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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.”
 
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
 
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.”
 
IR summary: Tactical groups of 3rd separate mechanized brigade in Gorlovka actively resupplies of ammunition and fuel
30.03.2017 - 11:39
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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.
 
IR summary: the occupants do not give up attempts to push out the UAF units in the Avdeevka area
12.04.2017 - 20:48
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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
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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.
 
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.”
 
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
 
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.
 
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. :)
 
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



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About 1,500 Russian soldiers killed in Donbas since spring 2014 – Russian NGO
Friday, 28 April, 2017 - 14:13 (EEST) Section: International, Latest news, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Chairperson of NGO Union of the Committees of Soldiers` Mothers of Russia Valentina Melnikova estimates that at least 1,500 Russian servicemen have been killed in Donbas, the east of Ukraine, since spring 2014, according to TV Channel 112 Ukraine.
”There aren`t any exact numbers – we`ve got general estimates,” she told Channel 112.

Mass graves of unknown Russian soldiers

”Unlike previous wars and its participants we`ve dealt with, now people virtually do not apply – whether it concerns their wounded or killed. This war has turned to be very covert. We can only guess what is actually been happening on the basis of indirect data or those rare requests we receive,” Melnikova said.

At the same time, she added, ”there is a theoretical ratio between the losses of the belligerent states.”

”Therefore, our assessment, just the way we assessed those killed and wounded in action during the first and second wars in Chechnya – we estimates that the Russian losses – these are these so-called theoretical ”volunteers”, but in fact, they are servicemen, soldiers, officers of Russia – the death toll exceeds 1,500 men if we take the entire period of the war since the spring of 2014,” she said.

After the annexation of Ukrainian Crimea in March 2014, Russia started destabilizing Donbas, Ukraine`s east. Russia has been arming terrorists from the self-proclaimed Donbas republics and sending mercenaries and its regular troops there.
 
Russia funds and manages conflict in Ukraine, “Surkov leaks” show – Atlantic Council
Thursday, 27 April, 2017 - 14:01 (EEST) Section: Analysis & Opinion, Crimea Crisis, International, Latest news, Top stories, War & conflict, War in Donbas

Hacked emails show that the Kremlin directs and funds the ostensibly independent ”republics” in eastern Ukraine and runs military operations there, Aric Toler and Melinda Haring wrote in an article for Atlantic Council titled ”Russia Funds and Manages Conflict in Ukraine, Leaks Show.”
In late 2016, Ukrainian hacker groups released emails purportedly taken from the office of Kremlin official Vladislav Surkov, who oversees Ukraine policy for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Surkov leaks confirm what many have long suspected: the Kremlin has orchestrated and funded the supposedly independent governments in Donbas, and seeks to disrupt internal Ukrainian politics, making the task of rebuilding modern Ukraine impossible, reads the article on the Atlantic Council website.
Russia has consistently denied accusations from Kyiv and the West that it is providing the separatists with troops, weapons, and other material support or meddling in Ukrainian affairs. The emails from Surkov`s office betray the official Kremlin line, revealing the extent of Russian involvement in the seizure of Ukrainian territory, the creation of puppet ”people`s republics,” and the funding to ensure their survival.
There have been three tranches of information from Surkov`s account: a PDF document detailing plans to destabilize Ukraine, a dump of 2,337 emails, and a final dump of 1,000 emails. While the plot to destabilize Ukraine with its detailed plan to use energy tariffs to foment revolution has garnered attention, its veracity is disputed. The trove of 2,337 emails, released by the hacker group Cyber Hunta, covers the period from September 2013 to November 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and deployed separatist proxies in eastern Ukraine to start a war. The final dump dates from September 2014 to September 2016.
According to the authors, the emails show that the Kremlin had a hand in maintaining the puppet government in Donetsk. On June 16, 2014, one of the candidates with an asterisk by his name—the ”elected” Chairman of the Supreme Soviet, Denis Pushilin — sent Surkov`s office a spreadsheet with expenses for a new press center in Donetsk. The budget included estimated salaries for an editor, journalist, and other monthly expenses, along with the cost of a router and other pieces of office equipment. The Kremlin not just manages their puppet republic in eastern Ukraine, it is micromanaging and propping it up.
The Kremlin also actively works to disrupt and slow down the reform process in Ukraine by promoting pro-Russian candidates and proposals. For example, Surkov has met with and assisted pro-Russian activists and leaders who live in Crimea, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Slovyansk. The emails show that Surkov keeps lists of pro-Russian activists across the country that he can deploy when he needs a favor, Toler and Haring said.
The leaks also show that Surkov actively monitors Ukraine`s reforms and works with editors to push a pro-Russian agenda in Ukrainian and Russian outlets. Surkov has significant influence on the media narrative in eastern Ukraine.
Predictably, Kremlin officials have refuted the authenticity of these emails. However, cyber experts have pronounced these leaked emails genuine based on the routing information and some individuals have confirmed the authenticity of individual documents.
 
