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)
12.04.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past 24 hours, Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas repeatedly opened fire on Ukrainian troop positions and on settlements under Ukrainian control. Besides small arms, militants resorted to grenade launchers and mortars (mostly 82 mm), several times also firing from ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannons and once from the on-board guns of a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle.

Anti-terrorist operation [ATO] forces’ positions came under fire near Mar’inka, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Opytne, Avdiivka, Shumy, Zaitseve, Mayorsk, and Shyrokyne.

We continue recording significant movement by terrorist infantry groups on the stretch from Novhorodske to Dacha and Hladosove (north and northwest of Horlivka). Movements by several small enemy infantry groups were also recorded in the vicinity of Novotoshkivske – Krymske and Stanytsia Luhanska. In several sections, militants continued trying to covertly enter the neutral zone in order to open fire on the ATO forces’ strongholds and checkpoints from an effective firing range.

Enemy DRGs [sabotage and reconnaissance groups] continue their efforts to infiltrate the ATO forces’ tactical rear for the purposes of intelligence gathering and mine laying. Considerable enemy ground reconnaissance activity is being observed in the area north of Avdiivka, on the Mar’inka – Krasnohorivka stretch and between Hranitne and Dokuchajevsk.

Militants opened mortar fire (82 mm) on Opytne, as well as areas south of it, from positions close to Spartak. Near Pisky, Zaitseve and Shumy terrorists used ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannons and AGS-17 stand-mounted automatic grenade launchers. Militants fired several times with small arms (short bursts of unsighted fire followed by a retreat) on Ukrainian troop positions in areas west of Sanzharivka, near Shchastya and Shyrokyne, and south of Hranitne (in the latter instance, the terrorists also used an 82 mm mortar).

Militant tactical groups near Horlivka and Yasynuvata continue receiving reinforcements. Considerable numbers of cargo vehicles with ammunition are arriving in the vicinity of Horlivka (10-15 vehicles per day). Armored vehicles are also being brought in (in the past 24 hours – four BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and two MT-LB multi-purpose light-armored transporters). Near Kruta Balka (Yasynuvatskyi district), militants have concentrated forces equivalent to a minimum of one reinforced company with armored vehicles (eight or nine armored fighting vehicles – mainly MT-LB – several BTR armored personnel carriers and BMP infantry fighting vehicles, one BRDM-2 combat reconnaissance patrol vehicle) and mortars (five to six 82 mm and two 120 mm). A battery of 100 mm MT-12 anti-tank guns was noted in the same area (camouflaged among private residences).

Photograph by Tatyana Vitkovskaya

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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)
12.03.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

In the past 24 hours, Russian-terrorist troops fired on Ukrainian troop positions and settlements under Ukrainian control in Donbas, with small arms and 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, SPG-9 recoilless guns, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannons, and AGS-17 stand-mounted grenade launchers. Enemy DRG [sabotage and reconnaissance units] continue gathering intelligence on the combat formations of ATO [Anti-Terrorist Operation] forces and laying mines, while on a number of sections in the neutral zone militant infantry groups continued their attempts to provoke ATO forces into skirmishes with the aid of heavy weaponry.

Ukrainian troop positions near and south of Hranitne came under fire from 82 mm mortars, after which the terrorists fired more shots from AGS-17s.

Militants fired on areas west and northwest of Donetsk, and near Avdiivka and Horlivka, using mortars (both 82 mm and 120 mm), ZU-23-2s, and grenade launchers (an anti-tank guided missile system [ATGM] was observed in action). ATO forces’ positions near Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Opytne, and Novhorodske were also fired on.

Near Zaitseve, militant infantry groups attempted to infiltrate the neutral zone before opening fire. Advanced units of the ATO forces spotted the terrorists moving forward; upon opening fire, the enemy was stopped by heavy return fire from machine guns and automatic rifles, and retreated to their starting line. On the stretch east of Zaitseve, two armored fighting vehicles (BMP-2 and BMP-1) provided covering fire for the movements of small militant infantry units.

Similar movements to the front line by terrorist infantry groups under covering fire from the on-board weapons of two armored fighting vehicles (BMP-2 and BTR-80) were recorded in the section near Krasnohorivka.

North of Avdiivka, two militant infantry groups mounted a tactical-level “attack operation.” One terrorist group diverted attention with intense fire from one direction, while a second group tried to approach the ATO forces’ stronghold from the other direction (from Kruta Balka). The enemy advance was detected, and the militants retreated under retaliatory fire.

