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)
10.31.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Provocations by Russian-terrorist troops continue in the ATO [anti-terrorist operation] zone. Russian TV camera crews are present among militant groups in several sections at once, intending to record ATO forces’ fire in case they rise to the provocation and return fire. Terrorists also continue reconnaissance, by means of sabotage and reconnaissance groups, and optoelectronic and radio intelligence equipment (the enemy’s radio intelligence equipment is operating on air from the occupied territory, as well as from the Russian territory, working for the benefit of militant groups).

During the past 24 hours, militants opened fire on multiple occasions, from small arms (in the area of Shumy, Maiorsk, east of Zaitseve, north of Starohnativka, and south of Popasna), and in several areas from mounted grenade launchers (in the vicinity of DAP [Donetsk Airport], Pisky, and Opytne).

Gradual withdrawal (in successive bouts) of the main bulk of militant artillery deeper into their combat formation is observed in a number of areas at the same time. Terrorist artillery groups recorded by IR earlier are on the march (in the area of Perevalsk, between Starobesheve and Kuteynikove, Krasnyi Luch – Antratsyt – Rovenki, and south of Luhansk), currently in direct proximity to the Russian border. That said, no en masse crossing of the state border with Russia by artillery groups was observed.

At the same time, a large potion of militant heavy armor remains in direct proximity to the demarcation line (predominantly camouflaged in the industrial areas of settlements, warehouses, freight terminals, workshops). One of the groups we recorded was transferred to the area of Horlivka (near the “Styrol” plant), another, beyond Dokuchajevsk; one more was spotted south of Luhansk, marching towards Krasnodon. It is quite obvious that these artillery groups (mainly consisting of D-30 howitzers, 122 mm self-propelled 2S1 guns, and 122 mm BM-21 [Grad] MLRS) are being withdrawn from the demarcation line solely for regrouping and resupply.

Militants on the front line section between Pervomaisk and Slovyanoserbsk are “reformatting” armed gangs in connection with the latest events in the “LNR” [Luhansk People’s Republic]. In a number of units, the command is undergoing changes, while some gangs are sent to be reorganized. Several very well-armed and equipped “units of central subordination” of the LNR are arriving to Stakhanov and Alchevsk on board of armored vehicles in order to neutralize militant formations that may be inclined to disobey the “LNR” command.

Political caricature by Alexei Kustovsky. Source

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)
10.29.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Over the past 24 hours, Russian-terrorist troop units repeatedly opened fire in the direction of Ukrainian positions in the Anti-Terrorist Operation [ATO] zone using small arms and automatic grenade launchers. In addition, a series of armed clashes between armed gangs involving the use of heavy infantry weapons was noted in militant-controlled territory very close to the front line. Several shootouts were observed between gang formations in the vicinity of Maiorsk and further east (between Holmivskyi and Zaitseve). In some instances, these involved grenade launchers and mortars.

Terrorists continue to conduct ground reconnaissance operations (sometimes using sabotage and reconnaissance groups) and to perform engineering work to equip their positions. The redeployment of militant formations on a number of directions was also noted.

Movements of terrorist infantry units aimed at gathering intelligence about the ATO forces’ strong points and front edge were noted on the front line and in the neutral zone near Olenivka and Hranitne, south of Donetsk.

The redeployment of militant infantry groups was also noted east of Popasna, near Katerynivka and Lozove, on the Svitlodarsk bridgehead and in the coastal region near Hnutove and Pavlopil. Militants in the sector near Shyrokyne were observed further improving their positions (the use of 2 specialized equipment units was noted).

Unaimed small arms fire was recorded in the vicinity of Starohnativka and Orikhove, as well as near Pisky and Opytne.

Militants staged combat coordination exercises on a number of training grounds and centers within the “Donetsk People’s Republic” [DNR] (west of Yenakijeve, in Mospyne, south of Starobesheve, and in Bezimenne and Sakhanka) and within the “Luhansk People’s Republic” [LNR] (Lutuhyne – Lisne, Antratsyt, and Krasnodon). Live ammunition was fired (including the use of tank on-board guns and armored combat vehicles).

In the vicinity of Zuhres, militant heavy armor (5 tanks and 11 armored combat vehicles – mostly BMP-2 and MT-LB light-armored multi-purpose transporter trucks) were observed to the northeastern areas.