20.05.17 10:14
Four Ukrainian servicemen wounded as militants launched 55 attacks yesterday, - ATO HQ

The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone remains complicated.
The militants attacked Ukrainian positions 55 times yesterday. The pro-Russian hybrid forces increased the use of artillery banned by the Minsk agreements. Four soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were wounded over the past 24 hours, Censor.NET reports citing ATO Headquarters.

In the Prymorske sector, 26 militants' attacks were recorded. In particular, the militants shelled Ukrainian positions near Shyrokyne and Hnutove with banned 120 mm mortars. Shyrokyne and Berdianske strongholds were mortared with 122 mm shells. The militants fired at Vodiane, Pavlopil and Novohrygorivka strongholds from grenade launchers and small arms. Positions near Marinka and Krasnohorivka were attacked from 82 mm mortars and light weapons. One of the militants' 82 mm shells fell to Krasnohorivka residential area. No destructions and casualties among civilians were reported.

In the Donetsk sector, the militants launched 16 attacks against Ukrainian soldier. The situation in the southern and eastern suburbs of Avdiivka remains the most difficult. Last night, the militants fired at Ukrainian soldiers from 120 mm and 82 mm mortars, as well as small arms and grenade launchers. The pro-Russian hybrid forces shelled Verkhniotoretske strongholds with 82 mm mortars and fired from small arms. The militants hit Ukrainian soldiers at Svitlodarsk salient with IFVs and heavy machine guns.

In the Luhansk sector, 13 attacks were recorded, including the use of heavy artillery weapons and rocket launcher systems. Last night, the militants shelled Troitske strongholds with BM-21 Grad rockets and 152 mm and 122 mm artillery. Ukrainian positions near Novooleksandrivka were hit with 122 mm barrel artillery. Novozvanivka and Popasna strongholds were mortared with 120 mm and 82 mm shells. Positions near Valuiske, Krymske and Stanytsia Luhanska came under small arms and grenade launcher fire.


20.05.17 13:11
About 20 militants dead and wounded as ammunition depot exploded, - Intelligence

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the militants neglected security measures and drank alcohol and smoked in the ammunition depot.
Censor.NET reports citing Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"An explosion occurred in an ammunition depot at the checkpoint of 11 separate motorized rifle regiments (Donetsk), 1st Army corpse in the Yasynuvata district. U p to 20 militants were killed and wounded,'' the statement reads.
According to HUR, the militants neglected security measures, drinking alcohol and smoking in the ammunition depot.
Also, two drunken militants opened fire at the checkpoint, severely wounding three scouts. Fearing being lynch ed by the servicemen of the checkpoint, they left their forward position with weapons.
The Intelligence also reports of the dispute between the Russian military of the 9th separate assault motorized infantry regiment of the Marine Corps (Novoazovsk), 1st Army corpse. The dispute turned into shooting. One soldier was killed and one was seriously wounded.

