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)
04.01.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

As the number of shelling attacks by Russian-terrorist troops in the ATO zone has increased, the enemy is making active use of armored vehicles (including tanks) and 122 mm and 152 mm cannon artillery – in addition to the “traditional weapons set” (small arms, grenade launchers, mortars of both the main calibers). Militants are gradually switching from individual shelling raids to the mass utilization of their weapons. The activity of enemy DRGs has increased sharply, as has reconnaissance on all levels, with wide use of UAVs and ELINT [electronic intelligence].

Militant activity remains the most intense in the area of Avdiivka. The enemy there is actively using mortars in permanent mode [meaning self-propelled and vehicle mounted], grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. Several times, militant infantry groups attempted to leave the “industrial zone” area, drawing closer to the ATO forces’ positions to an effective firing range. At the same time, terrorists made fire strikes from 152 mm artillery (hitting areas beyond Yasynovskyi Lane and northwest of the “industrial zone”). Those strikes came from the positions of five militant 152-mm “Akatsiya” self-propelled guns spotted south of Yakovlivka.

Ukrainian soldiers repel attacks in Avdiivka, March 31, 2016. Photo: Military TV of Ukraine

In the Zaitseve and Zhovanka area, terrorists fired up to 300 mortars, shells and SPG-9 grenades at Ukrainian troop positions in the first half of the day [03.31] alone. Near Horlivka, the artillery group of the militant “3rd separate motorized rifle brigade,” after receiving extra ammunition, fired at the northwestern outskirts of Holmivskyi (where the terrorists’ own positions are located), following which hysteria broke out in the “DNR” media about the “shelling of civilians by a despicable Ukrainian punitive unit.”

In the coastal regions, the enemy is actively using 120-mm mortars in addition to other weaponry: firing on the northern outskirts of Vodyane, the ATO forces’ checkpoint on the motorway to Mariupol near Vodyane, as well as on Ukrainian troop strongholds and observation posts east of Talakivka and Hnutove.

South of Donetsk, well-trained groups of militant snipers have appeared in several sections at once (Hranitne, Pavlopil, Vodyane). Terrorist sniper groups are also active in the area of Opytne and Pisky, operating simultaneously with shelling from grenade launchers and heavy machine guns.

In the Avdiivka area, militants are using Russian POM-2 “Otyok” antipersonnel mines, set in place using remote mine laying methods. These landmines are prohibited by international convention.

March 31, 2016: Photo of Russian firing positions near Avdiivka, at Butovka mine. “Four trucks, four 152 mm howitzer 2A36 Giatsint-B. Butovska mine slag heaps inbetween the settlements of Yasynuvata and Makiivka. Photo: ATO Press Center

Due to the activities of “LNR” militants, the “Zolote” entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk Oblast was closed immediately after being opened. When attempts were made to enter/exit the occupied territory through this checkpoint, terrorists would stop vehicles on their side [of the checkpoint] and beat the people travelling in them (several cases were noted). Commanders of the armed gangs operating in the area asserted that the Ukrainian side “did not coordinate” the opening of the checkpoint with them. Predictably, the local “LNR” population blames Ukraine for the checkpoint closure.

In Horlivka, following the casualties in the “3rd separate motorized rifle brigade” (the “Horlivka Brigade” – up to 10 terrorists were destroyed on 30.03.2016), the militants began to spread rumors about the “arrival of snipers from the US Marine Corps at the front.” These rumors are universally believed in militant circles.

An inspection committee from the “[DNR Army] Corps HQ” is starting work in the “100th Brigade” of the “DNR Army,” checking for fraud involving payments and allowance issued to “ghost employees.” Before the commission arrived, the brigade commanders seized so-called “military service cards” from the militants under their command.

The “1st Army Corps” is considering constructing its own military medical treatment center, since civilian hospitals are unable to meet militants’ needs (mainly due to a lack of medicines and medical equipment). A preliminary decision has been made to set up another “field hospital” in Yenakijeve.

Russian forces used D-30 and MSTA-B howitzers against Ukrainian positions yesterday, March 31, 2016. Photo source

In Sverdlovsk, the high command of the “2nd LNR Army Corps” is conducting an investigation into an incident where a militant from the “4th separate motorized rifle brigade” threw a grenade at civilians. As a result of the militant’s action, six persons were injured (two of them, gravely). The militant was under the influence of alcohol.

The “LNR Ministry of State Security” held a meeting to discuss combating the rumors currently being spread among the local population about an imminent “return of Ukraine.” According to these rumors, spreading particularly actively among officials of “LNR state structures,” severe punishment awaits all those who have collaborated with the terrorists, after the arrival of Ukrainian troops expected in the near future. The “Ministry of State Security” suggests that, in addition to identifying and “neutralizing” the disseminators of such rumors, “counter-rumors” should be spread: stating that in the case of Ukrainian forces’ arrival, all inhabitants, without exception, will pass through filtration camps and be forced to relocate to other regions.

