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)
06.23.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Fort-301, SVD and Barrett M82 used by Ukrainian snipers in ATO zone. Source

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue to actively shell the positions of the ATO forces and civilian objects, using 122- and 152-mm artillery, 120-mm mortars, and armored vehicles, in addition to 100-mm and lower caliber weapons.

The “traditional” insurgent shellings of positions and objects continued in the vicinity of Pisky, Opytne, Vodyane, and Avdiivka. In these areas, terrorists used 122-mm artillery and also repeatedly deployed mobile armored groups (as well as tanks, near Opytne and Avdiivka) for precision fire on the advanced positions of Ukrainian troops. The insurgent tactics in using armored groups remains the same – take the position, make 5-6 to 10 aimed fire strikes, then quickly retreat under cover of mortar fire.

In the area north of Avdiivka, terrorists opened fire several times, using 82-mm mortars and the armaments of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs). In particular, two insurgent BMP-2, simultaneously with AGS-17 grenade launchers, fired at an advanced outpost of the ATO forces. In addition, terrorists are conducting a further reconnaissance and adjustment of artillery fire in this area; sound measuring and optoelectronic devices have been used to conduct artillery reconnaissance.

In the vicinity of Mar’inka, insurgents continued shelling the positions of ATO forces with AGS-17 and 82-mm mortars; 120-mm mortars were used several times. The main threat in this area is represented by an operation of a professional sniper group of terrorists, who regularly fire at the positions of Ukrainian troops from [roadside] greenery located in the “neutral zone.”

An increase in Russian-terrorist activity has been observed in the Lysychansk – Severodonetsk direction of operation. An insurgent artillery group and several mortar units which shelled the positions of Ukrainian troops in the last 24 hours have been transferred to the vicinity of Zhelobok along the Bakhmut highway (the IR group has previously reported on this transfer). [Ukrainian] positions near Zolote and further along the highway to Hirske were also shelled from 122-mm artillery. At the same time, terrorist forces and equipment (a significant number of armored vehicles and trucks) are being actively transferred towards Stakhanov, Pervomaisk, and Bryanka.

Insurgent activity is also noted on the Svitlodarsk bridgehead – tandems of tanks and mortars attacked the settlement of Luhanske, while Lozove and the nearby ATO stronghold (positions near Irmino – Bryanka) were shelled from 152-mm artillery.

Along the Seversky Donets river (in the vicinity of Shchastya, Trokhizbenka, and Stanytsia Luhanska), insurgents are deploying small arms, AGS-17 grenade launchers, and ZU-23-2 cannons. Terrorist sabotage and reconnaissance groups clashed with Ukrainian troop battlefield security.

In the coastal areas, insurgents deployed 82-mm mortars and small arms for shelling.

Terrorist artillery and armored vehicles are being actively transferred to the vicinity of Horlivka (concentrating in areas to the north and west of the town). Inside Horlivka, an insurgent armored group (7 tanks, two BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, one MT-LB truck, and several Ural trucks) was transferred to the area of the Lenin [anthracite] mine.

Some of the terrorists’ armored vehicles (11 armored combat vehicles and 5 tanks) are moving from Luhansk to the so-called Lutuhyne Training Center of the Russian-terrorist troops.

An armored group arrived in Telmanove, including two BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, infantry combat vehicles (one BMP-2 and one BMP-1), and up to 70 insurgents arriving on board a bus.

In the vicinity of Novoazovsk, artillery (six D-30 howitzers) were spotted moving towards Mariupol.

Fort-301, SVD and Barrett M82 used by Ukrainian snipers in ATO zone. Source

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.22.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue to actively shell the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian objects from a variety of weapons, including heavy armaments. Armed confrontations between advanced units of Ukrainian troops and terrorist groups were observed both on the line of contact and directly in the tactical rear of the ATO forces, and were caused by enemy attempts to conduct reconnaissance on the tactical level and to intensify sabotage and terrorist activities in the operational and tactical rear of the Ukrainian troops. Terrorists are conducting a massive technical reconnaissance with UAVs, RTR equipment, and optoelectronic devices in several areas and directions.

