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)
02.19.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

In view of the intensification of militant fire strikes, the actions of Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas may be indicative of real (or simulated) preparations for an offensive on several stretches. Reconnaissance with the use of UAV’s, DRG’s and radioelectronic intelligence has noticeably increased; militant troops and equipment are being concentrated simultaneously in several areas and directions of operation in the ATO zone; and terrorist tactical groups concentrated near the front line are receiving ammunition supplies at an intense rate.

At the same time, rumors of an “imminent offensive” by Russian-terrorist forces are quickly spreading among “DNR” and “LNR” militants, as well as civilians, in a number of settlements near the demarcation line (Horlivka, Debaltseve, Donetsk, Dokuchajevsk, etc.). The rumors circulating among militants give “February 20th” as the date of the alleged offensive. However, the mass spreading of rumors (numerous “activists” simultaneously disseminating the same “message” in crowded places, e.g. shops, bus stops) and the fact that the same story is being spread across many towns, may indicate that this is a planned information campaign.

The IR group’s network in Donetsk has observed active movement of militant personnel, transport vehicles, and heavy armor through the Petrovskyi district. In Kreminets, east of Oleksandrivka, and in the greenery north of the Donetsk Bypass, we identified a total of about twenty tanks, ten BMP-1’s and BMP-2’s, up to ten MT-LB’s. Terrorist trucks carrying personnel periodically travel along Petrovskoho Street towards Mar’inka. Four BM-21 “Grad” MLRS systems were identified in the greenery beyond the “Kontinent” shopping center. In the northern part of Donetsk, between Svjetlova Street and Yasynuvatske Shosse [highway], a militant tank unit was spotted at camouflaged positions.

The Stakhanov group of Russian-terrorist troops continues regrouping; at the moment, it is actively reinforcing its right flank. Over the past twenty-four hours, another motorized infantry company transferred from Alchevsk towards Mikhaylovka. It included six MT-LB’s, two BTR-80’s, four BMP-1’s, plus up to ten trucks with ammunition and personnel (the company is bound for Slovyanoserbsk).

The “geography” of Russian-terrorists’ fire strikes and armed provocations remained practically unchanged over the past 24 hours.

Two ATO forces’ strongholds near Opytne were subjected to massive shelling by automatic 82 mm 2B9 “Vasilek” mortars (from several firing points near the DAP and the western outskirts of Spartak), while two 120 mm mortars also fired from the Yasynuvata junction from time to time.

Near Mar’inka, continuous shelling from 82 mm and 120 mm mortars came from the direction of the Trudovski neighborhood. On the stretch between the “Crocodile” [slag heap position] and the horse-riding club, a militant group (up to one platoon in strength) directed small arms fire at Ukrainian troop positions from the greenery. A skirmish also occurred on the northeastern outskirts of Mar’inka. A tank and two BMP’s were spotted in the ravine to the south (they maneuvered, but did not open fire).

An example of the trench systems Ukrainian soldiers dug, constructed, and live in.
Photo credit: Bryce Wilson, from the series Frozen Lives, Not So Frozen Frontlines

In the vicinity of Krasnohorivka, militants used armored vehicles – two BMP-2’s moved out from a position south of Staromykhailivka and maneuvered actively (one of them fired, the other provided cover). The BMP’s then returned towards Staromykhailivka (the dacha [summer cottages] district). A militant group with a ZU-23-2 operated in the same area.

Near Mayorsk, militants used artillery against the ATO forces’ stronghold south of the settlement, as well as one in front of it – terrorists fired from two 122 mm “Gvozdika” 2S1 self-propelled guns from positions close to the Michurina area. Using mortars of both calibers, militants fired on Zaitseve and Zhovanka. An enemy tank in the area also opened fire (taking position northeast of the “Terykonna” station, shooting 5-6 aimed high-explosive rounds, then changing position).

A militant group opened small arms fire on the ATO forces’ stronghold southwest of Trokhizbenka from the direction of Pryshyb; RPG rounds were also noted. After the fire strike, the group retreated towards Krasnyi Lyman.

North of Kominternove, a militant BMP-2 opened fire from a 30-mm automatic cannon. Terrorists also opened fire with 82-mm mortars on the ATO forces’ positions east of Talakivka.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Glossary:
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
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
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)
02.17.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

The conflict continues to escalate in the ATO zone. In addition to small arms, grenade launchers, and mortars, Russian-terrorist troops are using cannon artillery and MLRS. Their activity also intensified in several areas in the Luhansk region. Fire attacks by militants are observed practically in all areas along the demarcation line in the Donetsk oblast.