20.05.17 13:47
State Border Service completes construction of "Wall" on border with Russia

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is completing a model of the protection of the state border with the Russian Federation in the Kharkiv region. The work continues in the Sumy and Luhansk regions.
This was announced by the head of the State Border Service Viktor Nazarenko, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax-Ukraine.
"Now we are completing all planned activities in the Kharkiv region, and we have already begun work in the Sumy and Luhansk regions," Nazarenko said.
In 2015, the government approved a plan for the development of the border. It is designed for three years.
"From mid-2015 until today, we have built more than 273 km of anti-vehicle ditches, 47 km of control and track lanes, 83 km of barrier fence, and 153 km of rocky roads," Nazarenko said.
This year budget provides 200 million hryvnia for this program, which is only 17% of the planned.
Nazarenko said that the violation of the border is reduced to zero at those sections of the border which are already complete. It confirms the effectiveness of the project.
 
21.05.17 09:41
Seven Ukrainian servicemen wounded yesterday, - ATO HQ
The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone remains tense as the militants attack Armed Forces of Ukraine with heavy artillery.
48 militants' attacks reported over the past 24 hours. Seven servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were wounded, Censor.NET reports citing ATO Headquarters.

In the Prymorske sector, the militants launched 12 attacks against Ukrainian military. Last night, the militants shelled Pavlopil, Vodiane and Shyrokyne strongholds with 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian positions near Krasnohorivka were mortared with 82 mm shells. The militants also fired from grenade launchers and small arms.

In the Donetsk sector, the militants violated the cease-fire 22 times. The most difficult situation remains in the southern and eastern suburbs of Avdiivka where the militants have fired from 120 mm and 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers and small arms. Ukrainian military near Nevelske came under 120 mm mortar fire twice. Verkhniotoretske strongholds were fired from mortars, IFVs, and small arms. At Svitlodarsk salient, the militants fired at Ukrainian servicemen near Luhanske from 82 mm shells and heavy antitank grenade launchers. Pisky strongholds came under grenade launcher fire.

In the Luhansk sector, 14 attacks reported over the past 24 hours, including the use of weapons banned by the Minsk agreements. The militants shelled Novooleksandrivka, Novozvanivka and Troitske strongholds with 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian positions near Krymske were attacked with 82 mm mortars, anti-tank missile systems and grenade launchers.
 
22.05.17 10:31
48 attacks on Ukrainian troop’s positions involving mortars, AA guns, IFVs and tank recorded yesterday, - ATO HQ

The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone remains tense, but completely controlled by Ukrainian servicemen.

"The Russian-terrorist forces continue attacking Ukrainian troops all along the demarcation line, although the intensity of strikes committed by the enemy using large-caliber artillery systems has somewhat decreased. 48 militants' attacks were recorded over the past day.

"In Prymorske direction, the illegal armed groups employed weapons against Ukrainian servicemen 17 times. The militants shelled Ukrainian troops' positions near Shyrokyne with 120 mm mortars on Sunday evening. The enemy tank committed several strikes on strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the vicinity of Vodiane village. The defenders of Hnutove were shelled with 82 mm mortars while soldiers deployed near Pavlopil were fired upon with the IFV weapons. The militants occasionally used small arms and grenade launchers at this section of the contact line and on the outskirts of Lebedynske, Chermalyk, and Novotroitske.

"In Donetsk direction, the illegal armed groups breached truce 24 times. Most of violations were recorded in the vicinity of Avdiivka. Last night, the militants repeatedly committed fierce attacks on certain strong points of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the southern suburb of Avdiivka using 82 mm and 120 mm mortars and weapons of smaller caliber. 82 mm mortars and anti-aircraft guns were also used near Kamianka. The illegal armed units fired at strongpoints near Verkhniotoretske, Opytne, and Pisky with the same types of mortars, small arms and grenade launchers. The militants launched attacks on Ukrainian strongpoints on the outskirts of Zaitseve and Maiorsk from the suburbs of the temporarily occupied Horlivka," the ATO HQ said.

Besides, the militants shelled Avdiivka-based Donetsk filtering station from the direction of occupied Yasynuvata around 7 p.m. yesterday.

"Seven militants' attacks were recorded in Luhansk direction. Ukrainian servicemen deployed near Troitske were fired upon with 120 mm mortars, grenade launchers, and small arms last night. Positions on the outskirts of Krymske and Zolote villages were blanketed with 82 mm mortars. Automatic grenade launchers were employed against defenders of Malynove, " the situation report reads.
 