Terrorists are equipping a field camp and artillery positions between Kuteinykove and Amvrosiivka. Engineering, sapper and mine-laying work were recorded. Three “Akatsiya” 2S3 152-mm and six “Gvozdika” 2S1 122-mm self-propelled guns were seen in the same area.

Shyrokyne. Photo: Noah Brooks

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)
10.27.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past 24 hours, Russian-terrorist troops opened fire several times at the front line (once from AGS-17 grenade launchers, once from 82 mm mortars, and on multiple occasions, from small arms). No infiltration attempts by sabotage and reconnaissance groups were recorded; however, militants continue to surveil ATO positions from the neutral zone along virtually all sections of the demarcation line.

Specifically, terrorists opened fire from automatic small arms (including 3-4 machine guns) and an automatic AGS-17 type grenade launcher in the vicinity of the DAP [Donetsk Airport] from the direction of Veseliy and Spartak. Ukrainian positions near the Donetsk circular highway (near Opytne) were shelled, as well as advanced positions near Pisky.

Small arms fire and several shots from 82 mm mortars in the direction of Ukrainian advanced positions were also recorded in the area of Starohnativka (the projectiles landed in the neutral zone).

Unaimed volleys of small-arms fire were recorded in the vicinity of Novoluhanske and Zaitseve. Militant armored vehicles (several BTR-80 APCs) were seen moving along the front line during the firing.

Sniper attacks on ATO forces’ positions were renewed in the areas near Mar’inka, northeast of Shumy, south of Popasna, near Shchastya, and on the stretch between Shyrokyne and Zaichenko.

Northwest of Telmanove (near Shevchenko and Oktyabrske), a militant armored group (5 tanks and two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles) was reported moving along the front line towards the northern region of operation.

Terrorists transferred four 122 mm Grad BM-21 MLRS towards Lutuhyne from the direction of Krasniy Luch.

Tanks (T-72M) are being transferred towards Donetsk through Shakhtarsk, on board of trailers. Traces of rubbed-off board numbers and tactical symbols are visible on the armored vehicles.

Ukrainian soldier patrolling a section of the “gray zone” (neutral zone). Donetsk oblast, October 1, 2015. Source: Radio Svoboda

Media and Information Update:

According to operational data from the Information Resistance group, the leadership of terrorist organizations in the occupied areas of Donbas are taking urgent steps “to counteract Ukrainian propaganda.”

On the instructions of its Russian supervisors, the “Ministry of Information, Press and Mass Communications of the Luhansk People’s Republic [LNR]” has monitored analog TV channels and cable providers currently broadcasting in the occupied territory of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

The monitoring revealed that the following Ukrainian TV channels are being broadcasted: K1, K2, Evro News [Euro News], M1, Donbass (Antratsyt, Krasnyi Luch), Реrshyi Natsionalnyi [First National Channel, state-owned] (Alchevsk), LOT (eastern districts of Luhansk, Stanychno-Luhanskyi district).

The “LNR” leaders believe that channels broadcast “pro-Ukrainian propaganda” that “discredits” the LNR-DNR terrorist organizations.

This situation was brought up for discussion by the “LNR Council of Ministers.” The resulting decision of the discussion was an outright ban on broadcasting of any Ukrainian TV channels by cable operators. [Cable] providers who fail to comply would be held criminally responsible.

At the same time, the “LNR Council of Ministers” sent a letter to the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation, requesting installation of more powerful TV transmitters on the “LNR/DNR” territory to broadcast Russian TV channels on the frequencies used by Ukrainian TV channels.

Cartoon by Sergei Tunin. Source

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB, (1), (2).

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)
10.28.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continue carrying out armed provocations to pressure ATO forces into returning fire. Militants are also gathering intelligence on the Ukrainian troops’ front line and tactical rear, equipping their own positions and laying minefields, both at the forefront and in the second echelon.

In the area west of Hladosove, terrorists directed aimed fire onto the forward positions of ATO forces with small arms and stand-mounted automatic grenade-launchers.

A militant infantry unit of up to 30 persons was spotted in the neutral zone near Donetsk International Airport [DAP], south of Pisky. The unit divided into several groups, which moved parallel to the advanced positions of ATO forces, carrying out surveillance. As they withdrew, the militants opened fire with small arms on Ukrainian advanced positions.

Enemy sniper activity was observed near Mar’inka and south of Popasne. Up to 10 aimed long-distance shots on the positions of the ATO forces (with the use of special ammunition) were recorded.