Particular escalation of terrorist activity has been observed over the past two days in the vicinity of Donetsk. Intense shellings were carried out in the areas of Krasnohorivka and Mar’inka, where continuous fire from grenade launchers, as well as 120- and  82 mm mortars, is observed. A militant armored group of four ACV’s operates in the area of Staromykhailivka (using heavy machine guns and the ACV’s on-board 30 mm automatic cannons); in the same area, terrorists also deployed a BM-21 “Grad” MLRS. A militant tank opened fire from a camouflaged position in the Trudovski district.

In sections from Mar’inka to Zaitseve, militants are actively using grenade launchers, small arms, and mortars. In the Zaitseve–Zhovanka area, terrorists used cannon artillery (two 122 mm D-30A howitzers) from a position in the greenery east of the Buchma Street (Zaitseve), firing at the ATO forces’ positions in the northern part of Zaitseve and the private residences sector. Mortars of both calibers (120 mm and 82 mm) were used to shell an outpost south of Mayorsk, and several fire strikes were recorded to the east and in the outskirts of the same town.

A group of militants tried to use small arms and RPG’s in a close-range attack against a flank of a Ukrainian troop stronghold southeast of Novotroitske. The group was promptly detected by the ATO forces’ battlefield security and, after an armed confrontation, withdrew to their original positions.

Militants fired 82 mm mortars on two [ATO] strongholds to the northeast and east of Lomakyne, as well as on the ATO forces’ positions east of Hnutove. The attacks were carried out from the direction of Kominternove (the southwestern outskirt of the down) and from positions west of Zaichenko.

In the area of Shyrokyne, terrorists used machine guns and 2B9 “Vasilek” 82 mm mortars. Militants also deployed ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns from the area of Sakhanka.

In the area of Hranitne, militants on positions north of the destroyed bridge across the Kalmius river opened fire from 82 mm mortars at the [ATO forces’] outpost to the northwest of the settlement. Machine gun and AGS-17 fire came from the same direction.

Terrorists used 82 mm mortars in the area of Tr’okhizbenka.

Militants are regrouping their forces in the Horlivka area. An armored group providing support to the terrorist battalion tactical group stationed south of Holmivskyi was reinforced with two 2S1 “Gvozdika” self-propelled howitzers. The enemy also transferred up to five armored vehicles (mainly MT-LB’s) to the same area. New positions for a battery of 120 mm mortars were equipped to the northeast of the Terykonna Station (Horlivka). Enemy units take these positions in order to open fire, then retreat in the direction of the Poselok 6-7 estate on board of several GAZ-66’s. East of Panteleimonivka, we identified positions of four 122 mm D-30A howitzers.

A new unit of militants arrived in the Donetsk area (near the Vtoraya Ploshchadka estate). The unit is armed with mounted grenade launchers, including two SPG-9’s and four AGS-17’s.

Ukrainian flag hanging from the town marker in Mar’inka

In addition, militants transferred one additional tank to the area of Kominternove (stationed at a camouflaged position north of the village). A militant armored group of several BMP-2’s changed positions at the northern outskirts of Kominternove.

Militants continue to move ammunition (mortar projectiles) to the vicinity of Bezimenne. During the last 24 hours, three “Ural” trucks with ammunition and a fuel tanker arrived in the area. The ammunition and fuel are being delivered from the direction of Novoazovsk.

The “Foreign Policy and International Committee” of the “DNR’s People’s Council” (headed by Alexander Hryakov) held a meeting, discussing the issue of “protecting the republic’s interests within the framework of the approved Set of Measures to implement the Minsk Agreements of February 12, 2015.” During the discussion, the “deputies” [“MP’s”] concluded that the above Set of Measures contradicts “the DNR Constitution.”

Namely, “the DNR MP’s” believe that Provision #4 of the Minsk Agreements (which calls for negotiations on the modalities of local elections under Ukrainian law and definition of the “special status” [increased autonomy] of Donbas) eliminates the possibility of the “DNR” being recognized as an “independent state.” Moreover, Provision #8 (which provides for complete restoration of socioeconomic connections [between Ukraine and the occupied territories], in particular, the payment of pensions and other social benefits) is regarded as an attempt to make a “republic” a “fragment of Ukraine” that is completely dependent on Kyiv. Implementation of the constitutional reform in Ukraine and the decentralization of power in the regions with the special status (Provision #11 of the Set of measures) are viewed as steps towards dissolving of the [DNR] “parliament” and a “risk of elimination of the DNR.”

