Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
04.21.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past 24 hours, Russian-terrorist troops slightly reduced their frequency of shelling ATO forces’ positions in Donbas with “prohibited” weapons. Terrorists were observed using mortars (120 mm included) in the areas of Avdiivka, Mar’inka and Zaitseve.

A Ukrainian soldier shelters during a firefight near #Avdiivka, where violence has surged. Photo: Jack Losh, on assignment for @vicenews, tweet, April 22, 2016 

Tension remains highest in the Mar’inka, Avdiivka (as far as Opytne, Vodyane and Novhorodske), Zaitseve, Zhovanka, and Mayorsk areas. The ATO forces’ positions in Opytne were shelled by a militant group with ZU-23-2’s (2 pieces) and heavy machine guns from the western outskirts of Spartak. In addition, increased militant activity is being noted in the coastal regions and south of Donetsk – east of Talakivka, two Ukrainian troop strongholds were shelled from close range, while several observation posts again came under fire from AGS-17’s. Near Stanytsia Luhanska, militants fired small arms and under-barrel grenade launchers during the night.

It is noticeable that terrorists aim to operate actively and covertly at the front line and in the neutral zone, sending small infantry groups to open sudden close-range fire on the ATO forces’ positions. Militants are also actively scouting Ukrainian troop front line battle formations and in their tactical rear; as well as renewing minefields and attempting to neutralize the mine barriers set up by Ukrainian troops.

Under the pretext of “preparing for the parade on May 9th [Russian Victory Day],” militants are concentrating heavy weaponry in several districts of Makiivka and Donetsk – namely, tanks,  armored combat vehicles, and artillery systems. In total, as of yesterday evening (04/20/2016), this included up to 20 tanks, 25 armored combat vehicles, 8-10 MLRS, and about 20 artillery pieces of various caliber (including self-propelled guns). Notably, this weaponry and military equipment, which terrorists had previously concentrated and camouflaged in these towns, will not be used in the “parades.”

By 04.25.2016, two “motorized rifle battalions” of Russian-terrorist troops are scheduled to arrive near Lyubivka, Volnovakha district. The plan is to transfer troops and armored combat vehicles separately (armor will be “leapfrogging” during the night). In this way, the “DNR” military leadership continues accumulating troops and resources near Dokuchajevsk.

Given the lack of military success achieved by the “DNR” armed gangs in the vicinity of Avdiivka, rumors are circulating among militants (initiated by the gangs’ leaders) about alleged armed clashes between units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine on that section of the front. These rumors refer to information gathered by “DNR military intelligence,” claiming that Ukrainian military servicemen are in conflict with the guardsmen (“punishers”) – allegedly during the latest incident, Ukrainian commandos “destroyed” 15 national guardsmen. The idea that “Ukrainian armed forces will soon switch their allegiance and side with the militia” is being planted among the militants.

The “DNR” leadership is trying to hold on to their “business” of cashing out social benefits paid by Ukraine to residents of occupied zones. Namely, in order to prevent mass “pension tourism,” information is being actively circulated among the local population that the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) are “photographically identifying” all citizens traveling across the demarcation line into unoccupied territory for the purpose of subsequent arrest, seizure of funds and charges of “financing of terrorism.”

Photo: Strana.in.ua

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB 

Glossary:

AC – Army Corps
ACV – armored combat vehicle
AGS-17 – automatic grenade launcher
ATO – Anti-Terrorist Operation
BMP – infantry fighting vehicle
BTG – battalion tactical group
BTR, APC – armored personnel carrier
BRDM – armored reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle
BRM – armored reconnaissance vehicle
DAP – Donetsk International Airport
DNR – “Donetsk People’s Republic”
DRG – sabotage and reconnaissance group
ELINT – Electronic Intelligence
GUR – Defense Intelligence
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MGB – Ministry of State Security
MOD – Ministry of Defense
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
OMSBR – Independent Motorized Rifle Brigade
SBU – Ukrainian Secret Service
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drones or other)
ZU-23-2 – anti-aircraft artillery system

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