Near Shyrokyne, a militant group equipped with 82 mm mortars was again recorded, having arrived from the area near Sakhanka. A terrorist group with AGS-17s also arrived to the same vicinity from Bezimenne.

Near Shchastya, militants opened fire from small arms and AGS-17s. There was considerable movement of militant groups along the front line, observed along the Krymske–Novotoshkivske–Sokilnyky stretch. New terrorist weapon resources were noted near Stanytsia Luhanska.

Militant troop reinforcements have been observed at Mineralne (Yasynuvatskyi district). An armored vehicle group arrived in the area: four BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, two multi-purpose light-armored transporters (one with a ZU-23-2), and three Kamaz trucks with manpower and ammunition.

South of the Verkhnjekalmiuske [Upper Kalmius] Reservoir, militants are equipping artillery positions for a six-gun battery of 122 mm D-30 howitzers (brought in from the artillery group deployed east of Horlivka).

A terrorist tactical group deployed between Krasnoarmiiske and Prymorske is receiving reinforcements of armored vehicles. In the past 24 hours, about 10 have arrived – three or four BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles [IFVs], two BTR-80 armored personnel carriers [APCs], one BRDM combat reconnaissance patrol vehicle, four multi-purpose light-armored transporters, and five tented [tarp-covered] trucks. The equipment arrived from Bezimenne.

*****

“Military commissariats of the Donetsk People’s Republic [DNR]” are actively recruiting citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 for contracted military service in the “1st DNR Army Corps” units. Privates are promised a pay of about 15 thousand rubles [USD 220]. Given the lack of jobs and low wages in the civilian sector, a significant number of locals, including women, say they want to serve in the “DNR army.”

The “Luhansk People’s Republic [LNR]” has prepared a “draft Law of Ukraine” entitled: “On legally withholding from prosecution and punishment persons who have participated in the events in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.” The “law” proposes to relieve from criminal liability any perpetrators of acts that constitute an offense under the Criminal Code of Ukraine, committed on the territory of Donbas, provided such perpetrators: were members of military formations or persons involved in the activities of such groups; participated in the activities of the self-proclaimed state authorities in certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts; have opposed the conduct of the antiterrorist operation (since 02.22.2014). The draft law also provides for the cancellation of all criminal proceedings instigated by the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine and the discharge from criminal and administrative liability of persons, including those under investigation or already convicted by the courts of Ukraine, for participating in the activity of the “LNR/DNR.”

An analytical brief addressed to the “DNR” leader Oleksander Zakharchenko was prepared based on the results of the analysis of the “republic’s” current information space conducted by the “Control Center for DNR Revival” (headed by Vladyslav Tomashevskiy). The brief contains recommendations for the coverage of specific themes by media. According to the brief, 24,017 copies of “thematic” literature have been distributed among “DNR” media since 07.01. 2015, covering the themes defined by the relevant “DNR” agencies. The themes included: “Alleviating social tension” (5,653 copies), “Ukraine is to blame for Donbas’s troubles” (4,423 copies), “The (economic) achievements and development prospects of the DNR” (3,903 copies), “Promotion of Oleksander Zaharchenko” (2,278 copies),”Further elaboration on the ‘junta’” (2,033 copies), “Russia’s support for the republic” (1,016 copies), and others.

The “Peace for Luhansk Land” association (controlled by Ihor Plotnitsky) is working on three projects aimed at increasing the membership of the association and at fostering its positive image among the population of the “LNR.”

The three projects are:

1. “We will not forgive, we will not forget ” (director – Hanna Soroka) – aims to draw the attention of international organizations to “gross violations” of international law in the sphere of human rights and fundamental freedoms committed by the “Kyiv junta” against inhabitants of Donbas. A dual approach has been adopted: collecting and analyzing open-source information (media, official “LNR” agencies, social networks, witnesses and combatants), and using the political-legal channel (legal and political evaluation of the information gathered, and its exploitation to raise the ideological and patriotic motivation of the “LNR” population);
2. “Volunteer” (director – Natalia Rogozhan, operating since 21.02.2015) – coordinates the activities of charitable organizations and foundations, and takes care of targeted distribution of the “humanitarian aid” received from the Russian Federation;

3. The “Talent Pool” project (director – Olha Gusarova) is drawing up a “registry” of candidates for jobs in the “LNR” government (currently listing 150 people), and a “Young Personnel Reserve” including graduate and undergraduate students of universities in the militant-occupied territory.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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)
12.02.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

In the course of continuing active firing on the ATO forces’ positions and civilian targets, Russian-terrorist troop units are using small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, anti-aircraft guns, grenade launchers of different types, and the on-board weaponry of armored combat vehicles. In several instances, terrorists fired on settlements that are currently under their own control. At the same time, militants are actively regrouping their forces and equipment (at the front line as well as in the tactical and operational-tactical rear).

