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)
01.29.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continue actively shelling the ATO forces’ positions and civilian objects. Terrorist DRGs are active in a number of areas.

During the past 24 hours, militants shelled the ATO forces’ advanced strongholds and observation points on the stretch between Pisky and Avdiivka (including Opytne and Butovka [Butovska Mine]). In the vicinity of Pisky, the enemy used heavy machine guns and AGS-17’s from several firing points; two SGP-9’s were used from the direction of the Volvo Center Donetsk [23b Sofiiska Street] and the Vtoraya Ploshchadka estate. Near Opytne, the “Zenith” position, and positions near the Butovska Mine, militants operated in several firing groups, firing from the direction of the DAP and Spartak, including from heavy machine guns and grenade launchers (AGS-17 and SGP-9). At the same time, several small enemy groups were seen moving along the front line, in order to note down the ATO forces’ firing positions if the latter opened return fire.

In the vicinity of Mar’inka, militants staged a sniper ambush from the direction of the waste bank west of Ratsionalizatoriv Street; they also periodically opened fire from heavy machine guns. Snipers operated under covering fire of ZU-23-2. In the same area, militants deployed a BTR-80, which used its on-board guns to shell the “Mar’inka” checkpoint.

Terrorist units from the area of the Poselok 6-7 estate and waste banks along Michurina Street (Horlivka) opened fire on the ATO forces’ advanced stronghold near Mayorsk, several times during the past 24 hours (using small arms and grenade launchers, mainly AGS-17). The enemy also used 82 mm mortars; south of this stronghold, up to six detonations of 120 mm mortar projectiles were recorded.

“Roaming” 82 mm mortars fired on the Ukrainian troop stronghold northeast of Troitske, firing from the direction of Kalynove. In the same area, militants opened fire from small arms and AGS-17’s. Two BMP-2’s were spotted moving through the vegetation at the front line, but did not open fire.

East of the village of Pryshyb, a militant group attempted to shell the ATO forces’ advanced positions near Trokhizbenka, using small arms and RPG’s.

In the vicinity of Starohnativka, we recorded small arms fire in the direction of the ATO forces’ advanced observation points. Five 82 mm mortar projectiles were fired across the Kalmius River towards the stronghold near Hranitne.

In the Donetsk area, the enemy is reinforcing their units stationed near Zhylmaidanchyk [Zhilploshchadka] district and Staromykhailivka. Small groups of armored vehicles are being transferred here: 3-4 units at a time, mainly BMP-2’s. Up to 12 armored vehicles were transferred during the past 24 hours.

Militants are transferring firepower from the direction of Mineralne towards the Yasynuvata Junction and Donetsk-Pivnichnyi [Donetsk-North] railway station. Over the past 24 hours, we recorded the transfer of two ZU-23-2’s, four 82 mm mortars (on trailers) and two 120 mm mortars.

The enemy continues reinforcing their positions in the Stakhanov–Kirovsk area. In addition to the command point deployed here (as previously reported by the IR group), additional “motorized infantry” units are arriving from the direction of Perevalsk. During the past 24 hours, up to two militant companies arrived on board of trucks; three BMP-1’s also arrived, accompanied by a fuel tanker truck.

South of Oleksandrivka, we are observing a terrorist armored group that is part of the unit stationed on positions opposite Mar’inka. The armored group, which includes four BMP-2’s, one MT-LB, and one BTR-80, is operating south of Donetsk Bypass, at the flank of the ATO forces’ stronghold in this area.

Terrorists are withdrawing some of the 122 mm cannon artillery from the artillery division deployed in the direction of Hurty and Bairak [Horlivka]. During the past 24 hours, we recorded the withdrawal of two 122 mm “Gvozdika” 2S1’s and at least four 122 mm D-30 howitzers (on trailers towed by Ural trucks). The artillery is moving in the direction of Vuhlehirsk. At the same time, the reactive artillery battery (MLRS) from the same division is not being withdrawn.

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
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)
01.28.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continue active shellings (including with the use of 120 mm mortars and the on-board weaponry of armored vehicles). In many instances, enemy infantry groups attempt to enter the neutral strip in order to shell the ATO forces’ positions with small arms. Enemy DRGs are laying minefields. In a number of sections, enemy sniper groups have been spotted.

During the past 24 hours, militant shelling was practically continuous on the stretch between Pisky and Butovka [Mine] (mainly with the use of heavy machine guns, AGS-17’s, and the multiple use of SPG-9’s). In the vicinity of Pisky, terrorists deployed APCs from the direction of the Vtoraya Ploshchadka estate (two BTR-80’s entered the private residences area and used on-board weaponry while maneuvering). Near the “Zenith” [advanced position in the vicinity of the DAP], a firefight broke out with the use of AGS-17’s, as a militant infantry group attempted to advance from the direction of private residences in Spartak.

At AFU “Zenith” position in Pisky, Ukraine on January 27, 2016. Photo: screenshot from Military Reporters TV video footage.

