Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
12.30.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Despite the declared “ceasefire,” Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue to carry out attacks and armed provocations. The activities of militant DRGs are detected in several areas simultaneously. In addition, the activities of groups of professionally-trained enemy snipers are observed in several areas along the demarcation line.

During the last three days, an increase in the amount of firepower at first echelon terrorist positions has been observed (especially mortars: including [mortars] of 120 mm caliber). In particular, additional mortar units were deployed in the area of ​​Horlivka, to the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk and the area of Sakhanka– Zaichenko. Seven militant tanks were also detected on the Sakhanka–Zaichenko boundary, dispersed and camouflaged along the entire line. Moreover, two terrorists tanks were observed southeast of Kominternove. In the area of ​​Vesele, three militant MLRS BM-21 “Grads”  were detected.

Activities of so-called militant “instruction and methodical groups” were observed in the direction of Mariupol (near the settlement of Kominternove in particular). These groups actively spread rumors about the impending entry of Azov regiment “punishers” to conduct civilian “sweeps.”

The “DNR” command is undertaking measures to ensure the concealed transfer of equipment and weapons. It should be noted that the main routes and time of movement of militant units are selected to prevent the locals from witnessing [these transfers] (usually in the dark and during curfews [transfers in large settlements]). Terrorist units are divided in small groups during transfers, equipment and weapons are transferred in “batches” (small bundles or even individual units), and several routes are selected [for each transfer]. [Terrorists] carefully camouflage the equipment positions.

Massive attempts by militants are observed to spread misinformation among the local population about goals and intentions of the terrorist command, separate units, and formations. Rumors are spread [among the local population] about the arrival of well-known militant commanders in sectors of the front. Work is currently underway among militants and the local population regarding the use of social networks and restrictions on the use of means of communication.

Russian Armed Forces servicemen conducted concurrent inspections for weapons and military equipment at several militant “repositories of allotted weapons” (particularly in the area of ​​Alchevsk). According to preliminary data, inspections were carried out to organize the concealed relocation of some of the weapons. As a result of inspections, numerous instances of fuel dumping, dismantling and looting of equipment were uncovered.

Weekdays at Ukrainian military combat positions near Lysychansk (Sector A. am hour and a half from Alchevsk). December 1, 2015. Photo: Yuri Velichko. Source

Small militant units were observed in several frontline sectors conducting armed provocations disguised as Ukrainian Armed Forces. In particular, one such group was observed in the area of Zhobunki– Zaitseve (15 people opened fire from two 82 mm mortars and heavy machine guns on a private building). The same groups were repeatedly detected in the area of the Svitlodarsk bridgehead.

In Sverdlovsk and Antratsyt, local gang ringleaders of the so-called “territorial defense” received an order from the military command of the “LNR.” [The order provided for] the planned reorganization of these gangs as “regular units” of the “Second Army Corps of the LNR” followed by their subsequent transfer to the front. These “units” will be restocked and retrained at the base of the so-called “Lutuhyne camps,” where about 20 armored vehicles were transferred for this purpose.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Glossary:
ACV – armored combat vehicle
ATO – Anti-Terrorist Operation
BMP – infantry fighting vehicle
BTR, APC – armored personnel carrier
DNR – “Donetsk People’s Republic”
DRG – sabotage and reconnaissance group
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems

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