troops fired mortars of various calibers on the town of Avdiivka. Massive attacks by Russian troops caused power cut and gradual decrease of heating temperature in Avdiivka. Cell phone and internet connection are problematic. Representatives of central- and local level authorities keep helping local people. Infrastructure of vital importance is being connected to power generators. Water is supplied according to the established schedule. Russian troops fired 122mm artillery systems on the village of Verkhniotoretske. Russian troops fired mortars of various calibers on the villages of Troyitske, Pisky, Luhanske, Dacha, Zaitseve, Kamianka, Novoselivka and Verkhniotoretske. Russian troops used rocket-propelled grenades in Avdiivka, and the villages of Dacha, Maiorsk, Zaitseve, Pisky and Luhanske. Additionally, the enemy opened fire from tanks on Pisky and Kamianka, Furthermore, Luhanske came under fire from infantry fighting vehicles. Around Horlivka and in the Donetsk airport combat actions of average intensity continue with the use of heavy weapons on the part of Russian troops. A total of 41 hostile attacks were registered in the Donetsk sector yesterday, 22 were made from heavy weapons. Over 400 mines and shells were fired upon Ukrainian positions by Russian troops.

In the Mariupol sector, Russian troops fired 122mm artillery systems on the villages of Pavlopil and Hnutove, 120mm mortars on the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Hnutove and Shyrokyne. The village of Vodiane came under fire from 82mm mortars. Russian troops also used rocket-propelled grenades and small arms in the villages of Novotroyitske, Pavlopil, Vodiane, Hnutove and Shyrokyne. Moreover, infantry fighting vehicles were used to shell Shyrokyne and Pavlopil. A total of 40 Russian troops’ attacks were registered in the Mariupol sector yesterday, 7 of them included the use of heavy weapons. Over 70 mines and 30 shells were fired upon Ukrainian positions by Russian troops.

In the Luhansk sector, Russian troops attacked in Popasnyansky area. Russian troops mortared several Ukrainian base positions. They fired over 20 mines. There were 11 Russian troops’ attacks in the Luhansk sector yesterday, 4 of them included the use of heavy weapons.

 

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Over 200 Russian attacks in Donbas in the past 48 hours: 1 Ukrainian soldier killed, 12 wounded
Sunday, 5 March, 2017 - 23:13 (EET) in Latest news, Maps, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

12 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action (WIA), another 1 was killed in action (KIA) in Donbas in the past 48 hours, according to the press center of the Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters.
The total number of attacks on Ukrainian positions was 115 on March 4 and 110 on March 5, the ATO HQ said.
The occupiers in the Mariupol sector used proscribed 122mm artillery systems and mortars of various calibers to shell the villages of Bohdanivka, Novotroyitske, Vodiane, and the town of Maryinka. Further, they used small arms and grenade launchers to fire on the villages of Hnutove, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne.

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The villages of Talakivka, Novotroyitske, Vodiane, Lebedynske and the town of Maryinka were under sniper fire. What is more, Vodiane and Shyrokyne were attacked by enemy infantry fighting vehicles.
Russia`s hybrid military forces continue using heavy weapons, namely 152mm and 122mm artillery systems, which are banned under the Minsk peace agreement on Donbas.
”The villages of Kalynove-Popasna, Novozvanivka and Troyitske in the Luhansk sector were attacked with the use of 152mm artillery systems, while 122mm artillery systems and mortars of various calibers shelled the villages of Novo-Oleksandrivka, Krymske, Orikhove, Katerynivka, Troyitske, and Novozvanivka, and the town of Popasna. Antitank guided missile launchers were repeatedly used to shell our positions near the village of Krymske. Russian troops launched over 60 mortar shells at Ukrainian positions in Krymske during the dayThey fired grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns on the village of Stanytsia Luhanska, which is an area of disengagement. Stanytsia Luhanska and the village of Valuyske also came under sniper fire,” it said.
Tanks and mortars of various calibers were repeatedly used in the Donetsk sector to shell the town of Avdiyivka, Butivka coal mine, the villages of Pisky, Opytne, Verkhniotoretske, Zaitseve, Kamyanka, and Luhansk. Grenade launchers and small arms were used to fire on Zaitseve and Troyitske. What is more, Zaitseve and Opytne were under sniper fire.

 

[ANACONDA]

New attacks on Avdiyivka cause blackouts, mobile service irregularities
Monday, 6 March, 2017 - 10:47 (EET) in Latest news, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Attacks on the Ukrainian-controlled town of Avdiyivka in Donbas have caused new blackouts and mobile service irregularities, according to the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation headquarters.
”Avdiyivka has just again been left without the power supply. The mobile telephone service is irregular. Yet, the water supply to households still continues. This is the situation the town is now facing after a new attack by Russia`s occupation forces with the use of heavy weapons. Information about damage done to power lines is still unknown. Municipal facilities of critical infrastructure are now being connected to electric generators. Other information is being verified,” the press center wrote on Facebook on Sunday, March 5.
As UNIAN reported, the electricity supply in Avdiyivka was cut off on February 24 after enemy attacks. The power supply resumed on February 27.
Avdiyivka coking and chemical plant and Donetsk water filtration plant had to suspend operation due to the attacks on February 24, which halted the water supply in the town. Repairs to the filtration plant were completed on March 4.

 

[ANACONDA]

Hague Court to begin hearing of Ukraine case against Russia on March 6
Monday, 6 March, 2017 - 10:08 (EET) in Crime, Crimea Crisis, International, Latest news, Top stories, War & conflict


The Hague-based International Court of Justice will start hearings on Monday, March 6, on the Ukraine case concerning Application of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Ukraine vs. Russian Federation).
The hearings will be held from March 6 to March 9; the Ukrainian side will be heard first.
Wednesday, March 8, will be scheduled for Ukraine, whereas Russia will testify on Thursday, March 9.
The event will take place in the form of open hearings in the Peace Palace, which was officially opened in 1913.
The International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial body of the United Nations, will consider Kyiv`s request to introduce provisional measures against Russia.

Ukraine instituted proceedings against the Russian Federation on January 16, 2017, with regard to alleged violations of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism of December 9, 1999, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of December 21, 1965.
Both states are parties to these two instruments.
In particular, Ukraine contends that, following the Orange Revolution of 2004, it has been subjected to increasing degrees of Russian pressure and intimidation. According to Ukraine, since 2014 the Russian Federation has escalated its interference in Ukrainian affairs to dangerous new levels, ”intervening militarily in Ukraine, financing acts of terrorism, and violating the human rights of millions of Ukraine`s citizens, including, for all too many, their right to life.” It states that in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Federation has instigated and sustained an armed insurrection against the authority of the Ukrainian State. Ukraine considers that, by its actions, the Russian Federation is in violation of fundamental principles of international law, including those enshrined in the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (”Terrorism Financing Convention”).