During the past 24 hours, insurgents have intensively fired on the stretch from Mar’inka to an area north of Avdiivka. Terrorists used 122- and 152-mm artillery practically throughout the entire section, in some areas, they used armored vehicles. Small arms, 82- and 120-mm mortars, AGS-17 and ZU-23-2 are widely used; enemy sniper groups have also been observed.

In the vicinity of Novohorodske, Leninske, and Shumy, insurgents fired from small arms, periodically using 82-mm mortars and AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers. Fire strikes from 122-mm artillery were twice carried out on the positions of ATO forces (firing positions of insurgent artillery units with 122-mm 2S1 “Carnation” self-propelled guns have been recorded by the IR group network in the vicinity of “Mayorskyi car market” located along the Horlivka – Artemivsk highway near Horlivka).

A change in insurgent tactics reduces losses during assaults on ATO forces’  positions and increases the effectiveness of armed gangs. In particular, only “target groups” that attempt to work closely together carry out active measures – a firing armored group, an artillery group that provides supports ([it] covers infantry groups or snipers that need to take or leave their positions), several infantry groups, sometimes sniper and sabotage and reconnaissance groups (operating in the “neutral zone”). Terrorists are trying to establish full cooperation at the tactical level and to avoid “crowd” measures as [they used to operate in] before. At the moment, this tactic is not without problems due to lack of desire to carry out orders from “staff structures” given by “commanders” at the tactical level (different “chieftains,” “veterans of local wars,” and so forth).

A professional group of terrorist snipers has operated in the vicinity of ​​Mar’inka for several days; the group regularly shells strongholds and roadblocks of ATO forces in the vanguard.

In the coastal direction, an insurgent artillery maneuver was observed (a marked change in firing positions (six units) of 122-mm 2S1 “Carnation” self-propelled artillery south of Oktyabrskyi settlement and the transfer of a 120-mm mortar unit to the north of this settlement in the direction of Telmanove were recorded), as well as attempts to carry out consecutive fire strikes by concentrating weapons on the narrow sections.

In the vicinity of Zolote (Lugansk region), insurgents have actively used 120- and 82-mm mortars during the past 24 hours, trying to carry out massive fire strikes on the advanced positions of the ATO forces and covering the actions of their sabotage and reconnaissance groups towards Hirske. The terrorists have repeatedly carried out fire strikes from 122-mm artillery near Stanytsia Luhanska from the direction of Mykolayivka (one firing battery of 122-mm D-30 howitzers), AGS-17, and ZU-23-2. Mutual combat activity continues between Novotoshkiva and Sokolniki, initiated by the “war of small groups.” Operations, on the part of [both] parties in the form of ambushes, counter-ambushes and raids, have been observed.

From the vicinity of Frunze and Smile, terrorists repeatedly carried out fire strikes from 122-mm artillery on Krymske, Sokolniki, and Trokhizbenka.

The enemy made numerous attempts to transport their sabotage and reconnaissance groups beyond the Siverskyi Donets river both in this area and the area up to Shchastya. Ukrainian servicemen were repeatedly forced to engage in armed confrontations with insurgent sabotage and reconnaissance groups over the Siverskyi Donets river on this stretch.

South of Donetsk (from Olenivka to Hranitne), terrorists continue to employ the firing raids tactic – using small mortar units (two-three 120- 82-mm mortars [on] vehicles), sometimes in combination with AGS-17 and 122-mm artillery. Raids are carried out using the following system: reconnaissance of targets and additional exploration (mainly conducted by technical devices – UAV or less often by observers and spotters with optoelectronic devices), with concurrent preparation of firing positions, followed by advancement from inside firing detachments to previously equipped positions (conducted by march), rapid fire raid on targets, and withdrawal. This arrangement complicates the enemy detection and opening retaliatory fire by the ATO forces and allows the enemy to keep its military equipment and personnel most of the time outside the firing impact zone of Ukrainian troops.