Northeast of Novoselivka, a terrorist infantry group, supported by 82 mm mortars, entered the neutral strip and opened fire on the ATO forces’ advanced strongholds and observation points.

South of Troitske and east of Novhorodske, militants deployed ACVs. In the first case, one BTR-80 fired on Ukrainian troops’ advanced positions from on-board weaponry while changing position. In the second case, a group of two BMP-2’s and one BTR-80 entered a forested area from the direction of the Zalizna Balka river following which, one of the BMP’s opened precision fire on the ATO forces’ advanced stronghold from a 30 mm automatic cannon. While the armored group was retreating, the BTR opened fire [to provide cover]. In both cases, militants also used AGS-17 grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars.

Ukrainian troop positions were also shelled near Krasnohorivka (ZU-23-2’s, heavy machine guns, SPG-9’s) and Zaitseve (heavy small arms and grenade launcher fire). Near Hranitne, Skeleve, south of Talakivka and near Trokhizbenka, heavy small arms fire was recorded.

Reinforcements are arriving for the armed gang operating in the vicinity of Staromykhailivka (in the Krasnohorivka direction of operation). During the past 24 hours, at least a platoon’s worth of personnel and up to five ACVs (two BMP-2’s, and MT-LB’s) were transferred here.

We received updated information on terrorist tanks and artillery in Donetsk. The IR group’s network identified a battery of eight 122 mm D-30 howitzers and 11 tanks in the private residences area south of Stratonavtiv Street. The equipment is spread out around homestead yards.

A militant command point has been deployed in Stakhanov. This command point will cover the two sectors between Sanzharivka and the Bakhmut motorway. Another militant battalion tactical group (BTG) is being deployed near Stakhanov, in the direction of Bryanka and Irmino.

At AFU “Zenith” position in Pisky, Ukraine on January 27, 2016. Photo: screenshot from Military Reporters TV video footage.

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
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)
01.27.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

We are observing higher levels of Russian-terrorist troop activity in Donbas. Over the past 24 hours, in addition to using small arms, grenade launchers, ZU-23-2’s, and 82 mm mortars to shell the ATO forces’ positions, militants also deployed 120 mm mortars and tanks.

The “traditionally” tense situation was observed near Donetsk. Terrorists shelled the ATO forces’ positions in the vicinity of Pisky (heavy machine guns, AGS-17’s), while a militant tank was operating from the direction of the Vtoraya Ploshchadka estate (six shots with HE projectiles). The tank’s retreat followed the “Luhansk pattern” – beneath the covering fire of 82 mm mortars from the direction of Zhobunky.

Militants methodically fired on Opytne and towards the Butovska Mine during the past 24 hours, using two ZU-23-2’s, one SPG-9 and at least three AGS-17’s from the direction of the DAP and Spartak.

From the direction of Shyroka Balka, and from the direction of the Zalizna Balka river, militants opened fire several times, firing on Ukrainian troops’ advanced observation points from machine guns, automatic weapons, 82 mm mortars, and SPG-9’s. Several detonations of 120 mm mortar projectiles were recorded past the flank of the ATO forces’ stronghold in this area.

Near Mar’inka, militants fired from the waste bank in Petrovskoho Street (Donetsk), using ZU-23-2, AGS-17, and SPG-9 (six rounds). A militant infantry group with RPG’s was spotted in the vegetation south of the Konniy Klub [horse riding club].

From the southern outskirts of Zaitseve, militants shelled Zaitseve and Zhovanka with machine guns and 82 mm mortars. A militant infantry group followed the western outskirts of the town, trying to cross the neutral zone and enter the flank [of the ATO forces], but was spotted and retreated after the ATO forces opened fire.

Near Sanzharivka, terrorists fired from the 307.9 m high ground (a militant platoon stronghold) and from positions further west, using at least two AGS-17’s; heavy machine guns were also fired from at least two firing points. The fire was directed towards Rozsadky and two ATO forces’ strongholds northeast of the latter town.

In the vicinity of Hranitne and Starohnativka, terrorists fired from small arms and 82 mm mortars; the detonation of 120 mm mortar projectiles was also recorded between Starohnativka and Novohryhorivka.

Unsighted militant fire came in the direction of checkpoint #29 and Trokhizbenka, east of Ukrainian troops’ advanced positions near Talakivka.

In Donetsk (Petrovskyi district), several ACVs and a battery of six “Gvozdika” 2S1 122 mm self-propelled guns were spotted near Zhurnalistiv Avenue (a little over 10 km from the front line). Artillery ammunition is being transferred to the same area. Near Municipal Hospital N21, militant tanks and artillery have been spotted in forested areas, concentrated in groups of 1-2 pieces, for a total of six D-30 and D-30A 122 mm howitzers, and 5-6 tanks. Terrorist artillery and tanks are also recorded in the private residences area near the DAP.