Furthermore, in its Application, Ukraine contends that, in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol, the Russian Federation has ”brazenly defied the U.N. Charter, seizing a part of Ukraine`s sovereign territory by military force.” Ukraine states that, ”in an attempt to legitimize its act of aggression, the Russian Federation engineered an illegal `referendum` which it rushed to implement amid a climate of violence and intimidation against non-Russian ethnic groups.” According to Ukraine, this ”deliberate campaign of cultural erasure, beginning with the invasion and referendum and continuing to this day,” violates the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (”CERD”).

With regard to the Terrorism Financing Convention, in paragraphs 134 to 136 of its Application,”[134.] Ukraine respectfully requests the Court to adjudge and declare that the Russian Federation, through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities exercising governmental authority, and through other agents acting on its instructions or under its direction and control, has violated its obligations under the Terrorism Financing Convention by:

(a) Supplying funds, including in-kind contributions of weapons and training, to illegal armed groups that engage in acts of terrorism in Ukraine, including the DPR, the LPR, the Kharkiv Partisans, and associated groups and individuals, in violation of Article 18;
(b) Failing to take appropriate measures to detect, freeze, and seize funds used to assist illegal armed groups that engage in acts of terrorism in Ukraine, including the DPR, the LPR, the Kharkiv Partisans, and associated groups and individuals, in violation of Articles 8 and 18;
(c) Failing to investigate, prosecute, or extradite perpetrators of the financing of terrorism found within its territory, in violation of Articles 9, 10, 11, and 18;
(d) Failing to provide Ukraine with the greatest measure of assistance in connection with criminal investigations of the financing of terrorism, in violation of Articles 12 and 18; and
(e) Failing to take all practicable measures to prevent and counter acts of financing of terrorism committed by Russian public and private actors, in violation of Article 18.
[135.] Ukraine respectfully requests the Court to adjudge and declare that the Russian Federation bears international responsibility, by virtue of its sponsorship of terrorism and failure to prevent the financing of terrorism under the Convention, for the acts of terrorism committed by its proxies in Ukraine, including:
(a) The shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17;
(b) The shelling of civilians, including in Volnovakha, Mariupol, and Kramatorsk;
and
(c) The bombing of civilians, including in Kharkiv.
[136.] Ukraine respectfully requests the Court to order the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under the Terrorism Financing Convention, including that the Russian Federation:
(a) Immediately and unconditionally cease and desist from all support, including the provision of money, weapons, and training, to illegal armed groups that engage in acts of terrorism in Ukraine, including the DPR, the LPR, the Kharkiv Partisans, and associated groups and individuals;
(b) Immediately make all efforts to ensure that all weaponry provided to such armed groups is withdrawn from Ukraine;
(c) Immediately exercise appropriate control over its border to prevent further acts of financing of terrorism, including the supply of weapons, from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territory of Ukraine;
(d) Immediately stop the movement of money, weapons, and all other assets from the territory of the Russian Federation and occupied Crimea to illegal armed groups that engage in acts of terrorism in Ukraine, including the DPR, the LPR, the Kharkiv Partisans, and associated groups and individuals, including by freezing all bank accounts used to support such groups;
(e) Immediately prevent all Russian officials from financing terrorism in Ukraine, including Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation; Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Vice-Chairman of the State Duma; Sergei Mironov, member of the State Duma; and Gennadiy Zyuganov, member of the State Duma, and initiate prosecution against these and other actors responsible for financing terrorism;
(f) Immediately provide full cooperation to Ukraine in all pending and future requests for assistance in the investigation and interdiction of the financing of terrorism relating to illegal armed groups that engage in acts of terrorism in Ukraine, including the DPR, the LPR, the Kharkiv Partisans, and associated groups and individuals;
(g) Make full reparation for the shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17;
(h) Make full reparation for the shelling of civilians in Volnovakha;
(i) Make full reparation for the shelling of civilians in Mariupol;
(j) Make full reparation for the shelling of civilians in Kramatorsk;
(k) Make full reparation for the bombing of civilians in Kharkiv; and
(l) Make full reparation for all other acts of terrorism the Russian Federation has caused, facilitated, or supported through its financing of terrorism, and failure to prevent and investigate the financing of terrorism.”

 

[ANACONDA]

IR summary: Russian-terrorist forces actively use the tactics of "false offensives"

Over the week period from 2nd to 8thof March of this year, 1st Army Corps DNR" and 2nd Army Corps LNR significantly increased (compared to the previous week period) the number of artillery shelling to the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, such as Katerynovka, Boguslavskoe, Popasnaya, Novoaleksandrovka, Novozvanovka, Troitskoe, Luganskoe, Novoluganskoe, Majorsk, Zaitsevo, Novgorodskoe, Krasnogorovka, Novoselovka, Verkhnetoretskoe, Kamenka, Avdeevka, Opytnoe, Butovka mine, Peski, Nevelskoye, Marinka, Novomikhailovka, Lebedinskoe, Chermalyk, Pavlopol, Gnutovo, Vodyanoye, Shirokino, Krymskoye.

Also, the occupants continued to fire on settlements in the occupied territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Among them are: Donetsk, Gorlovka, Zheltoe, Veselenkoye, Uzhovka, Sosnovka, Pervomaisk, Zheleznaya Balka, Kadievka.

In total, about 800 shelling (compared to 500 in the previous week period) were carried out by Russian terrorist forces, which amounted to more than 4,500 projectiles and mortar mines (in the previous - 2300). The fire was mainly carried out from tanks, 82/120-mm mortars, 122 mm MLRS Grad, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery cannons.

Since the beginning of March this year, with the aim of further provocations to the UAF for violating the ceasefire, the command of 1st Army Corps DNR and "2ndArmy Corps LNR has decided to actively apply the tactics of "false offensives". To this aim, several separate units of the first echelon of Russian-terrorist forces have been repeatedly deployed to the advanced positions in the daytime. Having reached the company positions, which have deployed in combat formations, the enemy stops and takes positions without even trying to follow the elementary rules of camouflage security and, after the evening twilight, returns to the initial line. Most often to such tactics of action, the invaders appealed in the districts of next settlements: Nikolaevka, Veselenkoye, Kalinovo, Pervomaiskoye, Troitskoe, Dokuchaevsk and Elenovka.

In order to improvement of the effectiveness of command and control of the 1stArmy Corps DNR and the 2nd Army Corps LNR units and the organization of closer cooperation between them, the occupation authorities are planning to create a "coordination center" of the Center for Territorial Units of the Southern Military District of the RF Armed Forces in the occupied territories of Donbass. According to tentative plans, this "coordination center" is planned to be deployed in the territory of the Khrustalny (former Krasny Luch) in Lugansk region. The "center" will consist exclusively of the military professional servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from the Center of South Territorial Forces, as well as from the Russian "curators" of both Army Corps.