In the vicinity of Luhanske and Svitlodarsk, terrorists fired from small arms and mortars; in the vicinity of Myronivske, insurgents used tanks supported by mortars (two groups 2-3 tanks each operated from woods, mortars covered their withdrawal). Near Popasna, insurgents used 120-mm mortars.

Transfer of an insurgent armored group – 22 tanks (mainly T-72), four BMP-2, four BTR-80 and a MT-LB – has been observed towards Donetsk through Shakhtarsk and Zuhres.

Between Chervona Polyana and Antratsyt, a unit of five 152-mm 2S3 “Akatsiya” self-propelled guns has been observed on the march, accompanied by two MT-LB, two BTR-80 and two “Ural” [cargo] trucks.

MT-LB. Source.

The transfer of 11 T-72 tanks and four BMP-2 has been observed through Shakhtarsk – Hirne. The unit is staffed by Russian servicemen, but [it operates] under the banner of “Novorossiya.”

An insurgent MLRS battery (six BM-21 “Grad” MLRS) has been transferred through Perevalsk towards Alchevsk and further north. Two MT-LB, two BMP-1, and a BTR-80 were also recorded in the convoy.

24 terrorist tanks were transferred through Oleksandrivsk and Yuvileine towards Svitlodarsk.

The movement of four D-30 howitzers on a tow truck has been observed in the vicinity of Frunze towards Slovyanoserbsk.

Four [train] cars with ammunition arrived in Ilovaisk from Russia. Transportation was carried out by “Russian Railways.”

Bullet casings on front line in Shyrokyne. Photo: Noah Brooks.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.19.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist forces remain active in Donbas and continue mounting large-scale offensives on the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian objects, while also carrying out tactical offensives in a number of areas. During the past 24 hours, insurgents were active in areas that had been [previously] considered relatively “calm” following the signing of the Minsk II Agreements.

In the vicinity of Mar’inka, terrorists continue their attempts to storm the ATO forces’ positions in order to initiate a battle for the settlement [area]. Under cover of 122- and 152-mm cannon artillery and 82- and 120-mm mortars, enemy infantry groups try to approach the advanced positions of Ukrainian troops in order to force a short-range (under 200 meters [219 yards]) firefight. During the last 24 hours, insurgents used four tanks, two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, and two BTR-80 armored personnel carriers in their attempted offensives. As a result of retaliatory fire by the ATO forces, one terrorist T-72B [tank] was damaged (but was able to return to the starting line), as well as one terrorist APC.

Ukrainian flag at a position near Mar’inka. Photo source: Reuters.

An insurgent group (450-500 people) was seen arriving in the vicinity of Donetsk. [The group has been] trained in Russian-terrorist “training camps” in occupied Crimea and Rostov-on-Don (Russia). Some of the insurgents are residents of Donbas; at least 70% are Russian mercenaries, including amnestied criminals. An insurgent unit (up to 600 people, 100 of which have been unloaded in Makiivka) has arrived from Russia on board buses, accompanied by approximately 20 Russian soldiers. Vehicles, weapons, and equipment for this group were delivered to Donetsk earlier. Insurgents were brought to the vicinity of ​​the Krytyi market where they changed into fatigues without insignia. Within hours, two reinforced companies from this group (about 220 people) were deployed to the zone of active combat operations near Mar’inka.

Over the past twenty-four hours, Russian-terrorist artillery and rocket artillery equipment has been active in the vicinity of Pisky, Opytne, and Vodyane. Professionally trained Russian specialists have arrived in this area (specialists in troop command organization, as well as ones in the use of different types of troops and establishing cooperation between them). In this area, the insurgents deployed armored vehicles (5-6 units) that fired on the settlement of Vodyane from “no man’s land.”

In the vicinity of Hranitne and Stepne, terrorists deployed mobile ZU-23-2 artillery units and 82-mm mortars mounted on vehicles. Several times over the past 24 hours, insurgents carried out precision fire from heavy machine guns in these areas.

