Voices of Ukraine

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.09.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Another escalation of the conflict is observed in the ATO zone in Donbas. In addition to small arms, grenade launchers, and 82 mm mortars, Russian-terrorist troops are using 122 mm artillery, 120 mm mortars, and armored vehicles to fire on Ukrainian troop positions and civilian objects.

Terrorists opened fire from 120 mm mortars on the ATO forces’ positions in the industrial zone of Avdiivka from positions north of Yasynuvata and beyond the Yasynuvata junction; [the enemy] also fired at the ventilation shaft of the Butivka Mine (from positions in Spartak and beyond the high-rise apartment blocks south of the [Yasynuvata] junction).

[The enemy] fired on Avdiivka from the direction of Yakovlivka, over 10 rounds of 122 mm artillery shells from self-propelled artillery units.

Militants opened fire on the ATO forces’ positions in Mar’inka from the direction of Oleksandrivka, using the on-board weapons of a BMP-1 (another camouflaged BMP-1, was detected in the area).

In the Dokuchajevsk area, terrorists opened fire from 120 mortars at the “gray waste bank” from the direction of the Tsentralnyy Karyer [Central Quarry] dumps.

Panic is spreading through the ranks of the “law enforcement” (officers of the DNR Ministry of Internal Affairs) in the militants’ “Horlivka Garrison.” Under orders of the “DNR Ministry of Internal Affairs” command, local “law enforcement officers” are used to urgently staff mobile counter-sabotage groups, in light of an alleged threat of a mass breakthrough by Ukrainian DRG’s in the area. [Terrorists] are taking measures to reinforce the security of critical facilities and establish patrols. For the most part, local “law enforcement officers” have no desire to resist “Ukrainian saboteurs.” In fact, there has been a sharp increase in medical leaves and resignation letters at the “DNR Ministry of Internal Affairs.” At the same time, a number of units of the First Army Corps of the DNR are being transferred from Donetsk to Horlivka.

In Donetsk, the command of the “DNR Ministry of State Security” has instructed to bring “security forces and means” to full readiness in connection with the “threat of terrorist attacks against the first persons of the state.”

Four militant mine-sweeping groups arrived in the area of Yasynuvata. According to the “DNR” command, Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are laying minefields heavily in this area. Dissemination of this information is met with extremely negative response among the locals. At the same time, the recent few weeks saw two civilian casualties caused by tripwires previously installed by terrorists themselves. Meanwhile, large amounts of unexploded ordnances on the Yasynuvata–Avdiivka stretch remain a problem; due to hostilities in the area, locating and neutralizing them is currently impossible.

In the Mariupol direction of ATO operations, over a thousand explosive devices (shells, mines, etc.) have been destroyed only in the past month. Source: UaForces

South of Debaltseve (between Ridkodub and Fashchivka), there is an accumulation of terrorist military equipment: about the size of a “motorized infantry company” with BMP-2’s and MT-LB’s (including at least two  “Strela-10M” short-range air defense missile systems ) and four “Gvozdika” 122-mm 2S1 self-propelled guns.

Among militant units of the “1st Army Corps of the DNR” that hold positions in the area south of Donetsk, rumors continue circulating about an imminent arrival of a “strike brigade” from occupied Crimea, staffed by professionally-trained Russian mercenaries and traitors from among former Ukrainian servicemen who remained in Crimea. This information is currently being verified.

In the settlement of Sorokyne of Luhansk Oblast (formerly Krasnodon), the so-called “People’s Police of the LNR” is looking for two locals who robbed a Russian mercenary that came to Donbas from Volgograd (Russian Federation). [The attackers] took an AKS-74U machine gun, 14,000 Rubles [USD 219], two mobile phones, and a gold necklace with a crucifix. The mercenary suffered moderate injuries.

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
GRU – Russian Defense Intelligence, the main military foreign-intelligence service of the Russian Federation
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

This translation work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. The rights pertaining to the original work remain unaffected.

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.21.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past 24 hours, the tense situation in the ATO zone persisted, particularly in the Avdiivka area. In particular, Russian-terrorist troops deployed 82 mm and 120 mm mortars several times: in the area of the “Putilovskaya” mine air vent (also known as the “Butivka mine” position) and the ATO forces’ “Zenith” stronghold; mortar fire (including 120 mm mortars) also came from the direction of Yasynuvata-2 station and from positions in Spartak near Pryvokzalna Street. The enemy also actively deployed sniper groups and DRGs. Shelling from 122 mm artillery came from the forested area between Pryvokzalna Street (Donetsk–Pivnichnyi station) and Dachnyy Proyizd (a camouflaged terrorist battery of 122 mm D-30/30A howitzers was in operation).