Interestingly, that redeployment for reinforcement of occupants is continuing to the two sectors. So, in the area of Yelenovka - Dokuchaevsk, is fixed the arrival of the next team of reinforcement from Styla-Starobeshevo. That is at least 3 BMP-1 and 2 MT-LB and up to 5 cargo trucks with personnel, ammunition and equipment. In the direction of Enakievo-Gorlovka, was recorded a redeployment of several GAZ-66, anti-aircraft missile systems ZU-23-2, few cargo trucks Ural with ammo, two 122 mm self-propelled guns 2C1 "Gvozdika" from the stock-pile or after repair and 3 BTR-80.

Also was fixed an appearance of several reconnaissance groups of the enemy in the area of Stepovoe and Dolgoe. The occupants in these groups are without any identification marks, in wind-sweats and sweaters, with weapons. They were escorted by several civilians without weapons who carefully studied the terrain. There are 1 truck Kamaz, 2 BTR-80, UAZ "Patriot" and minibus type T-4 in the composition of these groups. In total, 2 groups were recorded in this region. The tasks of these groups are currently unknown.

The Command of 5th separate mechanized brigade of the 1st Army Corps DNR got the order to start the formation of another tactical group yet (while still company level, but with the prospect of bringing it down to the level of the battalion tactical group) for advance into the front line. In this regard, one of the battalions of the brigade is intensively equipping with reinforcements, including newly recruited local militants.

The units of the 3rd separate mechanized brigade of the 1st Army Corps DNR, which conduct combat operations in the western and northwestern outskirts of Gorlovka, "roll over" their artillery spotters, which are trained under the supervision of Russian specialists in training centers in the Donbass and Rostov Region (RF). In this regard, in the near future we can expect more active use of 122-mm cannon artillery and 120-mm mortars in these areas.

With the recent arrival the units of Russian Special Forces from 10th and 16thSpecial Forces brigades of Armed Forces of the Russian Federation into the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions by the Russian Federation, it was started active training of raiding groups in both Army Corps of the occupation forces. Training camps of raiders were noted in the areas of settlements of Mospino, Sorokino, Kalmiusskoe (former Komsomolskoye). Russian special operation teams train to carry out sabotage in territories controlled by Ukraine, including realization of terrorist acts against civilian infrastructure and civilians.

For resupply by weapons and materials the units and formations of 1st Army Corps DNR and 2nd Army Corps DNR from the territory of Russia through the Izvarino checkpoint to the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Lugansk regions for the last three days have arrived:

- About 60 trucks with spare parts and ammunition and up to 15 BMP- 2/1;

- Train of 36 tankers with fuel, of which 25 - to the railway station Rovenky (about 1500 tons of fuel) and 11 - to the station Ilovaysk (about 2200 tons of fuel).

The unit of separate company of Electronic Warfare (Lugansk) arrived in the Rovenky after the training in the Russian Federation. Is marked the knowledge of the foundations of the spoken Ukrainian language (is included in the new training program) by Russian specialists in the units of radio electronic intelligence and electronic warfare, which are arriving in Donbass.

At the same time, the local units of the MGB LNR got order to identify citizens who are speaking fluent in dialects accepted in Western Ukraine and Transcarpathia. The preliminary work should be carried out with these citizens for further cooperation. The final target of these activities is currently unknown.

Measurable reserves of blood plasma were brought to City Hospital No. 2 (Gorlovka, Herzen Street, 1 and Lenin Avenue, 26.) Medical personnel were informed that the delivery of a large consignment of plasma was caused by a "delayed reaction" to the escalation of combat activities and a sharp increase of the number of wounded militants at the beginning of the February of this year. At the same time, it is possible that this stock is created in anticipation of new offensive operations by militants with the expected sharp increase of the number of wounded.

On the training camp of the so-called "Cossack units" in Russia (Kolyubakino, Moscow Region, RF), two Special Forces units of “Cossack National Guard” are being trained. After end of the training course, they will be deployed to the Donbass. The training is conducted under the guidance of the instructors of the GRU General Staff of Armed Forces RF, according to a simplified program, which specially designed for the "Cossacks".

The management of group of companies Stirol (Gorlovka), which is re-registered in Cherkassy on the territory under the control of Ukraine, informed the factory's employees that "nationalization" of the plant by the "DNR" will not happen. The reason is the presence of serious support of the owner of the factory (D. Firtash) in Russian Federation. Also, the staff was informed that the salary will continue to be paid in hryvna, and each worker of the plant will receive an additional 2 days’ vacation every month for travel to the free territory of Ukraine and getting the payments at the cash dispenser. At the same time, the management of the factory informed the workers that they have to join to the "public organizations of the DNR" (for example, non-governmental organization "Young Republic" for young people) under threat of penal sanctions. Also they necessary have to get the start packages of the mobile operator "Phoenix".

On the back of the continuing "nationalization" in DNR, the tensions continue to increase among workers of colliery factories. The miners are dissatisfied with the fact that after the "nationalization" of these factories, their salaries will be significantly reduced. In particular, such situation is fixed in Donetsk at the "Academician Shkochinsky” and "Zasyadko” mines.

Large-scale campaign continues to constraint the population to get "DNR passports" in DNR. Thus, staff of the migration service of DNR expand information to the population of the retirement age that persons, who do not have a passport of a citizen of the DNR, will not have the right to register an inheritance for their relatives. In case of their death, the property of the deceased person will be passed to property of Republic. In Debaltsevo, they disseminate information among the employees of the government sector that, since April of this year, salaries will be received only by persons who have a passport of a citizen of the DNR and payment card of the Central Republican Bank of the DNR.

IR

 

[ANACONDA]