Video: Ukrainian troops repel attack near Avdiivka. Posted on April 1, 2016 by Military TV of Ukraine:

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

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)
03.30.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Without scaling down their activity, Russian-terrorist troops have slightly changed their tactics, focusing their shelling on individual sectors. They still resort to the “traditional” range of weaponry: grenade launchers, mortars, ZU-23-2’s, heavy machine guns, and occasionally armored vehicles (including tanks), as well as 122 mm and 152 mm artillery.

In the vicinity of Avdiivka, we note increased activity by enemy DRGs, which covertly approach Ukrainian troop positions and open fire from close range, using small arms and under-barrel grenade launchers. A new terrorist 152 mm self-propelled artillery unit (four “Akatsiyia” SAU 2S3’s) is located on a firing position south of Yakovlivka. From time to time, the unit advances to the firing line, then turns around and retreats without opening fire: as practice for firing on the Avdiivka “industrial zone.”

Avdiivka graffiti: “God protect Avdiivka”

Increased militant activity has been observed in the Zhovanka–Zaitseve area. During the past 24 hours, terrorists in this area fired about 175 mortar rounds (82 mm and 120 mm) at Zaitseve and on positions west and north of it. The enemy also used tanks in this area, in two instances (from the forested area northeast of the Mayorsk automobile market, a pair of militant tanks operated in “carousel” fashion: alternately firing a series of three to five high explosive rounds). The ATO forces’ positions near Zaitseve also came under fire from militant 152 mm artillery.

Militant sniper groups became more active near Shchastya, firing at the ATO forces’ observation point and two strongholds in the area.

Near Dokuchajevsk (Tsentralnyy Karyer), terrorists further reinforced the troops concentrated here with bringing in a mortar unit (three 120 mm mortars) and two BMP-2’s. Militants are firing mortars from the back slopes of Tsentralnyy Karyer [Central Quarry], as well as from the residential districts of Dokuchajevsk.

On the stretch between Yasynuvata and Spartak, militants are building up their tactical groups. Apart from the “Pyatnashka” battalion, which consists mainly of units of Abkhazian mercenaries (currently the main enemy strike force in the “industrial zone” area), armed combat vehicles and militant personnel are accumulating near the engineering works in Yasynuvata (in total, up to 20 various armored combat vehicles, mainly BMP-1’s and -2’s, plus a reinforced company of up to 140-150 personnel). Given that similar-sized militant tactical groups are deployed directly in the area of Yasynuvata junction, Mineralne, and north of Yakovlivka, [it is obvious that] the high command of Russian-terrorist forces is not only preparing to continue active operations in this area, but is also afraid that Ukrainian troops might break through to the northern and western outskirts of Yasynuvata.

In Makiivka, the “Somali” battalion base, currently in the process of disbandment, is being transported by truck to the southern direction of operations. Simultaneously, the “DNR Ministry of State Security” has begun a major operation in Makiivka to find and neutralize (as quoted in the instruction sheets) “undercover subversive groups” of the Ukrainian troops (to date, up to ten local residents have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in these mythical DRGs). In addition, by order of the high command of the “1st DNR Army Corps (AC),” any transfer of personnel, equipment or weapons towards Horlivka and Yasynuvata through the area of Makiivka must circumvent the settlement.

A shootout was reported in the “DNR 5th separate motorized rifle brigade,” between a terrorist “company commander” and his subordinates. In the course of a conflict, the “commander” used a firearm, and his subordinates returned fire. As a result, two injured personnel were hospitalized, and two more militants deserted.

In the “DNR,” a large-scale campaign is being mounted to combat the “contraband of medical products” from Ukraine-controlled territory. Militant units that are currently inspecting and checking citizens and vehicles at the entry to occupied areas have received instructions to tighten their inspections, specifically looking for any medicines. A belief prevails in the “DNR law enforcement” circles that this campaign is connected to the “DNR” leadership’s current efforts to set up a system of organized smuggling of medicines from the Russian Federation.

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

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)
03.25.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

In the past 24 hours in the ATO zone, the situation was at its most tense in the Avdiivka, Zaitseve and Mayorsk area, with increased militant activity in the coastal region. In addition to shelling actively, the Russian-terrorist forces continue to actively employ “minor warfare” tactics – laying mines to disrupt communications in the Ukrainian troops’ tactical rear and using sniper and DRG teams at the front line. Operating in the immediate rear, militant sabotage groups seek to destroy Ukrainian troop vehicles, engineering equipment and light armor, for which purpose DRG personnel are equipped with hand-operated and stand-mounted anti-tank grenade launchers.