Militant DRGs [sabotage and reconnaissange groups] and small infantry groups are still active at the front line and in the neutral zone (conducting reconnaissance, laying minefields, and carrying out sudden fire attacks from an effective firing range).

The activity of several sniper groups was recorded in the vicinity of Mar’inka. Shelling near Opytne involved [among other weapons] the on-board weaponry of armored combat vehicles (several BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles). The activity of militant infantry groups, including with support from combat equipment, was recorded in the vicinity of Avdiivka (including the use of mortars), Opytne (including the use of AGS-17 and SPG-9 grenade launchers from the direction of Donetsk International Airport (DAP) and Spartak), Pisky (grenade launchers and ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns), Mar’inka, Syze, Shyrokyne, Hranitne, Lozove, Krasnohorivka (particularly active shelling, including the use of mortars and the on-board guns of ACVs), in the vicinity of Novhorodske and Novotroitske, at the Svitlodarsk bridgehead (in Luhanske, shelled from grenade launchers), Trokhizbenka, and Shchastya.

The IR group’s network recorded the arrival of militant combat equipment (mainly infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers) at several sections along the demarcation line – north of Sakhanka, near Ozeryanivka, Olenivka, and Oleksandrivka, and on the stretch between Krasnohorivka and areas north of Avdiivka (in this latter section, terrorist tanks were also spotted in the second echelon).

Clashes were recorded in the vicinity of Avdiivka (terrorist forces, up to one platoon in strength, fired on the ATO forces’ position at close range) and Mayorsk (up to a platoon of militants, supported by two 82 mm mortars, engaged an advanced unit of Ukrainian forces, after infiltrating the neutral zone). In both cases, the ATO forces opened return fire, and terrorists fell back to their original lines after a brief firefight.

Near Donetsk, militant reinforcements were transferred along the ring road in the direction of Mineralne and Yakovlivka – two MT-LB multi-purpose transporters with militants on board, four trucks with militants in the back, and six infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-1 and BMP-2). Mortars were recorded again in the Vtoraya Ploshchadka housing estate [Donetsk] – three mortars on board of GAZ-66 trailers, as well as an Ural truck with a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun (this militant group is firing on Pisky). Two MT-LB and an Ural truck carrying a ZU-23-2 have been transferred in the direction of the Trudovski district. According to our data, a composite militant unit (“battalion”) is operating in the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk, periodically opening fire on our position in the vicinity of Mar’inka and Krasnohorivka. This unit has at its disposal no less than five 82 mm mortars (which militants are periodically moving from position to position using several trucks) and 7-8 armored combat vehicles (mainly MT-LB transporters and infantry fighting vehicles). Militants continue transferring reinforcements towards DAP and Spartak – over the past 24 hours, we recorded four Kamaz trucks with militants (60-70 personnel), four 2B9 Vasilek 82 mm mortars, and two 120 mm mortars.

The vanguard of a terrorist motorized rifle battalion, comprising four BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and two Kamaz trucks with militants, moved out from Horlivka in the direction of Leninske (the same unit had been earlier transferred to the “Horlivka garrison” from the direction of Yenakijeve). A command point – one mobile intelligence and command unit (PPRU) on a lengthened MT-LB [chassis], plus two MT-LB and two BMP-2 – has been transferred to the vicinity of Horlivka from the southern regions.

Militants continue fortifying their positions along the Sakhanka – Dzerzhynske – Zaichenko line. Three more armored combat vehicles have been transferred here from the direction of Bezimenne (two BMP-2 and one BTR-80). A group of well-armed and well-equipped militants arrived in the vicinity of Zaichenko.

“LNR” [Luhansk People’s Republic] militants continue covertly reinforcing their groups in the vicinity of Stakhanov and north of Luhansk. A convoy of three APCs (one BTR-70 and two BTR-80) and two Kamaz trucks was spotted between Alchevsk and Stakhanov; all this equipment is returning from the repair base in Perevalsk. Two fuel tanker trucks escorted by two BMP-1, one BRM-1 armored reconnaissance vehicle, and one BRDM-2 combat reconnaissance/patrol vehicle moved from Stukalova Balka from the direction of Luhansk (from the “withdrawn equipment collection point” near Luhansk).