IR summary: the occupiers in the Donbas take measures in case of the appearance of the "Javelins" in the AFU

Despite the reached agreements, the Russian occupation forces in the Donbass systematically violated the ceasefire in the period from 3 to 9 January this year. Low-intensity attacks on the units of the ATO forces were reported every day. In total, the artillery units of "1st Army Corps DNR" and "2nd Army Corps LNR" carried out at least 25 artillery raids (last week - more than 30) by 82/120-mm mortars, 122-mm portable rocket launchers "Grad-P", infantry fighting vehicles and tanks during the week-long period. In addition, the enemy systematically fired at ATO forces from small arms in the area Stanitsa Luganskaya from 3 to 9 January this year, which is a violation of the agreement on the disengagement of forces in this area.

The most intense fire strikes were inflicted by the enemy on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of settlements Lugansk, Troitskoe, Maryinka, Verkhnetoretskoye, Butovka mine, Gnutovo and Pavlopol. In addition, the enemy continues to actively conduct reconnaissance of the combat formations of the ATO forces with the use of UAVs. During the week, at least 12 UAV flights were recorded, including 4 of them - flights of UAV Orlan-10, which were carried out with a flight in the operational-tactical depth of the defense ATO forces. The activation of the activities of the sabotage-reconnaissance groups and enemy sniper groups is marked in the vicinity of the settlements of Dokuchaevsk, Zheltoe, Troitskoe, Slavyanoserbsk and Novotroitskoye.

Over the past 24 hours, the continued activity of the invaders on the Svetlodarskaya arc has been noted. The militants have repeatedly used 120 mm mortars in this direction, firing on the advanced positions of the AFU south of Svetlodarsk and north of Nizhnye Lozovoye. The fire is conducted from the positions in the beams between the height of 223.2 and from the landings between Logvinovo and Nizhnye Lozovoye. In this case, the mobile fire group of the "7thseparate mechanized brigade" of occupants is working out a "legend" for the suppression of "provocations of Ukrainian troops" for the Russian TV. At the same time, the occupiers are intensively dispersing information in their reports that allegedly the AFU shelling militants from infantry fighting vehicles and grenade launchers in this section. Also, the fact of stay and work of the newest Russian radio reconnaissance complex "Thorn" is recorded in the area of the Svetlodarskaya arc.

The occupiers conducted a disturbing fire at the advanced positions of the APU on the southern and southeastern outskirts of Verkhnetoretsky by the 82-mm mortars, as well as in the Lomakino-Gnutovo area in the Mariupol direction. A maneuvering BMP-2 of invaders was firing to the north of Pishchevik.

The confirmed losses of Russian occupation forces in the Donbass amounted to 16 servicemen in the period from 3 to 9 January this year:

1st Army Corps – 9th separate assault mechanized regiment of naval infantry (Novoazovsk) – 7 servicemen, 3rd separate mechanized brigade (Gorlovka) – 1 serviceman, 11th separate mechanized regiment (Makeyevka) - 2 servicemen;

2nd Army Corps – 4th separate mechanized brigade (Alchevsk) - 3 servicemen, 6thseparate mechanized regiment (Kadievka) - 1 serviceman, 7th separate mechanized brigade (Bryanka) - 2 servicemen.

To ensure the activities of units and formations of "1st Army Corps DNR" and "2ndArmy Corps LNR", 14 trucks with fuel and lubricants were delivered to Lugansk from the territory of Russia in the period from 3 to 9 January this year, and a railway train arrived on railway station Rovenky, which delivered about 760 tons of petroleum products.

The Russian occupation command takes urgent measures in connection with the possible supplies of portable anti-tank missile complexes "Javelin" to the Ukraine from the US side. In particular, "1st Army Corps DNR" and "2nd Army Corps LNR" got orders to carry out additional means of passive and active protection for armored vehicles. The commanders of units and subunits were instructed to search "more effective ways of protecting armored vehicles". Also, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has set the task for the research institutes of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to develop devices for the protection of armored vehicles from ammunition with thermal guidance in the shortest possible time, the installation and serial production of which will be possible to be established by the engineering and technical units of 1st and 2ndArmy Corps .