The enemy is also actively conducting reconnaissance via ground, radio-electronics and air (using UAVs).

During attacks and provocations, the terrorists make use of a wide spectrum of weapons for their shelling and provocations: heavy machine guns, stand-mounted grenade launchers (anti-personnel and anti-tank), 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, in some cases armored vehicles and 122 mm cannon artillery. Along with the intensified shelling, militants simultaneously “closed down” several sections along the demarcation line to movement by both local residents and OSCE inspectors.

Near Zaitseve, ATO forces’ positions came under fire from 122 mm cannon artillery (eight rounds fired). The artillery fire was of a range-finding nature. Prior to this, as part of the rotation of Russian-terrorist troop units, new militant artillery units who arrived in Horlivka are conducting this shelling.

Putin’s orcs hide a BMP beneath the wall of a school turned into a stronghold base in Zaitseve, March 17, 2016. (1/2) Photo.

Near Dokuchajevsk, militants continue to use 120mm mortars and light armored vehicles (BMP-1’s and 2’s). Terrorists subjected this sector twice to intensive shelling, including with the use of these weapon systems. Intensified enemy activity is also evident in the area of Pisky, Opytne and the air collector shaft of the Butovka mine. Along the broad stretch from Avdiivka to the north and north western sections of Horlivka (Mayorsk, Zaitseve), militants are actively using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars.

Putin’s orcs hide a BMP beneath the wall of a school turned into a stronghold base in Zaitseve, March 17, 2016. (2/2) Photo.

Armed gangs on different sections of the front have been supplied with mobile firing groups. These include several weapons (sometimes 82 mm and 120-mm mortars, or more often, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns) installed on vehicles (usually an army truck). Typically, a firing group consists of 2-3 items of weaponry (sometimes 1-2 items). These groups mount a short but intensive fire attack on a previously reconnoitred target (a settlement, stronghold, flank position) and promptly leave their firing position (most of the time, they remain deep in the tactical military orders of the armed gangs).

The militants’ high command is accelerating the process of fully manning units of the 5th and 7th separate motorised rifle brigades operating on the front line. Resupply is conducted in a forced order – military equipment and personnel are being transferred urgently, including from the armed gangs deep in the rear (e.g. from the current personnel of the so-called “training centers” and “Ministry of State Security (MGB)” units).

In Donetsk, militants continue preparing for the mythical “Ukrainian troop offensive.” In the western part of the city (Petrovskyi district), as well as in the (north western part of the) Kyivskyi district, the terrorists have additionally equipped two battalions of the defence district.

A militant communication center has been set up on Sosyury Street in Debaltseve near the residences building belonging to the railway technical school. Three special-purpose automobiles equipped with radio antennas and manned by personnel displaying Russian Armed Forces insignias are constantly in position there.

A structural unit for propaganda of up to 10 persons has been created in the command of the “1st Army Corps of the DNR,” which coordinates the activities of propagandists among the troop units (in the Corps brigades and separate battalions). The number of propagandists per unit ranges from 2 to 4 persons. Their responsibilities include distributing the “DNR” press and propaganda literature to militants, controlling the psychological morale of personnel, and gathering unit combat data for further transmission to the Corps’ propaganda section leaders for processing and publication by the “DNR Ministry of Defense” press service. “Service personnel” with a higher education are being engaged to perform the propagandist duties.

In Luhansk and Donetsk, militants are spreading official information in the “command structures of the Army Corps” that in both cities there are several well-trained foreign specialists of “Ukrainian DRG units” and “SBU liquidators of the GUR MOD” [Main Intelligence Service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine], whose methods are to eliminate the representatives of the terrorist military command. In this connection, the heavily guarded commands of the “1st AC of the DNR” and “2nd AC of the LNR” have been reinforced, while MGB [Ministry of State Security] forces have conducted a special information gathering operation to search for the mythical DRG units. At the same time, the “Horlivka garrison” militants are spreading information about the preparation of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for terrorist acts and sabotage in “the Horlivka chemical plants.” Militants have sharply increased security at the “Stirol” company, causing panic among the local population.

The “DNR” leadership is continuing to carry out activities to create a “naval fleet.” In Sjedove, Novoazovskyi district, the IR group network has recorded six motor launches “requisitioned” from the local population to the “DNR fleet.” The boats have been stationed near the former canning factory. Mortars have been installed on two motor launches, and heavy machine guns installed on the other four.

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
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
SBU – Ukrainian Secret Service
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
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.