Putin`s desire for new Russian empire not to stop with Ukraine – Ukraine`s Foreign Minister
Monday, 27 March, 2017 - 0:01 (EEST) in Crimea Crisis, International, Latest news, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Against the background of Kremlin`s obsession with restoring Soviet hegemony, but the security of the entire Europe and the west, not only Ukraine, is at stake, Ukraine`s Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin wrote in his op-ed for The Guardian.
The postwar order that provided peace and stability across the continent appears to be breaking up, while ”reversing the breakup of the Soviet Union and restoring the Russian empire have now become an obsession for the Kremlin,” Klimkin wrote for The Guardian.
Ukrainian foreign minister highlights three things central to understanding what motivates Russia, and how Vladimir Putin`s government works.
The first is Russkiy mir – ”Russian world”: a philosophy that harks back to the Soviet era. Central to it is the belief that Ukraine is part of a greater Russia. When in 2014 a popular revolution ousted Viktor Yanukovych, it was more than Russia could stomach. It subsequently illegally annexed Crimea and invaded Donbas in support of the so-called ”People`s Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk”, which the Ukrainian government believes to be little more than a mixture of terrorist and criminal organizations. Besides, Russia greedily eyes other former states and satellites of the Soviet Union, and more broadly seeks to destabilize and divide the rest of Europe and the wider transatlantic alliance. It is instructive that the Kremlin is commissioning new statues of Stalin, one of the 20th century`s worst mass murderers.
Second, hybrid warfare is a term that will be unfamiliar to most. It was developed and brought to new heights by the Kremlin, as military aggression against Ukraine was accompanied by carefully planned propaganda and the orchestration of sham elections to support the Russian version of reality.
”Like old-style propaganda it uses pernicious lies to support the Kremlin`s cause, but it is more sophisticated and insidious than the old Soviet propagandists could ever have dreamed of,” Klimkin says.
This sort of warfare makes full use of modern technology, and is waged across the globe by the well-funded TV station Russia Today, or RT, with its benign call to ”Question More”.
”What they want questioned is the established order,” the top Ukrainian diplomat writes, adding that ”they do not carry a coherent Russian narrative – they simply seek to undermine that of the west.”
Hybrid warfare goes further than TV and the internet. From the top of the Kremlin to thousands of ”keyboard jockeys” in troll factories outside St Petersburg or Moscow, who drip their poison across social media, Russia lies on an industrial scale. It is a sophisticated strategy, sometimes combined with conventional aggression, sometimes not, but always serving Russian geopolitical interests.
”Third, Russia cannot be trusted,” Klimkin says. ”The Ukraine government is fundamentally different, but we understand the mindset of the Kremlin leadership: Russia, as any diplomat who has dealt with the Kremlin will tell you, respects only power and should only be negotiated with from a position of strength and international solidarity.”
Stressing the fact that Russia exploits weakness, Klimkin points out that Moscow does this in bilateral negotiations just as it surely as it exploits the weakness of the UN Security Council, where it abuses its right of veto as one of five permanent members.
Pavlo Klimkin draws attention to the fact that ”Russia also breaks its promises. Few in my country could have envisaged the consequences when in 1994 Ukraine gave up the world`s third largest nuclear arsenal, under guarantees protecting its territorial integrity from the UK, U.S. and Russia.”
By annexing Crimea and invading Donbas Russia ”has spat on that historic document, the Budapest memorandum, which Ukraine signed up to in good faith to make the world a safer place. And 20 years on, Russia has not honored a single clause of the Minsk agreement that they signed in an effort to bring about a resolution to the war in Donbas, in which 10,000 of our people have been killed and 23,000 wounded.”
Klimkin believes that today, Russia poses the greatest threat to the security and unity of Europe since 1945.
”There can be no talk of lifting sanctions until Russia is brought to heel and persuaded to comply with international rules,” he wrote. ”And sanctions hurt Russia more than the Kremlin cares to admit. They are slowly reducing Russia`s ability to destabilize Europe and the world.”
”The west must remain united in the face of the threat, and must not blink first,” Klimkin concludes. ”Remember what that great Briton, Winston Churchill, said about appeasers: they are the ones who feed crocodiles, hoping they will be eaten last.”

 

[ANACONDA]

IR summary: Tactical groups of 3rd separate mechanized brigade in Gorlovka actively resupplies of ammunition and fuel
30.03.2017 - 11:39

27.03.2017 Operational data from IR group


Russian-terrorist forces in the Donbas actively use 122-mm artillery, armored combat vehicles (including tanks), 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, heavy mounted grenade launchers (AGS and SPG), anti-aircraft artillery systems and MLRS ("Grad-P") in several parts of the frontline. The invaders restarted to active use of UAVs for the purpose of reconnaissance of the combat formations of the ATO forces at the tactical level, as well as additional reconnaissance of targets for fire strikes (7 flying operations of UAVs were recorded during the last weekend).

In separate areas, small infantry groups of the enemy were activated, operating in a raid manner. Basically, these groups perform two tasks: a sudden massive firing of the advanced positions of ATO forces from small arms and hand grenade launchers with the subsequent rapid departure, or the breaking up of the defense system of the advanced positions of the UAF (by provoking the return fire, they break up the locations of the fire equipment, battle formations and battle outposts in the first line of Ukrainian troops).

There is an increased level of fire interaction between a number of enemy units in the first line (shelling is often complex, aimed at defeating specific positions and targets at the forefront of ATO forces). The so-called "disturbing" and "preventive" firing on squares is minimized - the fire is purposefully conducted on the positions of the UAF or objects of civil infrastructure.

The tensest situation remains in the seaside direction at the Pavlopol-Shirokino section, where the occupants use the widest range of their standard weapons, including 122-mm artillery, 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, BMP-2, tanks, anti-aircraft artillery systems and heavy mounted grenade launchers of both types, in addition to small arms. There is also an appearance in the first line of the enemy of 100-mm anti-tank guns of the MT-12 Rapira type. Over the past weekend in this direction, the enemy conducted fire attacks on the advanced positions of ATO forces from 122 mm artillery (2 batteries of 122 mm cannons D-30) in the section of the south-east of Vodyanoe, east of Gnutovo and along Eastern outskirts of Shirokino. Individual shells lay along the route Mariupol - Telmanovo to the south-west of the Pikuzy village (formerly Kominternovo). Between Vodyanoe and Lebedinskoe a tank of occupants was firing from the south-western outskirts of Sakhanka. A pair of maneuvering BMP-2 was marked from the area of Pikuza and Vodyanoe.

The area of Maryinka and Dokuchaevsk - the situation is also extremely tense. The invaders fired on the UAF positions in the area of the dumps and south of Dokuchaevsk, using 82-mm mortars and heavy machine guns. In the Marinka area, enemy fired from anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2 and heavy mounted grenade launchers in cooperation with the tank (the use of 7-8 HE fragmentation shells).

The area from Peski to Kamenka is a permanent active shelling. Peski, Opytnoe, Avdeyevka and adjacent areas, a section south-east of Kamenka – the use of mortars and heavy mounted grenade launchers of both types, single strikes of 122-mm artillery in the area of industrial zone, Staraya Avdeyevka and a section between the Butovka mine and the Ring road. Several infantry groups of militants tried to fire from the neutral zone the positions of UAF in the area of the Opytnoe, Almaz. On the Tsarskaya Okhota, the enemy's reccon group was discovered at distant approaches and thrown back by the fire of the battle outpost.

The whole western and northwestern corner in the Gorlovka area - from Troitskoe to Zaitsevo is a permanent shelling from a wide range of weapons and armament of armored vehicles. The shelling of 122 mm artillery was recorded twice - in the area of Zhovanka-Zaitsevo and single strikes at north-west of Troitskoe (towards Novgorodskoe), where were fixed the explosions of 122-mm shells.

The area of the Svetlodarskaya arc - "traditional" shelling of 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, small arms and anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2 in the area to the north of Kalinovka and Nizhny Lozovoy. Also, was fixed the use of the armored group (BMP-2 and BTR-70/ 80) from several positions. East of Troitskoe - use of small arms and heavy mounted grenade launchers AGS.