The command of "2nd Army Corps LNR" continues to strengthen the so-called Slavyanoserbsk site. The movement of motor transport and armored vehicles through crossroads near Stepovoe to the north towards the Red Liman, Prishib and Slavyanoserbsk was fixed. 3 BTR-80, 1 BRDM-2, 3 trucks Ural, 1 truck Kamaz and 2 MT-LB (one with installed ZU-23-2 AD system) were recorded. In addition, the positions of the unit of invaders (up to the company) with armored vehicles are fixed (3 units of BMP-1 were dug out) north-west of the settlement Dolgoe, and positions with armored vehicles and mortar firing positions closer to the forest and floodplain of the river.

The invaders continue to transfer ammunition and logistic items to the area of Gorlovka, mainly by motor transport. Up to 20 trucks of army type passed through Yenakiyevo and Uglegorsk towards Gorlovka during two days. At the same time, the enemy is actively working to strengthen its positions in the north-eastern and north-western part of the Gorlovka district (concerns primarily the Zaitsevo-Holmovskoe-Dolomite site). There is an active conduct of engineering work and the appearance of new weapons on the positions is fixed. A new unit of invaders with motor and armored vehicles (up to a reinforced platoon, 4 trucks Kamaz, 2 BMP-2, 1 BMP-1 and 2 MT-LB, 4 120-mm mortars) was noted in the Bayrak-Gurta area.

The occupants close up whole areas to the south and north of Yasinovataya in its tactical rear, blocking the movement of civil vehicles and the population (local residents are allowed into the area only if they have a local residence permit). The new mobile checkpoints are noted. The militants report to local residents about "searching of Ukrainian special operation team". But in reality, these measures are being taken by the command of the occupiers to hide the large-scale regrouping of their forces and assets in this area.

According to the instructions from the command of the 8th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Armed Forces, at least two motorized rifle brigades and one regiment of "1st Army Corps DNR" will receive a not less than 20 units of 120-mm artillery systems 2B16 NONA-K. It is expected in the near future. The main purpose is the arming of mobile fire groups, which operate at the front line.

The planned field drills of anti-tank units began in the units and formations of the "1st Army Corps DNR". The anti-tank units of one motorized rifle brigade and two regiments (mainly with the AT guns MT-12 Rapira) have already arrived at the training grounds.

The command of the Russian occupation forces demanded that the command of the subordinate "brigades and regiments" take measures to increase the concealment of weapons and military equipment in connection with the increasing intensity of reconnaissance flights of US UAV RQ-4A Global Hawk over the Donbass. Attention is drawn to the fact that the command of the "1st Army Corps DNR" promised in advance to warn the commanders of the units about the flights of US UAVs. Supposedly such information will be provided by the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces, how it will be received - it is not specified.
 
Putin's "peacekeeping" initiatives or why it is necessary to closely monitor the Kremlin sharper

The last year and the beginning of this year are uneasy for Putin's Russia. Our "hybrid brothers" fail on all fronts. The events of the last days in Syria, when already after Putin's statements about the victorious end of the military operation of the Russian Air Force, Russians lost several military aircrafts and human losses, generated not only a lot of Internet memes. This is an alarming call, including for Ukraine.

Damaged by the Syrian events, the Russian reputation and new sanctions, which will become even more "life-giving" in 2018, may turn out a new scenario of the Russian Federation in the Donbass for us. We should not discount the presidential election campaign in the Russian Federation, within which steps can be taken to fertilize the great imperial ambitions of the Russian electorate. Kremlin can recover all its failures in Ukraine and its people, at least - squeeze out maximum for themselves from the situation in the Donbass.