Avdiivka, June 2016. After another shelling. Source

The situation remains similarly tense across the western “Horlivka garrison” sector, where continuous militant shelling persists. In the areas of Verkhnotoretske, Novoselivka Druha, Mayorsk, Lenine, and Novhorodske, terrorists are making active use of grenade launchers (including stand-mounted types, e.g. AGS-17’s and SPG-9M’s), mortars and heavy machine guns of various types. Enemy snipers and small infantry groups are also operating from the “greenery.” In particular, several enemy mobile strike groups are operating on this stretch (some three groups are constantly on the move: one armed with three 2S12 “Sani” 120 mm mortar systems and five “Vasilek” 2B9 82-mm automatic mortars; the second, with two ZU-23-2’s, several heavy machine guns, and 82-mm mortars; and the third, with 82 mm mortars, stand-mounted grenade launchers, and machine guns). These strike groups are highly mobile and are capable of rapid strikes and position changes. Their details are trained in the use of standard weapons during nighttime.

Near Krasnohorivka, a pair of militant tanks shelled the ATO forces’ advanced  strongholds and the residential sector of Krasnohorivka from camouflaged positions in the southern and western part of Staromykhailivka (from a building in the private residences sector). Cover fire for the tanks was provided by a BMP-2 [infantry fighting vehicle] from a position southeast of the “Volvo-Center” and by a mortar unit (a total of seven 120 mm and 82 mm mortars) from positions north of the Staromykhailivka lakes.

Consequences of shelling in Krasnohorivka. Source

The Svitlodarsk salient (the left flank in particular) has seen a sharp intensification of militant activity in the past three days. In the Novozvanivka and Troitske areas, terrorists periodically open heavy fire from mortars, grenade launchers, and small arms from positions near Novooleksandrivka, Kalynove, and Veselohorivka. The enemy is especially active east of Novozvanivka, where militants are using 120 mm mortars, while militant DRG units are attempting to infiltrate the ATO forces’ rear. During the past 24 hours, two pairs of enemy snipers were also observed operating in this sector. South of this sector, the enemy uses the BMP + mortar tandems.

From positions west of Styla, terrorists are shelling the ATO forces’ advanced strongholds near Mykolaivka and Novohnativka, using mortars and 122 mm artillery. On this direction of operations, the enemy is constantly trying to push Ukrainian troops back from Dokuchajevsk.

In the Donetsk area, considerable movement of militant vehicles has been observed on the ring road, between the exit towards Snizhne and the Petrovskyi district (during the past 24 hours, up to 30 vehicles moved in both directions, in the course of resupplying the enemy group bound for Mar’inka and Krasnohorivka).

Major shelling in a residential area on the edge of Donetsk. OSCE inspects the damage. Source: Patrick Lancaster

Along the Shyroka Balka–Ozeryanivka stretch, additional engineering work is being carried out to strengthen militants’ line of defense (in the second echelon). Terrorists are shelling the ATO forces’ positions in this area to provide cover for this work.

On stretches in the vicinity of Yasynuvata, northern districts of Horlivka, Olenivka–Dokuchajevsk, the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk, and Frunze–Zholobok, militant artillery units can be observed (in each case, up to a division with two-three batteries). These units, using both 122 mm and 152 mm artillery, occasionally fire sighting salvos (five-six rounds at a time, sometimes with the help of UAV’s).

During the past 24 hours, there have been at least five victims of accidental “self-detonations” of live grenades in towns under “DNR” control. Victims include militants and civilians alike. Since the start of May 2016, at least 40 people in the “DNR” (including 11 officials of “DNR” security agencies) have become casualties as a result of the careless handling of hand grenades.

In the past two weeks, just two “motorized rifle brigade” units of the “1st DNR AC” (3rd Horlivka brigade and the neighboring 7th brigade) had at least 18 “servicemen” desert (most of them locals).

The task force of the Russian Federation Armed Forces which has arrived in the Novoazovskyi district from Russia, is carrying out its mission to reconnoiter the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ positions in the coastal regions. The Shyrokyne and Vodyane areas have been prioritized. Also in the last three days, Markyne, Novoazovskyi district, has seen the arrival of enemy equipment and personnel from the Russian Federation: currently in Markyne there are up to 200 servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces and nine tanks. In the Novoazovskyi district, a group of officers from the Russian Federation Armed Forces was present at the end of the previous week, with an “inspection mission.” The group was headed by a Russian Colonel-General (according to our preliminary information, identified as Alexander Lentsov, Deputy Commander of the Russian Federation Armed Forces Ground Troops).

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
GRU – Russian Defense Intelligence, the main military foreign-intelligence service of the Russian Federation
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

This translation work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. The rights pertaining to the original work remain unaffected.

