Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.24.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue actively shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian objects, including with the use of heavy weaponry. There is no apparent unified concept behind the active operations of the “DNR / LNR” groups [Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples’ Republics, respectively], nor any obvious attempts to carry out tactical-level missions – only the insurgents’ desire to achieve tactical success in several areas. In most cases, shellings are chaotic in nature and designed to maintain destabilization along the demarcation line.

For example, in the vicinity of Opytne, insurgents are trying to force the advanced units of Ukrainian troops to move behind the Koltseva road [circular highway] by using heavy mortar fire from 82-and 120-mm mortars.

Between Pisky and Opytne, a maneuvering terrorist armored group consisting of several armored fighting vehicles was spotted once again. Insurgents have opened fire from APC [armored personnel carriers] and IFV [infantry fighting vehicles] weapons on the positions of the ATO forces several times over the past 24 hours.

In the vicinity of Mar’inka (on the front line), an armored group (two tanks and two AFVs) was also spotted, operating under cover of insurgent mortar units (only AFVs opened fire from 30-mm automatic guns). At the same time, enemy snipers opened fire on the positions of the ATO forces.

Activity by Russian-terrorist groups has been observed in the vicinity of the Svitlodarsk bridgehead. The enemy used ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, large-caliber machine guns and AGS-17 grenade launchers (shelling the ATO forces positions near Svitlodarsk). Insurgents use 120-mm mortars in this area, as well as in the area between Luhanske and Rozsadky. Maneuvers by an enemy armored group (three or four ACVs, which did not fire [at the time]) were also observed in the vicinity of Luhanske.

On the stretch between Zolote and Novotoshkivka, insurgents actively use 152-mm artillery. Under the cover of artillery fire in this area, terrorists attempt to send their sabotage and reconnaissance groups into the tactical rear of ATO forces (checkpoint #29 – Novotoskivka). An enemy MLRS unit also continues to operate in this area.

In the direction towards Shchastya – Stanytsia Luhanska, terrorists actively shell the positions of Ukrainian troops in order to identify the firing system of checkpoints and the bases of ATO forces. Attacks are carried out from small arms and 82-mm mortar rounds, sometimes from 120-mm mortars.

In the coastal areas, insurgents use small arms, AGS-17 grenade launchers, and 82-mm mortars in attempts to provoke ATO forces’ advanced positions to retaliate with heavy weaponry. [Insurgents] are also firing from the “neutral zone.” Similar provocative fire strikes on the positions of Ukrainian troops have been observed immediately before the arrival of the OSCE inspectors to the front edge of the [frontline], which suggests that terrorists possess information about the movement of SMM OSCE patrols.

In the Kuibyshev district of Donetsk, an insurgent tank unit (four tanks) and a battery of 122-mm D-30 howitzers was observed moving along the “front line” towards positions to the north of the settlement.

Serviceman with a call sign “Cossack” demonstrates his tattoo. Source: Radio Svoboda.

An insurgent artillery division was observed moving towards Chervone (four 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers). Three more 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers were seen on the march near the settlement of Komunarivka.

An operational and tactical command post was transferred from Yenakijeve towards Kayutyne – the convoy included a command and staff vehicle of Russian troops R-149BMR “Kushetka-B,” two KAMAZ military vehicle trailer systems, and an “Ural” [military cargo truck] accompanied by a BTR-80 armored personnel carrier.

An insurgent armored group was observed transferring from Antratsyt and Krasnyi Luch (six tanks and several IFVs, including a “Potok-2” command and staff vehicle).

In the vicinity of Horlivka, terrorist artillery was observed transferring towards the village of Holmivskyi (in groups of 2–3 weapons). Up to ten 122-mm D-30 howitzers and up to eight 152-mm “MSTA-B” units have been transferred over the past 24 hours.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB