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)
11.20.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue actively firing at the positions of the ATO forces and at civilian objects, mostly using small arms, grenade launchers (including SPG-9s and AGS-17s), ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, and mortars (82 mm and 120 mm). Terrorists were also observed using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and on-board guns of BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers.

Firing by militants occurred mainly to the west and northwest of Donetsk, as well as on several stretches of the Artemivsk direction. In most cases, the main purpose was to provoke Ukrainian troops into returning fire with heavy weapons, [so as to be] recorded, including by the so-called “observer groups” of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM). Among the members of these “observer groups” are Russian citizens, some of whom are military intelligence personnel working under “diplomatic” cover.

During the past twenty-four hours, militant infantry groups on several sections of the demarcation line attempted to approach ATO forces’ advanced positions, opening fire in an attempt to force Ukrainian units into retreating.

Thus, terrorists in the vicinity of Shumy, Zaitseve, Druzhba and Hladosove, acting at several sections [of the front line] simultaneously, approached ATO forces’ advanced outposts, operating in several infantry groups. Terrorists opened fire from automatic weapons and heavy machine guns, as well as 82 mm mortars and on-board guns of BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles.

Near Avdiivka, and to its south (Opytne, positions opposite Donetsk International Airport (DAP) close to the Ring Road (Kiltseva doroha) and north-west of Pisky), there was intensive militant fire from small arms and heavy machine guns, including two uses of ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and 82 mm mortars. Two instances of firing from on-board weapons of BTR-80 armored vehicles were also recorded. On two occasions during the shooting, terrorist infantry groups tried approaching the ATO forces’ advanced positions.

Close to Krasnohorivka (towards Nevelske), as well near Mar’inka, militants fired on Ukrainian positions from AGS-17 grenade launchers and 82-mm mortars. Terrorists moved along the stretch between the two settlements in small groups.

Near Lozove (Svitlodarsk bridgehead), militants twice directed precision small arms fire at the advanced positions of the ATO forces. An enemy infantry group (a reinforced platoon of up to 40 personnel) moved into the ‘gray zone’ for this purpose.

A large militant unit (up to one reinforced company in strength – about 120-130 personnel) has been spotted at the front line south of Popasna (including in the vicinity of Troitske). This unit periodically divides into small groups and fires on Ukrainian troop positions, including with 82 mm mortars and stand-mounted automatic grenade launchers.

Approximately 120-130 militants have arrived in the vicinity of Spartak on board of motor vehicles, bringing mortars with them. At least seven mortar weapons were noted.

Two terrorist tanks previously recorded near the “Monolit” stadium [Kyivskyi District of Donetsk] were transferred from Donetsk northwards (to the area of Yasynuvata) under cover of night.

Militants have transferred a portion of the heavy armor previously observed at positions near Oleksandrivka, southwards towards Olenivka: in total, four BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles and two MT-LB light-armored multi-purpose transporters.

Terrorists have concentrated at least two under-strength battalions in a two-echelon configuration along the front-line section from Novotoshkivske to Trokhizbenka. In total, [these forces include] 340-360 militants, with an attendant artillery battalion (moved to the vicinity of Chervonohvardiiske).

Russian paratrooper units transferred earlier to Taganrog (Russian Federation, Rostov oblast) have been observed in the coastal regions. Included in the observed convoy were up to 10 armored combat vehicles (MT-LB light armored transporters, BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, at least two BTR-D armored personnel carriers), two MAZ fuel tankers, and four covered Kamaz trucks. The unit in question is being moved to the area south of Telmanove.

Uniformed militants with the insignia of the “SOBR” (Special Rapid Response Unit, a special forces section of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation) were observed at the “Donetsk People’s Republic [DNR]” checkpoint near Zaitseve. These militants make no attempt to conceal that they are law enforcers of the Russian Federation.

Militants of the “Luhansk People’s Republic [LNR]” are equipping firing positions and constructing fortifications on the stretch between Lotykove and Slovyanoserbsk railway station. Militants have also equipped a strongpoint near Chornukhyne (on the site of the former Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint).