In the Russian Federation, they can play a card of the transformation of the greatest murderer of the 21st century into a blessed "peacemaker". Moreover, the flywheel launched by the civilized world of the machine of enforcement to peace in the Donbass leaves the Russian king and his KGB environment ever less place for maneuvers. But they still have a little chance. Taking into account the previously embedded pitfalls, Putin has a chance to cheat everyone. The leadership of Ukraine and its allies should pay close attention to the Kremlin cheater.

According to the "Information Resistance" group, Putin's environment considers own conditionally "peacekeeping" scenario as one of the possible variants of localizing its own aggression in Ukraine using baits, which the contracting party should agree. Due to the West's lack of progress in negotiations on the Donbass, they propose the option "neither here nor there" implying a huge step forward. It can look something like this: an international peacekeeping contingent is allowed to extend to the entire territory of the LDNR right up to the Russian-Ukrainian border, which the West requires. At the same time, peacekeepers are deployed along the current line of demarcation in the LDNR, which Russia is seeking. In this case, "a huge step forward" would mean freezing the conflict, since further negotiations will be deadlocked by the Russian side.

The entry of peacekeepers into the territory of the Lugansk region, occupied by the Russian Federation, is also planned to be carried out on the conditions of Moscow. It means that the interstate border will be drawn by the Russian side, and the local "LNR" authority will consist exclusively of the FSB agents. They will have the "direct dialogue" with Kiev.

Territorial question

The Russian invaders are transferring the Russian-Ukrainian border in the temporarily uncontrolled Ukraine section of the Lugansk region since 2014. The occupiers are building engineering facilities, equipping the new border. According to our information, this situation is observed outside the border settlement of Veliky Sukhodol (Krasnodonsk district of Lugansk region). During the three years of the war, Russian occupants moved the line of the state border twice. Each transfer was accompanied by the establishment of border fences.

In 2017, the Russian occupiers did not calm down and continued engineering work to transfer the state border in the direction of Biryukovo-Pavlovka (RF). Because of Russia's illegal actions, the dam of the Kundruchya River (flowing through the territories of the two countries, the tributary of the Seversky Donets River), which located on the territory of the LNR, came under the control of the FSB border guards. The invaders dug ditches and installed a guard. From the Ukrainian side, access to the dam is completely lost.

It is possible that the Russians are carrying out similar "work" in other uncontrolled sections of the border. The purpose of such actions is obvious: to take the most advantageous positions from the point of view of tactics in case Ukraine begins to restore sovereignty and regain control over the LDNR.

This is the lesser evil that the local gardeners have lost their gardens where on the site of their beds with radishes is a "border" of the Russian "brothers" now. The fact that the Russian Federation systematically cuts off pieces of Ukrainian territory should be made public in international courts, within the framework of the relevant processes. Until this happens, our country will have an unresolved territorial issue with an inadequate northern neighbor. That is a frozen conflict.

Direct dialogue with the FSB and the collapse of the ideas of "Novorossia”

As we noted earlier, one of the signs of time in the "LNR" is the growing influence of the Russian FSB. During the "rule" of Surkov's protege Plotnitskiy, "the republic" was controlled by the competing FSB and the GRU of the RF Armed Forces. This often led to conflict of interests and real conflict situations. Plotnitskiy himself, as the curator-assistant of the president of the Russian Federation ordered him, gravitated toward the GRU. After the "coup" and the flight of the ringleader of the "republic" to Russia, representatives of the FSB sharply intensified in LNR. In addition to total control over the business environment under the S.Kurchenko, the FSB "sat down" in leadership positions in the "army units", exercising constant control over the situation right up to the company level. The goal is obvious: to find and "re-educate" dissatisfied with the new "power" and the situation in the "LNR" among the militants.

In general, there is a decline in morale and disbelief in the "bright future" among the "servicemen". It is already clear that the "Novorossia" turned out to be an empty shell, and the "warriors" themselves are used as pawns in political games.

Another interesting trend is that after the change of "power" in the "LNR", some persons come back to the management, which at one time left LNR because of the problems with Plotnitskiy. At the same time, there was a "clean-up" of old personnel.

It means that everything is ready for the discharge of the "republic" and the puppets are ready for dialogue with Kiev and the peacekeepers ... with the subsequent demands of Moscow to change the Ukrainian legislation in order to legitimize its influence on the development processes of our country. More precisely, to make these processes impossible.