After a heated debate, the “MP’s” decided to create an “advisory group of experts” (as part of the above “committee”) to discuss appropriate “defense strategies.” The resulting suggestions would be put forward to Olexander Zakharchenko and Denis Pushilin [current head and prime minister of the “DNR,” and speaker of the “DNR parliament,” respectively].

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Glossary:
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
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
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)
02.18.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas have begun actively utilizing artillery during their fire strikes. On practically every stretch, militants are making active use of small arms, grenade launchers, anti-tank missile systems, and ZU-23-2’s. The escalation is the most noticeable between Mar’inka and Zaitseve, throughout the entire western and northwestern corner of the ATO zone.

In the Donetsk area, the enemy actively used mortars and armored vehicles (near Staromykhailivka, two BMP’s fired on [the ATO forces’] positions close to Krasnohorivka). On the western outskirts of Spartak, terrorists equipped camouflaged positions for anti-tank missile (ATGM) complexes. During the past 24 hours, two launches [of anti-tank missiles] were observed from these positions at the [ATO forces’] stronghold southeast of Opytne. Another ATGM was launched from the vicinity of the Donetsk International Airport (DAP) at the ATO forces’ positions south of Opytne.

A militant artillery detachment of three 2S1 “Gvozdika”122 mm self-propelled guns shelled the northern part of Zaitseve (up to 25 rounds fired) and area north of the Zhovanka river (towards the Bakhmutka river) from positions in the forested area northeast of Mykytivka [station, Horlivka]. After the artillery barrage, militants fired from the western edges of Holmivskyi using 120 mm and 82 mm mortars, machine guns, and AGS-17’s; the private residences sector took several hits.

Near the Tsentralnyy Karyer [Central Quarry] (Dokuchajevsk), militants fired stand-mounted grenade launchers and small arms at the ATO forces’ strongholds south of Novotroitske. A Ukrainian troop unit responded to the fire strikes by moving towards the high ground south of the quarry and taking a flanking position relative to the advanced position of terrorists. The latter, following an intense firefight, retreated towards the quarry.

In the coastal regions, militants fired 120 mm mortars from two positions (one southwest of Naberezhne, the other, northeast of Pavlopil) at the ATO forces’ positions south of Chermalyk. Militants fired from three 2B9 “Vasilek” automatic 82 mm mortars at the buffer zone near Vodyane and Lebedynske. The purpose of these fire strikes remains unclear, especially since an OSCE video camera is installed in Lebedynske.

The militant grouping in the Stakhanov area has stepped up its activity. Its militants fired 120 mm mortars from positions on the 176.0 m high ground, aiming  in the direction of Zolote (mortar shells landed in the ravines north of the Komyshuvakha river and north of the village of Rodina). Terrorists also advanced a mobile fire team to the 195.3 m high ground and fired from 120 mm mortars towards [the ATO forces’] strongholds southeast of Krymske and checkpoint #29. In the same section, militants also opened machine gun fire several times.

At one of the ATO forces’ positions. Photo by Bryce Wilson

Terrorists are moving anti-aircraft weaponry into the Donetsk area. During the past 24 hours, three “Strela-10M” surface-to-air missile systems were hauled through Shakhtarsk on transporters in the direction of Donetsk. The hardware was concealed under tarpaulins.

The regrouping of terrorist artillery resources continues in Horlivka. Under cover of dark, three D-30 122 mm howitzers were towed on trailers from the automobile market towards the Michurina estate. South of Holmivskyi, militants are equipping firing positions for self-propelled guns. According to our preliminary information, self-propelled artillery [for these positions] will be brought in from the Bairak station (east of Horlivka).

The personnel and equipment of the Alchevsk–Stakhanov militant group are being redeployed. Considerable transport and armored vehicle traffic is observed between Lutuhyne and Bile [Bileh]. In particular, a militant motorized infantry company (eight BMP-1’s and BMP-2’s, three MT-LBs, and four trucks with personnel) has been spotted on the march. Two BM-21 “Grad” MLRS systems have been transferred from the Luhansk area to the vicinity of Stakhanov (no transporter-loading vehicles spotted).

A full trainload of Russian heavy armor has arrived in Debaltseve to resupply the armed gang formations. Six tanks, eleven BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, several command and control vehicles, and ten trucks have been offloaded.

Starting 02.17.2016, all militants are banned from using mobile phones on territory where “DNR” military units are stationed. Lists of militants’ phone numbers were collected a day earlier (02.16.2016). Official investigations have been opened in numerous cases where  [militants] used Ukrainian mobile phone operator numbers.