It was active firing by small arms from the invaders in the area of Novozvanovka and north of Pervomayka. The shelling was conducted from 120-mm mortars to the UAF positions to the west from Novoaleksandrovka and in Novozvanovka area. Machine gun and grenade launcher firing was marked on the advanced positions of ATO forces along the Bahmut route (the Crimskoe area). 82-mm mortars fired to the positions of the UAF to the north of Novotoshkovka area, and small arms to the south-east of the Threizbenka and in Zheltoe. The area of Luganskaya Stanitsa is an use hand grenade launchers and machine guns.

* * *

The tactical groups of 3rd separate mechanized brigade, which are operating in the Gorlovka area (western and northern part of this settlement), resupply of ammunition and fuels and lubricants. The occupants were actively redeploying the ammo and POL by vehicles to the northern and western part of Gorlovka. Were noted six trucks with supply through Trikotazhka, two fuel tankers to the north of Stirol and four Urals (identified cargo – land mines) in the direction of Golmovsky.

It is noted the arrival of a company of armored vehicles (8 BMP-2, 4 MT-LB and 6 tanks) at the Mospinsk camps. It is says about of the stage of combat coordination of these units in the order of the formation by the command of the 1st Army Corps DNR of new tactical groups of the company level (the IR group reported earlier about it).

The command of the 1st Army Corps DNR is strenuously trying to take control of the situation in its front-line zone. So, according to the orders of the command of the Russian-terrorist troops, the military commandant's offices in the frontal zone of the DNR are ordered to strengthen control over the actions of servicemen in the 10-km zone adjacent to the front in connection with frequent cases of violation of military discipline by servicemen of several troops and units. Earlier, during the service meetings at the headquarters of the 1st Army Corps DNR, the issue of responding to sharply increased cases of looting and robbery by militants was discussed. Obviously, as a kind of "compensation" for citizens in the front line, it is said that mine clearance is carried out in a number of settlements and the provision of assistance to the local population.

The board from the headquarters of the 1st Army Corps DNR (Operational Command "Donetsk"), who worked in the units of the 11th separate motorized rifle regiment, which operated on Avdeevka direction from the end of January of this year, established that "... in a number of units of the 11th separate motorized rifle regiment the several units of military equipment and weapons were put out of order, as a result of misuse or deliberate damage. The conclusion of the commission also indicates that separate instances of such sabotage were noted earlier in the subunits of the 7th separate mechanized brigade of the 1st Army Corps DNR. An official investigation was appointed to confirm the intentionality of such actions from the personnel. The military counterintelligence of militants is connected to the investigation.

 

[ANACONDA]

IR summary: the occupants do not give up attempts to push out the UAF units in the Avdeevka area
12.04.2017 - 20:48

10.04.2017 Operational data of group Information Resistance

Russian-terrorist forces in the Donbas actively use 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2, AT missile systems and combat armored vehicles for firing positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, which are controlled by UAF near the line of demarcation. There is a regrouping of the units of the invaders in a number of sectors, the accumulation of logistic resources in the first line and the strengthening of fire resources a number of stronghold positions (both in the first echelon and in the second). The bombardments are mostly provocative and aimed at keeping the Ukrainian troops of the first line in permanent tension or provoking them to open a retaliatory fire.

So, the situation on the seaside direction continues to remain extremely tense. In the area from Pavlopol to Shirokino, the enemy continues to actively attack the positions of the ATO forces with the use of heavy mounted grenade launchers, light armored vehicles (mainly BMP-1/2-both single and group of 2-3 units). Firing raids were fixed with using of 120-mm mortars. In the area of Vodyanoe and north of the route Mariupol - Telmanovo, the occupants repeatedly used BMP-2 for bombardment, to the north of Shirokino a single BMP-1 fired from a disguised position (from the Sakhanka side).

The armored group of occupants (2 BMP-1, 1 BTR-80, 1 MT-LB) appeared in the area of the settlement Belaya Kamenka and fired on the advanced positions of the UAF at east of Staragnatovka and northeast of Novogrigoryevka (supported by fire of heavy mounted grenade launchers AGS-17).

The invaders several times organized short-term fire raids (82-mm mortars and heavy mounted grenade launchers) near the Berezovoe and dumps in the area of Novotroitskoye.

In the area of Marinka from the side of the enemy, it was noted the use of 82-mm mortars and small arms, heavy mounted grenade launchers (AGS and SPG) in the area from Krasnogorovka to Peski. The area of the Peski, the pair BMP-2 and anti-aircraft artillery system ZU-23-2 fired at positions at the south and east of the Opytnoe.

The Avdeevka district, including Butovka, the positions on the Ring Road and to the south, were actually round-the-clock attacks with small interruptions (120-mm mortar rounds were noted), using the entire range of infantry weapons, as well as anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2. It were noted attempts by the occupants to destroy engineering structures on the front line of the UAF (2 launches of anti-tank guided missiles were recorded).

From Kamenka to a section east of Novgorodskoe, were recorded the fire attacks with use of heavy machine guns and heavy mounted grenade launchers (such as AGS and SPG) from the enemy side.

A similar situation exists in the areas of Zaitsevo-Zhovanka and Luganskaya arc (from Lozovoye to Rassadok and east of Troitskoe).

It were noted the firings from small arms and anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2 in the area of Novozvanovka - Novoaleksandrovka.

The enemy actively used mortars of both calibers in the area of the Bahmut route, firing at the advanced stronghold points of the UAF on the Novotoshkovka-Sokolniki location.

It was also recorded the use of small arms from the side of the enemy in the vicinity of Trekhizbenka, Zheltoe and Stanitsa Luganskaya (in the latter case, the occupants used AGS-17).

* * *

In the Donetsk direction, Russian-terrorist forces do not abandon attempts to push out the UAF units in the Avdeevka area (the industrial zone, the Staraya Avdeevka and the section from the Ring road to the Opytnoe - Almazy). The reinforcement and regrouping of the occupants in the vicinity of the Yasinovataya-2 and Donetsk-Severnyi railway stations, the northern outskirts of Spartak and the western outskirts of the village of Kashtanovoye are recorded. Two infantry platoons compacted the enemy's battle formations at the back of Agro-Nafta (about 50 men with several heavy mounted grenade launchers SPG and ACS, one anti-aircraft artillery system ZU-23-2on the trailer of truck Kamaz). In the area west of the Kashtanovoe invaders dug 3 positions for additional 2 redeployed BMP-2 and 1 MT-LB (positions are disguised in forest plantations, apparently, a tactical reserve). In the area of Spartak a new mobile fire group of the enemy arrived on the 1 truck Ural with anti-aircraft artillery system ZU-23-2 and 1 truck Kamaz with 82 mm automatic mortar "Vasilek" (the fire is going from the area of Spartak , from the standoff position of this group - south of this settlement) .

According to the order of the Center of Territorial Troops of the South-East Operational Command of the Russian Armed Forces, the so-called personnel certification is conducted in units and divisions of the 2nd Army Corps LNR. As part of the attestation, militants take blood tests for HIV / AIDS and drug use, as well as interviews with a narcologist and a psychiatrist. At the same time, to avoid undermining the fighting efficiency of units, commanders are left with the right to leave militants on military service regardless of the results of medical examinations.