The enemy is transferring forces through Irmino towards Pervomaisk, to reinforce the units deployed in the area of Kalynove. The equipment transferred during the past 24 hours includes four BMP-2’s, one BRM-1K, three BTR-70’s, one BTR-80, one MT-LB, six Ural and Kamaz trucks with personnel, and two GAZ-66 with 120 mm mortars on trailers.

Tank units of the 5th motorized infantry brigade of the “DNR Ministry of Defense” took part in training exercises at the tank training ground that is part of the militant “Torez training center.” The main objectives of the training were live firing exercises for tank units, improving unit coordination, and practice for the “DNR troops'” command bodies during an offensive.

The “DNR” leadership intends to eliminate the “DNR republican center for scientific research and experimental design.” This “center” is servicing 16 defense-industrial facilities located in occupied parts of Donbas. The “DNR Ministry of Revenues and Duties” warned the “center’s” staff that no funds would be allocated to repay the staff’s arrears in wages. At this time, the wages are 4 months in arrears.

Following the “DNR” (see IR’s summary yesterday ), a possible change of leadership is being also discussed in the “LNR’s political circles.” Specifically, information circulates about the possible resignation of “LNR” chief Igor Plotnitsky. Allegedly, this issue will be addressed soon, during the upcoming visit of Vladislav Surkov, representative of the President of the RF, to Luhansk.

At AFU “Zenith” position in Pisky, Ukraine – January 27, 2016. Photo: screenshot from Military Reporters TV video footage.

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
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)
01.26.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Photo: Pierre Crom. Screenshot from video “Frontline tranches” (below in full)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continue shelling the ATO forces’ positions, using heavy machine guns, mortars, grenade launchers (including stand-mounted), ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft systems, and armored vehicles (including tanks). In several sections, enemy forces and equipment are regrouping; new positions are also being equipped in a number of sections.

During the past 24 hours, militants “traditionally” were the most active near Donetsk. Shellings took place in the vicinity of Opytne (from the direction of the DAP and Spartak, with AGS-17’s and heavy machine guns), south of Avdiivka (at least three 82 mm mortars, and a sniper group), and Pisky (shelled by a pair of BTR-80’s from the direction of Vtoraya Ploshchadka private housing estate, with occasional participation of AGS-17’s from the direction of Zhobunky; the enemy also deployed tanks in this area).

South of Mar’inka, terrorist units were observed regrouping at the front line, under covering fire from SPG-9’s and ZU-23-2’s.

In an area east of Novhorodske, militants attempted to bring down heavy small arms and grenade launcher fire on the ATO forces’ advanced observation points, but failed. Specifically, an enemy infantry group entered the neutral zone from the direction of the Zalizna Balka and opened fire, but came under return fire of the ATO forces and retreated to their initial lines under cover of 82 mm mortars and several AGS-17’s.

Southeast of Novoselivka, a militant group attempted to approach one of the Ukrainian troops’ advanced strongholds to a close range. A firefight broke out, resulting in the enemy being forced back. The militants’ retreat was covered by fire from two 82 mm mortars.

Erratic enemy fire (from machine guns, automatic weapons, and RPG’s) was recorded south of Mayorsk and in the northern part of Zaitseve. South of Skeleve, unsighted fire was carried out against the ATO forces’ positions from a heavy machine gun. Unsighed machine gun fire (PKM and RPK machine guns) also came in the direction of Ukrainian troop positions near Hranitne.

Militants are transferring armored equipment towards Panteleimonivka, by night time, 1-2 pieces at a time. During the past 48 hours, at least six ACV’s and MT-LB’s were transferred, as well as two tanks.

Militant tanks were spotted in the vicinity of Bezymenne (3 tanks), as part of the enemy’s efforts to reinforce the reserve for the flank of the unit holding positions along the Zaichenko – Sakhanka line.

A unit of one company in strength, with four tanks, two BMP-2′, and one BTR-80, arrived at the “Torez” militant training center. The unit is staffed with “mobilized” local residents who arrived to receive “beginner training.”

Information is circulating in the “DNR’s political circles” that in spring of this year [2016], the Russian side is going to depose Oleksander Zakharchenko as the head of the “DNR” and appoint a new “leader.” The list of alleged candidates includes such names as Mykola Azarov [former Prime Minister of Ukraine under the Viktor Yanukovych administration], Serhiy Arbuzov [former First Deputy Minister of Ukraine under the Viktor Yanukovych administration], and an unnamed governor of one of the southern oblasts of the Russian Federation, whose appointment, supposedly, is being lobbied by Boris Gryzlov [Russian politician, one of the leaders of the United Russia party].

Rumors are also being spread throughout the “DNR” that the leaders of the SBU [Security Service of Ukraine] granted permission for ISIS militants to be hosted in Ukrainian health resorts. Allegedly, this decision is related to the increasing numbers of Islamic militants arriving to Turkish hospitals from Syria, and, according to a supposed arrangement with the Turkish government, some of the wounded ISIS militants are being redirected to Ukraine.

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
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.