“The best morning coffee: “Zaitseve” coffee house, by barista [callsign] Geologist.”
Photo and caption by Rodion Shovkoshytnyi

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
11.19.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continue actively firing at the positions of the Anti-Terrorist Operation [ATO] forces and at civilian objects, using small arms, hand-operated and stand-mounted grenade launchers, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, and the on-board weapons of armored vehicles and mortars (82 mm and 120 mm). In the past 24 hours, an anti-tank missile system was utilized in one instance. Militant infantry groups approached Ukrainian troop positions and provoked skirmishes with advanced ATO forces’ units on two occasions.

Most of the activity by Russian-terrorist forces units is taking place on the stretch from Mar’inka to the northern outskirts of Horlivka (Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Donetsk International Airport (DAP), Pisky, Avdiivka, Novhorodske, Opytne, Shumy), as well as in the Artemivsk sector. Near Pisky (in the direction of Nevelske and the unfinished overpass), militants actively used 82 mm mortars, ZU-23-2s, and BBM armored fighting vehicles (three BMP infantry combat vehicles operating from camouflaged emplacements).

Militants use anti-aircraft guns to significantly increase the density of fire on ATO forces’ positions (although in most cases the firing on Ukrainian troop positions is unsighted).

Militants on the flanks of the Svitlodarsk bridgehead in the Artemivsk direction (close to Lozove and Troitske) are actively firing [at the ATO forces], attempting to identify the configuration of the ATO forces’ defense lines and fire points.

A large number of militant sniper groups have appeared in several sectors simultaneously. Different skill levels are evident among them – from novices to professionals (the latter mostly from the Russian Federation Armed Forces). The same applies to terrorist sapper groups (mine layers), as individual deaths by accidental explosion continue to be recorded during mine laying by militants in a number of sectors.

Terrorists also continue to reconnoitre the ATO forces’ front line, carry out sabotage, and actively lay mines close by. Russian PSNR-8 “Credo-M1” (1L120) portable ground reconnaissance stations have appeared on some sections of the militants’ front line. These stations have been spotted south of Donetsk (in the vicinity of Hranitne) and near Sakhanka. The stations are operated by servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces “disguised” as local terrorists.

Militants are concentrating forces and resources in the Kyivskyi district of Donetsk (in the Pisky direction). In the past 24 hours, some two companies numbering 220 to 240 personnel have been transferred to join the units previously concentrated there. Up to two dozen BBM armored combat vehicles and six tanks have also been noted in this area.

A combined militant tactical force of 240-260 personnel, accompanied by 22 BBM armored combat vehicles and 11 trucks, is being transferred to the stretch between Khomutovskyi Steppe and Novoazovsk, together with up to 10 tanks from among those withdrawn from the vicinity of Bezimenne.

Near the “Lutuhyne camps” (which have served as the accumulation point for the artillery actively brought by militants from the “northern sector” earlier), an “artillery reserve” has been set up, for terrorists operating in the Luhansk sector. The reserve consists of eighteen 122-mm and 152-mm 2S1 and 2S3 self-propelled guns, as well as at least fourteen BM-21 122 mm “Grad” multiple-launch rocket systems [MLRS], twenty-four 122 mm D-30 (D-30A) howitzers and 152 mm “MSTA-B” howitzers. This weaponry has been concentrated in several places and, if necessary, can be quickly deployed to any needed location. According to our preliminary data, small batches of artillery (3-4 pieces in each) are already being transferred from this “reserve” to areas east of Luhansk and to Alchevsk.

The “Ministry of State Security of the Luhansk People’s Republic” [“MGB LNR”] has begun the latest “mobilization” of former Ukrainian military servicemen and law enforcement officers living in the occupied territory of Luhansk oblast. The official reason for the “mobilization” is the need to intensify the fight against crime in the “republic.”