Terrorists are expecting the arrival of a train with ammunition from Russia at Krasnodon station. A mobile crane and trucks with trailers have arrived at the station. In addition to ammunition, the train will be delivering “very important cargo” (no further information is currently available on the nature of the cargo). The security of the railway station has been tightened; a large number of “members of the [LNR] Ministry of State Security” in plainclothes are observed here.

Photo by Alexander Podolsky

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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)
11.30.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops continue actively firing at the ATO forces, using small arms (including heavy machine guns), grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, anti-aircraft systems, and the on-board weapons of armored combat vehicles.

Over the past weekend [November 28-29], militants fired multiple times on Verkhnotoretske from the direction of camouflaged positions north of Krasnyi Partyzan, using 82 mm mortars and stand-mounted grenade launchers. Krasnohorivka was also shelled from 82 mm mortars and small arms.

Ukrainian troop positions and civilian objects [targets] in the vicinity of Avdiivka (including its eastern outskirts and “Staraya Avdiivka“) were shelled from ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and 120 mm mortars. At first, fire from small arms, machine guns, and two ZU-23-2 came from the direction of high ground at a height of 251.2 and the wholesale farmer’s market; then, fire from 120 mm mortars came from the direction of Kruta Balka. Also shelled were the ATO forces’ positions in the vicinity of Pisky, Opytne, and Mar’inka.

Militant activity continues in the northern and northwestern outskirts of Horlivka. The ATO forces’ positions are being shelled every day, from the direction of Holmivskyi and Zaitseve, as well as from militant positions north of Mayorskiy Avtorynok [automotive market]. The fire is mainly directed at [Ukrainian] positions in the vicinity of Dacha, Kodema, and Shumy, and at other areas adjacent to the Horlivka – Artemivsk motorway.

Militants of the so-called “Horlivka garrison” are actively discussing the order from the command of the “1st Army Corps of the DNR [Donetsk People’s Republic]” to transfer additional artillery and mortar units (including MLRS and self-propelled artillery units) to the Horlivka – Debaltseve line. Rumors are still circulating about a planned offensive by Russian-terrorist troops in early December 2015. In the eastern outskirt of Horlivka, militants are bringing up weapons and armor closer to the front. A terrorist armored group (three BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, two BMP-1, and three BTR-80 armored personnel carrier) was spotted on the move.

Camouflaged militant tank in Donbas. Source

Militant activity was also observed in the coastal regions. In the area of Shyrokyne – Sakhanka, militant infantry groups were observed moving in several sections at once, and small arms fire (including from heavy machine guns) was recorded.

In the vicinity of Luhanske, Shchastya, and Syze, militants fired from AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers and small arms. Unsighted small arms fire was recorded in the vicinity of Popasna, Krymske, south of Chermalyk, and east of Hnutove.

Active construction of fortifications and mine obstacles is observed in a number of sections of “DNR”-controlled territory along the demarcation line.

Armored vehicles were spotted on the move in the southern portion of the Donetsk ring highway [Kiltseva Doroha] – four BTR-80 and two BMP-2 moving in the direction of Zalisna Street (Proletarskyi district of Donetsk).

Militants continue transferring “personnel” to the vicinity of Irmino (at this time, it is unknown whether the purpose of the transfer is reinforcement or rotation). Militant units were observed arriving in Novooleksandrivka and Kalynove (in each case, a reinforced platoon to join the forces already concentrated in the area).

New militant units are being transferred through Shakhtarsk and Starobesheve, including for rotation of units deployed at positions between Olenivka and Dokuchajevsk, and further south up to Hranitne. During the past two days, we observed up to 25 truck runs in this direction, as well as the transfer of 11 units of combat equipment (armored combat vehicles); a “motorized rifle company” (with standard equipment and weaponry) was seen transferring to an area south of Dokuchajevsk from the direction of Styla.

In coastal regions, in the vicinity of Krasnoarmiiske (Novoazovsk district), militants are creating a solid fortified area in the second line of defense (the choice of location is feasible, considering the presence of a lateral road between Krasnoarmiiske and Bezymenne). Militant armored equipment was observed in the vicinity of Krasnoarmiiske, which militants are attempting to camouflage and entrench. 120 mm mortar camouflaged firing positions are located north of Oktyabr; ammunition is being transferred there (three Kamaz army trucks arrived during the past 24 hours). Located closer to Zaichenko are the camouflaged positions of a militant “motorized rifle company” (approximately 60 personnel, with two tanks, six armored combat vehicles (4 MT-LB and two BMP-2), and up to ten various trucks).

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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