On the territory of the occupied districts of Donbass, there is an increase in discontent among citizens who have not previously served in the military and who are trying to find a job. According to the instructions of the leaders of the DNR and LNR, it is necessary to present the presence of a mark on the statement on military registration in the registration certificate from the military commissariats for employment in both republics. However, when this category of citizens is applying to the military registration and enlistment offices, they are offered to enter on the military service, and in case of refusal, the relevant marks in the documents are not put, which makes employment impossible.

In the occupied areas of Donetsk region, the indignation of the population is caused by the introduction by the leaders of the DNR of a mechanism for the deprivation of ownership of immovable property of Ukrainian citizens who left the occupied regions of Donbass and are in territories under the control of the Ukrainian authorities. Such actions in the DNR are explained by the fact that this category of citizens does not pay for utilities and housing maintenance costs, and does not have the citizenship of the DNR.

A new conflict between the leadership of the LNR and the Russian Cossacks is being fixed on the territory of the occupied areas of the Lugansk region. In particular, the authorities of the LNR refuse to register the newly created structure - the Union of Cossacks of Lugansk region (trying to register as a public organization). Representatives of LNR in dialogue with an active of Cossacks refer to absence of corresponding instructions from the Russian curators on registration of the given social movement. At the same time, the Cossacks themselves, referring to the words of ataman N.Kozitsyn, approve that the order to register this organization in LNR was given by the presidential adviser of the Russian Federation V.Surkov.

The conflict between local militants from the 9th separate mechanized regiment and the arriving mercenaries from Chechnya (about 100 men, which arrived to strengthen the units of the 1st Army Corps DNR in Mariupol direction) escalates in the Novoazovsk (controlled by the DNR). Several clashes have been registered between the parties to the conflict using physical force. The conflict arose as a result of the leakage of information about the payment that the Chechens will receive monthly, participating in combat actions. In particular, the indignation of local militants caused rumors that Chechen mercenaries would receive payment in the range of 80 thousand rubles, while local militants receive about 15 thousand rubles.


IR Summary: Russian officer cadets-gunners arrived in Donetsk for practical exercises
12.04.2017 - 22:50

12.04.2017 - Operational data of group "Information Resistance"

Russian-terrorist forces in the Donbas have increased the intensity of shelling.

In the coastal area, the Pavlopol-Shirokino location remains the most dangerous and tense. The occupants used 122-mm artillery and 120-mm mortars. The most active enemy is firing on both sides of the Vodyanoe; the positions of the ATO forces in Shirokino and northeast are being fired. In the Lomakino, Lebedinskoe, Gnutovo, Talakovka, Pishchevik and Pavlopol areas, repeated shelling was recorded. In the area north of the route Mariupol - Telmanovo (east of Talakovka) the militants repeatedly fired the advanced positions of the UAF from single BMP-2 from the disguised positions.
In the area of Dokuchaevsk (Central Quarry, rock dumps and on the Yasnoye-Beryozovoe side), the enemy carried out repeated bombardments by 82-mm mortars, heavy mounted grenade launchers (AGS and SPG) and heavy machine guns. In the area of Taramchuk the movement of a single BMP-1 was observed.
In the area of Marinka from the enemy side, mortars and anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2 actively fired on south-eastern and eastern outskirts of the village. In the area of Krasnogorovka there were also active firings with massive use of machine guns (immediately from several points) and several groups of snipers.
On the side Peski – Kamenka is a similar situation. The enemy actively fire by 120mm mortars along the section from Butovka to the Ring Road. In addition, to the north of the DAP flight landing strip, positions in the area of Opytnoe and Vodyanoe, were fired from 82-mm mortars (3 units, a mobile group of invaders from Putilovka), heavy machine guns were used, occasionally anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2.
The region of Avdeevka is the use of small arms, grenade launchers, 120 mm and 82 mm mortars. The attacks on the industrial zone, the Staraya Avdeevka and the Tsarskaya Okhota were marked. The invaders opened fire from BMP-2 and BTR several times from the area of the highway junction, as well as the activity of the enemy snipers was fixed.
Active firings with the use of heavy machine guns and heavy mounted grenade launchers AGS-17 were conducted to the south-east of Kamenka, in the area of Zhovanka-Zaitsevo.
On the Svetlodarskaya arc (a section from Lozovoye to Sanzharovka), small arms, 82-mm mortars and SPG were noted. Twice were recorded fire raids from 120-mm mortars. The enemy opened fire from small arms east of Troitskoe.
On the Lugansk direction (Stakhanov group), active firings with the use of SPG, 82-mm mortars and heavy grenade launchers were conducted. From the Molodezhnoe side, enemy fired at the positions in Katerinovka and Novoaleksandrovka, as well as on the UAF stronghold points along the Bahmut route from Zhelobok and in the region of Trekhizbenka. The activity of the occupants in the area of Stanitsa Luganskaya is noted; under the fire are Olkhovoye and Makarovo (heavy machine guns and heavy mounted grenade launchers AGS).
* * *
The eight BMP-1/2 and three MT-LB arrived in the" Lutugin camp "(the training center of the Russian-terrorist forces in the vicinity of Lutugino settlement, Lugansk region). This armor is designed to complement the mixed company tactical group, formed on the basis of this training center as a tactical reserve in the 2nd Army Corps LNR.
In the triangle Veselogorovka-Kalinovo-Almaznaya, occupants secretly pulled the tank company to the first line. The redeployment of equipment was carried out "in scatter", at night. The tanks are camouflaged in beams and plantations in separate directions. The enemy uses these tanks to directly fire support their infantry units in this area due to a lack of other resources, and is trying to strengthen the stability of the infantry in the defense on this side.
The redeployment of logistics supplies continues to Kadievka (formerly Stakhanov), Pervomaisk and Sentyanovka (formerly Frunze) through the Mikhailovsky highway junction. The redeployment of 15-20 trucks, mostly with ammunition and fuel, is fixed every day.
Officer cadets of military educational establishments of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation continue to arrive periodically from the Russian Federation to the Donbas for the purpose of passing practical exercises with artillery shooting. Practical exercises are conducted by instructors from among the regular servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The last recorded party of Russian cadets arrived in the territory of the district of Trudovskie, Donetsk (7 cargo military trucks with identification marks - a rhombus in a white diamond) with four 122-mm howitzers D-30. The cannons are located on the territory of the old bakery.
In the Petrovskiy district of Donetsk, militants of non-Slavic appearance (previously Chechens), armed with infantry weapons (except for AK automatic rifles, the presence of DShK machine guns, SVD sniper rifles, grenade launchers), arrived to strengthen the units of militants occupying positions near the Trudovskie and Aleksandrovka districts. Arrived mercenaries settled in houses abandoned by residents.
In Gorlovka, on the basis of educational institutions, occupants establish so-called "Voluntary people's druzhiny", which are entrusted with participation in the protection of public order, patriotic education of youth, as well as civil defense. Minors are involved in the formation of these "druzhiny".
At the direction of the Russian curators, the leaders of the DNR and the LNR gave instructions to the leaders of the MoD and the MIA of the two republics so that they could ensure the mandatory replacement of Ukrainian passports with "passports" of pseudo-state entities in Army Corps and law enforcement agencies. The specified replacement period is until May 2017.
In the administration of the leader of the "DNR" A. Zakharchenko, a meeting about the activation of information work with the population of the territories occupied by Ukraine was held in advance of May 9. With the involvement of MGB DNR and the use of agents in the front-line territory controlled by Ukraine, it is planned to organize various kinds of "patriotic actions" dedicated to the Victory Day, using Soviet symbols and provocations of Ukrainian law enforcement officers to use force; A sharp increase of information work in social networks; Holding actions with the maximum possible participation of veterans and youth from the territory controlled by Ukraine within the framework of the "Humanitarian program for the reunification of the people of Donbass".
In the framework of the "Humanitarian program for the reunification of the Donbas people", the Minister of Education and Science of the DNR L.Polyakova announced the provision of 1500 budget places to residents of territories under Ukraine's control in higher and secondary special educational institutions operating in the territory controlled by the DNR. It is planned that simultaneously with the admission to training students will receive a passport of a citizen of the DNR and will be registered in the military commissariats of the DNR with the issue of a certificate of registration.
Among the drivers of trucks, which are carrying goods from the territory of the DNR for long distances in the Russian Federation, an initiative group has been set up, preparing protests in the city of Donetsk. The situation is due to the fact that when they crossing the border with Russia in the Rostov region, representatives of the Russian side (usually in civilian clothes, but with the participation of Russian border guards) stop all trucks following from the occupied territory of Donbass, and claim from 3 to 5 thousand rubles for "safe passage" across the region.
A visit of the representatives of the Central bank of the DNR to the unrecognized republic of South Ossetia is planned to familiarize them with the work of the banking system and the regulatory framework for ensuring the process of "nationalization in April 17 this year. Also, the purpose of the visit is the exchange of experience in the sphere of organizing the activity of the financial sector in conditions of blockade and sanctions.

