By Espreso.TV
08.04.2014
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

The Ukrainian army and territorial defense battalions have occupied several key positions on the outskirts of Pervomaysk and are preparing for a full-scale assault on the city.

After the liberation of Popasna, terrorists of the LNR [Luhansk People’s Republic] left the city and retreated towards Pervomaysk–the last foothold on the outskirts of Stakhanov, in which the reserve headquarters of the self-proclaimed leader of the LNR, Valery Bolotov, is located, reports Espreso.TV, citing informants.

Now the Ukrainian army and territorial defense battalions have occupied several key positions on the outskirts of Pervomaysk and are preparing for a full-scale assault on the city. Ukrainian artillery support the offensive operation with their fire.

Reporters visited the firing positions of the 55th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces, 20 kilometers from Popasna.

Artillery gunners are protected by a separate specialized Donbas Battalion. Donbas soldiers are similarly engaged in the scouting and adjustment of the insurgents’ firing positions.The positions of the terrorists are found by drone airplane, which Donbas residents assembled with their own hands.

According to the deputy commander of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Pavlenko, gunners take into account not only the reconnaissance data, but weather conditions–the direction and strength of wind, temperature and humidity.

According to the commander of the Consolidated artillery battalion of the South-East region, Oleksandr Pylypenko, his unit does not fire on targets in populated areas. As Pylypenko affirms, the ATO forces are doing their best to avoid civilian casualties. The task of the artillery gunners is to suppress the enemy firing points and to allow for the infantry to attack terrorists with minimal losses [to Ukrainian troops].

Source: Espreso.TV
Photo source: AP