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.17.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past 24 hours, most of the shellings and armed provocations by Russian-terrorist troops were recorded in the coastal direction of operations and south of Donetsk. Militant activity was also observed to the west and northwest of Donetsk, as well as in the area of the Svitlodarsk salient.

In particular, in the area of Avdiivka and adjacent areas (from Opytne to Troitske), we observed the traditionally continuous shelling of the ATO forces’ advanced strongholds and observation posts, with the use of small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. Sporadic 122 mm artillery strikes came near Butivka and the Tsarska Ohota [restaurant]; militant shelling from 82 mm mortars was also observed around the “industrial zone.”

In the Mar’inka area, there was intense shelling from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. Along the Zaitseve–Zhovanka stretch, terrorists used heavy machine guns and SPG-9M’s from the direction of Holmivskyi and Rybalka Street. Near Krasnohorivka, militants used a BBM [armored fighting vehicle] and anti-aircraft cannons.

Near Staromykhailivka and further south (in the Zhilploschadka estate), a terrorist tank unit (4 tanks) is in operation. Aimed fire from tank guns was recorded against a stronghold near Krasnohorivka; as were at least two tanks that traveled towards Staromykhailivka from the south.

Russian-terrorist troop formations have not abandoned their attempts to “push” the ATO forces’ units out away from Dokuchajevsk. Operating in this area is a militant artillery group previously transferred here (a division consisting of three batteries); other armaments are also used for shelling. During the past 24 hours, a terrorist fire group with a ZU-23-2 maneuvered between the village of Yasne and the northern neighborhood of Dokuchajevsk, constantly changing positions to shell the ATO forces’ strongholds near Berezove and south-east of that settlement (three times). The group’s operation took place under covering fire from grenade launchers (SPG-9M’s and AGS-17’s). Additionally, militants fired 120 mm mortars from the “black waste mound” (Tsentralnyy Karyer mounds), aiming at Ukrainian troop positions southwest of Dokuchajevsk and then shifting their fire onto the Mariupol–Donetsk highway and beyond.

On the Svitlodarsk salient, a pair of militant BMP-2’s [infantry fighting vehicles], operating from the direction of Nyzhnje Lozove, shelled the ATO forces’ advanced positions southeast of Luhanske, operating under covering fire from 82 mm mortars. After fire was returned by the ATO forces, the BMP’s returned to their starting lines. Later, the ATO forces’ strongholds south of Svitlodarsk came under fire from 120 mm mortars. East of Novozvanivka, a terrorist fire group slipped into the “greenery” and opened sudden fire from small arms and RPG’s; after its fire was returned, the group retreated behind militant lines under the cover of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.

Terrorist heavy armor was spotted in the Panteleimonivka and Yasynivka areas, a total of 14 vehicles, camouflaged and dug in, in a “scattered” formation. Additionally, six enemy tank positions were noted in the latter location.

North of Telmanove, a militant D30\D30A howitzer battery (five guns) was spotted on the march; the convoy also included  two BTR’s and one MT-LB.

“DNR” and “LNR” media have received instructions from Moscow to start trumpeting the theme of “Russian peacekeepers,” who are supposed to intercede “between the hostile parties” to stop the shelling. As is known, a similar scenario was used in Transnistria and Georgia, after which the Russian “peacekeepers” became an active party to the conflict.

Between 06.20 and 06.24.2016 “DNR” militants plan to deploy two mobile military hospitals with suitable equipment and staff near Bezimenne, Novoazovskiy district. Rumors are circulating through militant units stationed in the area that an offensive is planned by their own side along the Shyrokyne–Hnutove–Pavlopil line, in late June.

After returning to the “DNR” as a result of prisoner exchanges, liberated militants are placed under close control of “DNR MGB” agencies, with all their contacts photographed and filmed (by “MGB’s” external surveillance groups). The liberated militants are prohibited from contacting other terrorists who have also returned from captivity, which causes indignation among them.

The “DNR” military leadership is considering implementing “supplementary mobilization measures” in occupied districts of Donetsk oblast. The measures will serve primarily to replenish terrorist formations deployed in the Avdiivka area.

According to the “DNR MGB” quota, employees of “DNR police agencies” (officer corps) must book at least two criminal proceedings each month. “Police” workers who fail to meet this target are subject to an official reprimand, and informed that should they continue failing to meet the “target,” they will be transferred to the “front line” for one month.

Two “motorized rifle brigades” of the “2nd LNR AC” are undergoing military exercises with a strong focus on offensive actions, including the breaching of water obstacles.

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
GRU – Russian Defense Intelligence, the main military foreign-intelligence service of the Russian Federation
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

This translation work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. The rights pertaining to the original work remain unaffected.