 

[ANACONDA]

NATO Secretary General: Russia`s aggression in Ukraine main reason for strengthening defense in Europe
Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 15:54 (EEST) Section: Crimea Crisis, International, Latest news, Military, War in Donbas


NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the main reason for strengthening NATO`s collective defense in Europe is the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

”We are concerned about the situation, especially in eastern Ukraine, and the fact that Russia illegally annexed a part of Ukraine – Crimea. And that is the first time since the end of the Second World War that one country annexed a part of another country in Europe by force. So this is, of course, serious for Ukraine, but is also undermining the whole idea of the rules-based order in Europe which has been so important for the peace and stability in Europe,” Stoltenberg said on Thursday at the Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University, in the framework of his two-day visit to the United States.

”So, NATO, United States, NATO allies, provide support to Ukraine, we help them to modernize their defense structures, the armed forces, the defense institutions, train them… So NATO, NATO allies provide political and practical support to Ukraine…” he said.

Stoltenberg added that the ”illegal annexation of Crimea and support of Russia to the separatists in eastern Ukraine, the continued destabilization of the east of Ukraine is the main reason why NATO has strengthened its collective defense in Europe, making sure that no NATO ally experience anything like what Ukraine has experienced with Russia since 2014.”

 

[ANACONDA]

IR summary: the new tank crews are intensively training in the 1st Army Corps DNR
18.04.2017 - 11:29

14.04.2017 - Operational data of group "Information Resistance"

In the ATO zone in the Donbass region, there is an active regrouping of Russian-terrorist troops on the direction Gorlovka-Yasinovatoya, Petrovskiy district of Donetsk, Dokuchaevsk and in the area north of Pikuzy (formerly Kominternovo). There is active reinforcement in the engineering attitude of the occupiers in the second echelon and a number of cut-off positions. At the same time, in some areas the enemy continues to increase the intensity of the shelling.

In the seaside direction, active firings of the positions of the ATO forces on the Pavlopol-Shirokino side continue with the use of 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, heavy mounted grenade launchers (AGS and SPG), and episodically anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2. The fire of single BMPs-2 from disguised positions (the area to the north of Shirokino, southeast of Vodyanoe and east of Talakovka) was repeatedly recorded. In the area of Vodyanoe the enemy used 122 mm artillery (battery of howitzers D-30).

In the area of Dokuchaevsk, several firings were conducted by 82-mm mortar on the positions of the UAF at Taramchuk and Berezovoe and on dumps at south-west of this settlement with the simultaneous use of machine guns.

In the area of Maryinka and Krasnogorovka, "traditional" shelling was carried out by the invaders from Trudovskie and Aleksandrovka from 82 mm mortars, heavy mounted grenade launchers and anti-aircraft artillery systems ZU-23-2.

From Peski to Kamenka, permanent shelling was conducted; the main "epicenters" are the section from the Ring road to the Butovka mine and to the south, and also the Avdeevka area (including the industrial zone, Staraya Avdeevka and partially the Tsarskaya Okhota). 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, 122-mm cannon artillery fired at Butovka and industrial zone. In the area of Peski is the use of machine guns and snipers, from the side of Spartak - a pair of BMP-2 occupiers. Another BMP with the support of 82-mm mortars fired at the advanced positions of the UAF south-east of Kamenka. The enemy fired from small arms north of the DFS. Throughout the whole direction, small arms were actively used.

The enemy used heavy machine guns and heavy mounted grenade launchers (mainly AGS, but sometimes SPG) in the area of Mayorsk and Zhovanka-Zaitsevo direction.

The militants fired with machine guns and heavy mounted grenade launchers in the area of Svetlodarskaya arc. The snipers were also active on the Lozovoye-Rassadki direction, as well as east of Troitskoe.

Small arms, 82-mm mortars, AGS-s were used in the area from Novozvanovka to Katerinovka. 120-mm mortars fired at ATO stronghold points along the Bahmut route, from Novotoshkovka to Sokolniki. It is the use of small arms and AGSs in the area of the Zheltoe and Mironovka.

The Stakhanov group of occupants of the 2nd Army Corps LNR is intensively accumulating artillery ammunition. 5-6 trucks with boxes of ammunition are redeployed to Alchevsk and Perevalsk through the Beloe every day from the southern direction.

At the training ground in the area of Torez, the invaders are intensively training the tank drivers of the T-72 tanks. There is a group of up to 30 people in training at the present time. According to the information of the IR group's network, this group of tank drivers will be sent to complement additional tank companies in the tank battalions of the separate mechanized brigades of the 1st Army Corps DNR(with their transfer from 3 company to a 4-company organizational structure, see the previous reports of the IR group ). At the same time, these specialists are training for the planned batch of tanks, which will arrive from Russia within the next week. The tank commanders and gunners for the new crews are training in the Mospino area, and will arrive at the training ground near Torez at the final stage of training for the combat shakedown of the crews.