A new “corruption” scandal has erupted in the 9th regiment of the “DNR 1st Army Corps.” Militants of this regiment were dismantling a livestock farming facility in Kachkary [Kachkraske], Novoazovskyi district, to cannibalize building materials and scrap metal. This work, which angered local residents, was being carried out on the orders of a militant commander with the call-sign “Utyos” [“Cliff”] (Andriy Oprischenko, commander of the 9th regiment and a “Hero of the Slovyansk retreat,” who fought under Igor Girkin). Two representatives of the “DNR Military Prosecutors’ Office,” department leader Vasiliy Bairachnyi and his deputy, one Magir Narimanovich, arrived in the district from Donetsk at the request of local residents. For the duration of their visit, the command staff of the 9th regiment instructed militants to stop all work and avoid encounters with the representatives from the “prosecutor’s office.” “Utyos” himself supposedly fell ill, and all telephone calls to him were answered by his security guard. Work resumed once the “prosecutors’ staff” left. It should be noted that all actions of the 9th regiment’s commanders are subordinated to and controlled by a “supervisor” from the Russian Federation: a Russian officer with the call sign “Bereg” [“Coast”].

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Glossary:
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
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
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)
02.16.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Another round of conflict escalation is observed in the ATO zone in Donbas. Russian-terrorist troops have significantly increased the frequency of shelling of the ATO forces’ positions and civilian targets, including with the use of 120 mm mortars and cannon artillery.

Pisky, Donetsk Oblast. Photo: Bryce Wilson.

A “traditionally” tense situation is observed in the areas of Pisky, Opytne, Butovka [Mine], Zenith [position], Mar’inka, and Krasnohorivka (militants are using small arms, AGS-17’s, SPG9’s, RPG’s, underbarrel grenade launchers, and mortars). Terrorists also deployed 120 mm mortars from positions on the western outskirts of Staromykhailivka and north of the same town.

In the vicinity of Skeleve, terrorists actively used heavy machine guns and 82 mm mortars (four automatic mortars fired from the direction of Sanzharivka). In the same area, terrorists deployed anti-tank missile complexes to shell the ATO forces’ stronghold. Unsighted machine gun and automatic small arms fire came in the direction of [the ATO forces’] stronghold east of Troitske.

In addition to that, militant sniper groups were active in the vicinity of Mar’inka and Pisky.

Terrorists shelled the area of Zaitseve – Zhovanka, as well as the ATO forces’ positions south of Mayorsk, using heavy machine guns, automatic small arms, and 120 mm mortars. Fire came from the vegetation north of the Terykonna station [Horlivka] and the Poselok 6-7 estate, as well as from the direction of Holmivskyi.

Militants deployed 152 mm artillery from the direction of Panteleimonivka, from positions located east of the town. The detonation of eight projectiles was recorded.

Ukrainian troop positions east and southeast of Novhorodske came under heavy fire from stand-mounted grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, which terrorists fired from the direction of Shyroka Balka, Zalizna Balka, and a forested area south of the Lenin Mine waste banks.

In the vicinity of Hnutove, a terrorist group (the DRG arrived from the direction of Oktyabr) attempted to approach the ATO forces’ positions and was stopped by return fire.

A terrorist armored group (two tanks, four BMP-2’s, and two MT-LB’s) was transferred to the vicinity of Mineralne.

Two militant “Grad” BM-21 MLRS were observed on the march towards Alchevsk. Transporter-loading vehicles (TLV) were identified in the vicinity of that city.

Militants are transferring 120 mm and 82 mm mortar ammunition to the vicinity of Verhulivka. Ammunition is transferred on board of civilian vehicles. Over the past 24 hours, we observed two runs made by “Gazel” type minibuses and three runs by trucks.

Entrance to Debaltseve from the direction of Fashchivka has been blocked by militants. A unit of militant personnel with armored equipment (eight BMP-2’s and MT-LB’s) arrived in Debaltseve from the direction of Vuhlehirsk.

The so-called “Committee to Save Odesa” (controlled by the so-called “Committee to Save Ukraine” headed by Mykola Azarov) initiated a “conference” to be held in Luhansk in late February. The “conference” plans to discuss joining the groups of former Odesa residents that are currently hiding from Ukrainian law enforcement bodies, both in Russia and in the occupied territories of Donbas. Another issue to be reviewed at the “conference” will be developing a strategy for and coordination of “resistance to the Ukrainian government.” Namely, the plan is to step up propaganda activities in Ukraine-controlled territories with the aim of creating the “Odesa People’s Republic” (best-case scenario”) or achieving a “special status [greater autonomy] of the Odesa Oblast” (as a minimum).

VIDEO: The Sounds of War – Pisky, Donetsk Oblast by Bryce Wilson

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Glossary:
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
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
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.