Regular military servicemen of the Russian Federation have arrived in Shakhtarsk district, Donetsk oblast, to replace the leadership of the “Donetsk People’s Republic’s” illegal armed gangs deployed in that district. The Russian servicemen have begun cracking down on discipline in the ranks: consumption of alcohol and unauthorized leave by militants are strictly forbidden.

Russian tanks “withdrawn” from the contact line in Donbas are clearly seen/geolocated on satimages and social media. Photos via @AlexPanchenko2 and @InformNapalm

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
11.17.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

According to the operational data of the IR group, amid the intensification of Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas, the “DNR / LNR” [“Donetsk/Luhansk Peoples’ Republics”] terrorist groups and Russian troops in the region are actively carrying out activities that indicate preparation for further escalation of the conflict.

In particular, the IR group’s network in the occupied areas recorded active redeployment of Russian-terrorist forces – manpower, armored vehicles (including tanks), and artillery (including reactive) – towards the front line in a number of sectors and directions. A similar pattern is observed in the Mariupol, Volnovakha, Donetsk, Luhansk and Artemivsk directions.

At the same time, there is an active transfer of new forces and equipment into the occupied regions of Donbas from Russia, across the state border (in the past day, the transfer was the most active in the area of the “Izvaryne” and “Novoazovsk” border crossing points).

Near Donetsk, a concentration of artillery units and enemy DRG [sabotage and reconnaissance groups] was observed (including GRU Spetsnaz [special forces of the Russian Federation military intelligence service]); near Horlivka, units of two “DNR’s 2nd motorized brigades” and their artillery groups are in a state of full combat readiness, while new manpower and equipment continues to arrive; a unit of the “2nd AC LNR” opposite Shchastya and Stanytsia Luhanska is being actively supplied with ammunition and fuel, while their units are being resupplied with manpower “mobilized” from among the locals and Russian mercenaries.

In our opinion, these militant activities go far beyond the usual scope of recent provocations.

Source: @GorseFires

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
11.16.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past weekend (11.15 – 11.15.2015), units of Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continued shelling the advanced positions of Ukrainian troops, as well as settlements in the ATO zone controlled by Ukraine. Militants used 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, the on-board guns of BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as of BTR-70 and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, grenade launchers (handheld and mounted), and ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. In a number of sections, militants continue active attempts to advance towards the ATO forces’ positions (in the “gray zone”); they also continue conducting reconnaissance, laying minefields, and launching sabotage and terrorist attacks.

In the vicinity of Zaitseve, two terrorist infantry groups (20-25 personnel in each) attempted to approach the ATO forces’ stronghold under heavy cover fire from small arms and 82 mm mortars (plus several shots from at least three AGS-17 grenade launchers). Ukrainian units fired from their stationary positions, forcing the enemy to fall back to their initial lines.

South of the settlement of Novhorodske, militants also made an attempt to “infiltrate” the tactical rear of Ukrainian troops, using a group of up to 20 personnel in strength. During their concealed movement through the “neutral zone,” this group was discovered (within 200 meters of the ATO forces’ control and observation point) and engaged by Ukrainian battlefield security. After an hour-long firefight, the enemy DRG [sabotage and reconnaissance group] withdrew.

In the vicinity of Pisky (somewhat to the south of the settlement), terrorists opened fire from the on-board guns of BMP-2 armored combat vehicles and attacked the advanced ATO positions using three infantry groups. This attack was demonstrative in nature; its purpose, most likely, was to discover the ATO forces’ firing points at the front line.

Militants carried out similar actions near Hranitne, Shchastya, Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, and south of Popasna, using mortars (82 mm, and 120 mm in two instances), ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, AGS-17 grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns in the course of these provocations. Shyrokyne and Novotoshkivka were also shelled from mortars and grenade launchers.