An accumulation of militant heavy armor was noted simultaneously in two places in the vicinity of Donetsk: near the Donbas National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and in the southeastern part of the city. The first group included at least 6 tanks, 10 vehicles of different types, including trucks, three BTR-80 armored personnel carriers and two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles; the second, six D-30 guns in traveling position, and three MT-LB multi-purpose light-armored transporter trucks.

South of the “Styrol” plant in Horlivka, a battery of 122 mm “Gvozdika” self-propelled guns (5 systems) was seen on the move towards Makiivka. Also in the convoy were 4 army trucks, 1 UAZ-469 off-road military light utility vehicle, and 2 MT-LBs.

Persistent rumors are circulating  among the militants in the “Horlivka garrison” about the alleged preparation for a large-scale offensive by Ukrainian troops. At the same time, defenses along the Donetsk-Snizhne highway are being reinforced, armored vehicles transferred and engineering work undertaken. Improvements to the militant battalion defenses near Stakhanov have been noted. Terrorists of the “DNR” [Donetsk People’s Republic] are actively preparing to repel this mythical offensive.

Ukrainian sappers during removal of landmines near Luhanske, September 30, 2015. Source: Radio Svoboda

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)
10.26.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops continue active reconnaissance of the ATO forces’ combat positions, including with the use of sabotage and reconnaissance groups (during the last 2 days, militant SRGs made at least four attempts to “infiltrate” the Ukrainian troops’  tactical rear). Terrorists continue equipping their positions and laying minefields.

In the area of Hranitne and in the coastal regions (beyond Zaichenko and near Naberezhne), several terrorist infantry groups (four groups, 20-25 personnel in each) on multiple occasions opened small arms fire on Ukrainian positions from the “neutral zone,” and carried out active surveillance of the ATO forces’ advanced positions.

Ongoing movement of small militant groups is recorded in the “greenery” along the Seversky Donets river. Occasionally, these groups open small arms fire, actively lay minefields in the “gray” zone and penetrate the tactical rear of the ATO forces.

“LNR” [Luhansk People’s Republic] militants do not honor the agreement on the withdrawal of combat equipment from the demarcation line to the specified distance. Specifically, the terrorists are withdrawing heavy armor (tanks) from positions in the vicinity of Zhovte (Luhansk oblast) to specially prepared bays of a car service station in Oleksandrivsk (northwest of Luhansk). The same is observed in a number of other segments (near the settlements of Uspensk, Khartsyzk, Donetsk, and others, including in the coastal regions), where militants withdraw armaments a short distance away, to camouflaged positions prepared in advance or to civilian objects.

Representatives of the so-called “DNR Ministry of State Security,” together with officers of the Russian FSB [Security Service] are taking measures to discover unaccounted-for weapons and ammunition held by militants of the “army of the DNR.” In case such weapons or ammunition are found, persons suspected of storing them are immediately detained and transported to Donetsk for further inquiry.

A meeting of Russian “supervisors” from the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation and the FSB took place in Moscow to discuss ways of regulating the “political and governance crisis in the LNR.” The heads of the Russian FSB insist on “supervising” all spheres of the “LNR’s” activity together with the Presidential Administration, and raised the issue of dismissing Ihor Plotnitsky (currently “under control” in Moscow) from his position of “head of the LNR” due to damning evidence against him (pointing to participation in corruption schemes, embezzlement of “government” funds and Russian “aid,” etc.). At the same time, representatives of the Presidential Administration spoke against dismissing Plotnitsky from his position, in order to “avoid exacerbating the republic’s governance crisis and speculation under the Minsk agreements.”

The forces of the “Ministry of state security” [of the LNR] and the “people’s police of the LNR” carried out a series of arrests among the “state officials of the LNR” that support “Head of the LNR” Ihor Plotnitsky. The arrests were initiated by Leonid Pasichnyk (head of the “LNR Ministry of state security,” former head of the “K” [information security] department in the SBU administration in Luhansk oblast) and Ihor Kornet (Head of the “LNR Ministry of internal affairs,” former MIA employee). At the same time, the “LNR Ministry of state security” initiated an information campaign against a number of “people’s mayors,” militants, and cossacks. Previously, employees of the “LNR Ministry of state security” had arrested O. Filipinskyi, the “deputy head of the general surveillance department in theLNR prosecutor general’s office,” who is closely connected to Ihor Plotnitsky.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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