Black “hole”

In the DNR, probably, the Russian scenario will be played out, where the peacekeepers "sit down" only on the demarcation line and provide security to the OSCE observers. Russia will pursue one goal - to leave the occupied territories of the Donetsk region as a zone of a frozen conflict, implementing the described scenario. Why here? Thanks to many years of propaganda work on the Kremlin methodologies, the DNR population is more pro-Russian. In addition, Russia will incur less expense for one "republic" than to feed Lugansk "brothers" also.

"Peacekeeping" benefits for the Kremlin

Amid of the deteriorating situation for Russia on all fronts, in Europe, Syria, the United States, in domestic politics and economy, this is the best option for Kremlin dwarfs to maintain influence in the occupied parts of Donbass and reduce financial influence at one time.

Returning to the starting point of our analysis, the possible peacekeeping efforts of Putin in the LDNR is a demonstrative desire to "establish peace" in the Donbass for the naive Western public, and the establishment of complete control over local "power" and "Army Corps" that gives an extremely favorable position to the Russia.

From the point of view of big politics, it is even a phantom, but the possibility of at least partially removing sanctions and demanding strategic concessions from the United States, and also to have the advantages to strengthen the contradictions between the states and Europe, while building up the possibilities of the pro-Russian lobby in Europe.

For Putin personally, this also gives a chance to use the image of the "dove of peace" in the eyes of his electorate, presenting the situation as "direct negotiations of Ukraine with the separatists".
 
IR summary: the occupiers continue to actively mine the terrain on a number of sectors of the front

Operational data of the group "Information Resistance"

The Russian occupation forces continue to systematically violate the ceasefire regime, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, grenade launchers and small arms in the ATO zone on the Donbas.

The enemy also activated the sniper fire by increasing the number of sniper pairs in the area of contact with the units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a number of sectors (mainly in the Svetlodarsk arc and the Donetsk area).

The enemy continues to actively conduct reconnaissance of the combat formations of the ATO forces with the use of UAVs to inflict firing strikes on them. During the week, more than 10 UAV flights were recorded, including 2 of them flights of the UAV "Orlan-10", which were carried out with a flight in the operational-tactical depth of the defense of ATO forces. It is noted the activation of the enemy's sabotage-reconnaissance groups in the area of settlements Zaitsevo, Krasnogorovka and Shirokino.

The newest Russian mobile satellite communications station "Auriga" type was fixed in the vicinity of the settlement Debaltsevo, which designated for the organization of secure communication and used in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

To ensure the activities of units and formations "1st Army Corps DNR" and "2ndArmy Corps LNR", 20 units of 122-mm MLRS "Grad", 4 BMP-2 and a train with ammunition for artillery systems of various calibers were delivered to the territory of OJSC "Ukrugolsnab" in the settlement of Makeevka from the territory of Russia in a week period, where the occupiers organized one of the ammunition depots. The representatives of the "1st Army Corps DNR" were loaded ammunition for artillery armament, including for MLRS. After that, these munitions were transported in the direction of Gorlovka and Yasinovataya by trucks Ural and Kamaz.

At the beginning of 2018, the complete rotation of the entire command structure of the platoon-company-battalion levels was completed in "1st separate mechanized brigade of 1st Army Corps DNR". By the order of the command of the 8th Army of the RF Armed Forces, the command of the brigade also changed by the arrived personnel from the RF Armed Forces.

The active mining of the area by Russian invaders continues. Thus, mining of individual sections of the terrain between settlements Raevka - Krutaya Gora, as well as Raevka - Veselyaya Gora was recorded. Basically they mine areas of the terrain, which adjacent or located directly in the floodplain of the Seversky Donets River (apparently, the Russian command is afraid of infiltration of Ukrainian special operation teams through these areas). At the same time, the installation of antipersonnel and anti-tank mines is noted, although the use of tanks is virtually eliminated in this direction. It also notes the installation of individual mine-blasting obstacles (mostly disguised) by the enemy in the area of the road that runs north of Veselyaya Gora, between Schastye and Lugansk.