Pisky. Photograph by @Emmanuiltv

Militants are using a similar tactic in these attacks: a camouflaged advance to the neutral strip to reduce the effective fire range, covert occupation of firing position, sudden opening of heavy fire from small arms, followed by a retreat under cover of 82 mm mortars, AGS-17 and AGS-21 grenade launchers, and sometimes, the on-board guns of ACVs (positioned beforehand at the front line for this purpose). In some cases, we record blatant provocations intending to summon return fire in order to discover the location of the ATO forces’ firepower. Militants usually use groups of up to 30 personnel (in most cases, split into sub-groups: firing [subgroup], cover, surveillance, diversion, etc., depending on the objective and missions; sometimes, a singular unit is used).

In the course of most of these provocations, the enemy demonstrates a very low level of coordination. Sometimes, the “cover” fire forces open fire with delays; terrorists often act clearly unprofessionally – making noise, failing to properly camouflage their movements and the occupation of positions, opening fire in an uncoordinated way, or firing chaotically and without aiming. In several regions (the area of Shchastya and Stanytsia Luhanska, as well as in coastal areas), we recorded cases of militants accidentally detonating their own mines and tripwires. According to the IR group’s data, such low levels of training are typical for units of Russian mercenaries arriving from Russia as part of troop rotation, as well as for groups of local militants, who were “drafted” and “mobilized” recently, and underwent brief preparation in the “DNR-LNR training centers” – essentially, “cannon fodder.”

Militants tanks were observed transferring from Oleksandrivka (Donetsk, vicinity of Mar’inka) to the southwest, in the direction of Luhanske.

Militants continue actively preparing for the “ATO forces offensive” in the Artemivsk direction of operation. Another terrorist reinforced “motorized rifle company” arrived in the vicinity of Horlivka. This unit was previously part of the training center in Mospyne (now disbanded) and includes four BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, two MT-LB multipurpose vehicles, 3 KAMAZ trucks, Ural KUNG truck with a trailer-mounted DES-100 diesel power station, two UAZ-469 vehicles, and three civilian off-road vehicles.

In total, over the past 3 days, the “Horlivka garrison” was strengthened with, as a minimum, a reinforced battalion – up to 600 personnel, 30-32 various armored combat vehicles, 8-10 tanks, and 4 cannon artillery batteries (deployed east of Horlivka), in addition to the forces and equipment deployed here earlier. Thus, two “motorized rifle brigades,” as well as several “separate” companies and battalions, and artillery units are deployed in the vicinity of Horlivka at this time.

Several militant rocket artillery units were recorded near Stakhanov – three 122 mm BM-21 Grad MLRS, on positions in the southwest outskirts of the settlement, under cover of buildings in the private housing sector. Four more MLRS, with two MT-LB vehicles and two Ural trucks (battery transport and load vehicles) were spotted on the march towards Stakhanov from Bryanka.

Three militant DRGs (4-5 personnel in each group) moved from the vicinity of Luhansk in the direction of Shchastya. Two of these groups were trained in the “LNR” [Luhansk People’s Republic], and one in the “DNR” [Donetsk People’s Republic]. The mission of each group is laying minefields and taking prisoners.

Repair groups were formed from among militants of the “4th separate mechanized brigade of the 2nd LNR army corps,” to repair combat equipment at the facilities of the “repair company” base currently being created in Krasnodon. At this time, the “repair company” of the “4th SMB 2nd LNR AC” is located in Alchevsk, Leninhradska Street. All units of the “2nd LNR AC” are urgently receiving spare parts for combat equipment.

Reconnaissance units of the “4th SMB 2nd LNR AC” (with permanent location in Alchevsk, Perevalsk, and Krasnyi Luch), together with militants of the “2nd SMB 2nd LNR AC” mortar battery, moved to the advanced positions in the vicinity of Sokilnyky and Pryshyb. We recorded active efforts by militants to camouflage their heavy armor and reinforce defensive structures near Vesela Hora, Slovyanoserbsk district.

According to the orders of the chieftains of the “2nd AC LNR,” all combat equipment of its units has been fully fueled. The tank battalion of the “2nd SMB 2nd AC LNR” has 40 tanks at its disposal, and 6 fuel trucks are used to supply them with fuel and lubricants.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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