During the last days in the city of Donetsk, there is an active movement of convoys of military vehicles (up to 20 units in each convoy, tent trucks with signs in the form of a circle in the middle of the figure 1 in red) through the city. These convoys move with escort of cars with warning lights.

In the units of the 1st Army Corps DNR in a number of directions (Gorlovka, Dokuchaevsk, Novoazovsk district), an unscheduled replacement of Russian military advisers and instructors is observed. In a number of units, the replacement was carried out 100% at the expense of officers of the Russian Armed Forces who arrived from Russia. Officers, who have been replaced, go back to Russia. At the same time, at the end of 2016, these Russian officers were informed that their time in the Donbas would extend at least until the end of 2017. The reason for the urgent replacement of advisers and instructors is currently unknown.

During the last week, the redeployment of units of RF Armed Forces (personnel and armored vehicles) is noted through the settlement Amvrosievka in the Donetsk direction. The reinforcement of the units of the 1st Army Corps DNR, which are located along the line of demarcation, is carried out due to this equipment and servicemen.

According to the order of the command of the Center of Territorial Troops of the Southern Military District of the RF Armed Forces, the units of the 1st Army Corps should be fully equipped before the end of April this year. In this regard, at the direction of the Russian curators, a sociological survey is conducted, which aimed at establishing the main motivational factors for the representatives of the local population in joining the military service in the DNR, in the occupied areas of the Donetsk region. At the same time, the invaders are actively conduct registry campaign among the male population in a number of settlements under the control of the DNR, with the aim of setting up residents for military registration. The law enforcement agencies of DNR are actively involved in these actions. The cases of threats to open criminal cases for refusing to register on military registration are recorded. It also notes the registration of vehicles of the nationalized factories in the military registration and enlistment offices.

The DNR leadership issued an order to strengthen control and filtration measures at the checkpoints, taking in account the danger of penetration of Ukrainian saboteurs before and during the Easter holidays with the aim of sabotage in public places. At the same time, the proposal of the MGB DNR about the introduction of a "special regime" for the work of checkpoints on pre-holiday and holidays was rejected after a meeting with the representatives of the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of the DNR.

IR

 

[ANACONDA]

IR summary: the occupiers continue to strengthen their grouping in the Petrovskiy district of Donetsk
20.04.2017 - 17:05

18.04.2017 - Operational data of group "Information Resistance"

In the last 3 days the movement of cargo trucks and the deployment of military vehicles of the occupants in the front line on the territory controlled by the DNR and LNR were minimal, mainly in the framework of everyday life support of units of Russian-terrorist forces.

As an exception, the continuing strengthening of the grouping in the Petrovskiy district of Donetsk attracts attention. The arrival of up to 5 armored combat vehicles (of which at least two BMP-2) was recorded in the Tekstilshchik area, as well as the invaders' reinforcement in the area of Spartak. A motorized rifle unit (up to 70 men in 3 trucks Kamaz), heavy infantry armament (heavy mounted grenade launchers AGS, 2 automatic 82-mm mortars such as Vasilok, 1 anti-aircraft artillery system ZU-23-2, a pair of heavy mounted grenade launcher SPG) arrived in this area. These movements occur in the framework of the reinforcement that the IR group reported earlier. According to the plans of the command of the occupation troops, the units, that arrived, will operate on the site opposite from Opytnoe to Butovka and north (up to the highway junction on the Ring Road).

During the Easter holidays, the commandant's control service in the 1st Army Corps DNR was elevated to a heavy security of service. In some settlements (Novoazovsk, Dokuchaevsk), Russian mercenaries from the Caucasus were involved in patrolling. As a result, there were conflicts with local militants who were on leave outside their units (mainly because of the abuse of alcohol).

In LNR the holidays were meaningful. In Khrustalny (former Krasny Luch), a local militant, after drinking alcoholic beverages, on the basis of domestic conflict, shot from AK-74 his drinking companion from among local residents. Another militant, in a state of alcoholic intoxication, blew up grenades on the outskirts of Lugansk in honor of Easter (managed to blow up 2 grenades, after which he was detained by a patrol of terrorists). In Alchevsk, a massive fight was fixed between representatives of one of the motorized rifle unit of the 2nd Army Corps LNR and the Russian Cossacks. As a result, two wounded with knife wounds were hospitalized; one received a head injury as a result of a blow to the head by the orderly bin.

Russian curators in the DNR and LNR reported about the demand from the presidential administration of RF to intensify targeted information and propaganda work in Ukraine-controlled territories using militias controlled media, social networks, and agents in the front-line territories. The priority themes are successes and achievements in the implementation of the "Humanitarian program for the reunification of the people of Donbass," a negative social and economic situation in the territory controlled by Kiev, the growing discontent with the Ukrainian soldiers in the actions of their command and the Ukrainian authorities as a whole. In order to realize this task, additional groups of "experts" from the Russian Federation are expected to arrive in Donetsk and Lugansk in the near future.

Among the leaders of the "Oplot TV" TV channel (broadcasting on the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region and controlled by the leader of the DNR A. Zakharchenko), there is an increase in discontent due to the lack of financing of this media resource from the budget of the DNR. In particular, since July 2016, Oplot TV has been transferred to the state ownership of the DNR, but is not on the balance sheet of this formation and does not receive budgetary funding. Episodically, financial support is provided by "benefactors" from the Russian Federation, but these funds are extremely inadequate. In this regard, there are open refusals by the TV channel's management to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Information of the DNR.

With the reduction of DNR funding from Russia, there is a sharp shortage of funds. In connection with this, in the occupied regions of the Donetsk region, in the last 2 months there have been delays in a number of social payments, in particular: assistance to families with children, pension payments (the tense situation is in Makeevka) and disability assistance payments ( a little part of people with disabilities received these payments).

In the context of "fight against smuggling in the LNR” declared by I.Plotnitsky, the so-called People's Council of the LNR was instructed to increase responsibility for illegal movement and sale of goods of the excisable group. It was also instructed to consider the expediency of prohibiting the sale of tobacco products outside the boundaries of special trading establishments.

 

[DrHenley]

Anaconda, I am interested in what is going on in The Ukraine, but I'm afraid this is a bit of "information overload" and I tend to gloss over most of it.

Perhaps you could summarize the news in more digestible portions.

 

[ANACONDA]

Two militant accomplices apprehended in Donetsk region, - Abroskin. PHOTOS
One of the men possessed an arsenal of weapons.
The police officers apprehended two militant accomplices in the Donetsk region, the head of the National Police in the Donetsk region Viacheslav Abroskin wrote on Facebook, Censor.NET reports.

"Morning catch in the village of Ivanivske, the Bakhmut district. Two locals in the service of militants were apprehended. One of them had an arsenal of weapons," he wrote.

See more: Russian flamethrower Shmel discovered in ATO zone, - SBU. PHOTOS