The appearance of a mobile CP of the occupants is recorded in the region of the south-west of Christovo. 2 mobile radio stations based on trucks, a mobile CP of the "Kushetka" type and 1 unit of BRM-1K were observed. It is not excluded that we are talking about an open demonstration for misinformation purposes. The vehicles were not disguised; they moved demonstratively open and remained for a long time in the open area.

In the forest plant south of Kalinovo, the appearance of a rather powerful armored group (a pair of T-72, BTR-80 and 2 BMP-1) is noted. All equipment is dispersed, disguised and guarded in position. Also, 3 trucks Ural were observed moving from Kalinovo to Almaznaya (apparently from the composition of this group).

The invaders expect the APU offensive from the side of the Trekhizbenka in the general direction to the Smelyoe and the height of 175.9 with the aim of cutting the "gut" near Sokolniki. In connection with these "expectations", the enemy gradually strengthens all his stronghold points along the Sokolniki-Prishib-Slavyanoserbsk road. Over the last day, 2 units MT-LB and 1 BMP-1were fixed between the Slavyanoserbsk and the Krasniy Liman.

In the area of Betmanovo, the invaders actively equip the battalion defense area. Several stronghold points have already been created (a number of engineering structures are located directly on the territory of this settlement), and the enemy actively mines a neutral line and approaches to the village. Similar work is taking place on the Golmovskoe-Dolomit site. Also, the appearance of equipped positions for ATGMs or ZU-23-2 AD systems are noted.

Using the truce, the occupants actively replenish the ammunition of their mobile fire groups operating north of Avdeevka in the area from Kamenka to Verkhnetoretsky. North of Yasinovatoya, ammunition is transported by several trucks Ural through the private sector to the area of height 272.2 near the road E-50.

According to available information, the command of the militia "DNR" is considering the use of explosive gas for pumping into the mine shaft of the Butovka mine to carry out a provocation. In particular, it is proposed to pump such gas through a degassing ventilation shaft, which is connected underground with the shaft of the Butovka mine.

Due to the difficult humanitarian and financial situation in LNR and the lack of opportunities to independently secure the needs of public services and medical institutions, the leadership of the LNR decided to apply to the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation with a request to provide targeted humanitarian assistance for 2018. To this end, an "interdepartmental commission" was established under the leadership of the "Council of Ministers of the LNR", which should prepare a complete list of the necessary equipment and materials (in particular, medical equipment, medicines, building materials, equipment for repair of water supply systems, etc.).

Some of the public structures of the "LNR" actively cooperate with humanitarian organizations in Germany. Thus, the NGO "Boomerang Dobra" (Lugansk) regularly receives humanitarian aid (specialized medical equipment, foodstuffs, etc.) from the alliance "Future of Donbass" (Thuringia, Germany). The founders and activists of the "Future of Donbass" Alliance are Raisa and Bernd Steinik (who live in Grossheide, Germany). There are members of the party "Alternative for Germany" are noted among the active members of the alliance. They closely cooperate with the information site of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, where Raisa Steinik repeatedly stated appeals to the inhabitants of Germany and the Russian Federation with accusations of the Ukrainian authorities in the "blockade" of Donbass, "genocide" against his population, while expressing "gratitude" to the Russian Federation for humanitarian and other assistance. Also members of the German alliance regularly visit occupied Lugansk.
 
It seems obvious that the world in general, sees the Ukraine conflict as more akin to a Russian internal matter (even though it is a sovereign state) rather than the separatist war it basically is. Blame it on the press for the most part, because this is the treatment it generally gets. It also seems obvious that the press largely chooses to ignore it, which is interesting. You have to go LOOKING for news about it, if interested.
 
and nobody over that side of the pond,or very few,seems to understand that putin is still pissed on US,that the USSR crumbled to pieces,that he blames you for the lost "glory and power"...he's out on a quest of revenge..
why putin controls russian news...
sends his shock troops against any one who speaks against him...a helluwa lot of dead bodies among those people...
 

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