In the Seaside [Mariupol] sector, insurgents fired on the ATO forces’ positions near Shyrokyne, using 122-mm artillery, 120-mm mortars, and AGS-17 grenade launchers. In this area, terrorists operate with 2 artillery groups (squadrons) and 3-4 battery level mortar units.

Over the past twenty-four hours, terrorists shelled Nelepivka and Novgorodske using 120-mm mortars. The residential areas took the brunt of the shelling.

Insurgents shelled the settlement of Troitske (Artemivsk sector) twice, using 152-mm artillery (this is the “work” of the artillery group previously transferred to the vicinity of Irmino through Stakhanov). At this time, two terrorist artillery squadrons are concentrated in this area (22-24 cannon artillery units of both of the main calibers). The settlements of Luhanske, Svitlodarsk and Myronivske were also shelled by insurgents using cannon artillery (122-mm) and mortars (82-mm and 120-mm).

Terrorists shelled the ATO forces in the vicinity of Novotoshkivka using Grad BM-21 multiple rocket launcher systems [MRLS].

The positions of Ukrainian troops were shelled from cannon artillery (122-mm) in the vicinity of Zolote, where [the enemy] also attempted close-range fire on a Ukrainian stronghold using the armored vehicle weaponry. (Insurgents used six BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles; as a result of retaliatory fire, one BMP-2 was destroyed due to the detonation of ammunition. [Ukrainian troops] also destroyed parts of the two insurgent infantry groups that used small arms in an attempt to provide cover for the regrouping of their armored vehicles.)

Clashes took place in the vicinity of Sokilnyky, Krymske, and Orikhove. Near Krymske, enemy infantry groups attacked [Ukrainian] checkpoints and attempted to penetrate the tactical rear of the ATO forces. All of the enemy’s attempts to this effect were repelled with retaliatory fire from the Ukrainian troops.

In the vicinity of Shchastya, insurgents used AGS-17 and heavy machine guns for unaimed fire.

A tactical insurgent group concentrated in the area of Obozne is being quickly reinforced with troops transferred through Stukalova Balka. Up to 14 tanks and 28-30 infantry fighting vehicles are already deployed in this area. Artillery is being deployed north of Luhansk (approximately a composite artillery squadron, using 122-mm Gvozdika 2S1 self-propelled artillery guns, and D-30 howitzers).

Three armored terrorist groups are concentrated on the stretch between Mospyne and Komsomolske (up to 30-35 tanks and 55-60 various armored combat vehicles in each); another group is stationed south of Telmanove (up to a battalion in strength, with 18-20 tanks and 26-27 ACV).

More equipment and armaments are being transferred through Alchevsk to reinforce the Stakhanov-Pervomaysk insurgent group. Over the last twenty-four hours, we spotted 26 trucks, as well as five BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, two BTR-80 armored personnel carriers [APCs], two MT-LB trucks with 120-mm mortars, and 4 tanks.

All units of the “Army of the LNR” [Luhansk People’s Republic] were paid wages (including all wages in arrears) for April and May of this year, in US dollars. A week earlier, the “Army of the DNR” [Donetsk People’s Republic] were also paid wages in US dollars. During the entire conflict in Donbas, such large-scale payments had only been made once before, in January 2015, before the events on the Debaltseve springboard.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
06.18.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

The activity of the Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continues to increase. Besides fire strikes (including the ones from heavy weapons), attempted tactical offensives by [insurgent] gangs have increased in several directions.

Starting from the evening of June 16 and until the morning of June 18, Russian-terrorist forces have made at least five attempts to break through the defenses of Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Mar’inka, at the same time carrying out massive shellings of the ATO forces’  positions. At the moment, the situation in this area more closely resembles the situation near the Donetsk airport (DAP) during its defense by Ukrainian troops in the winter of 2014—2015, when terrorists concentrated significant forces to shell ATO troop positions and carried out offensive actions continuously.

On the night of June 16 to 17, 2015, [insurgent] gangs attempted to perform the task they desperately failed to accomplish on the afternoon of June 3, during a large-scale assault on Mar’inka. At dusk, an enemy tactical group numbering 100-120 people accumulated in the vicinity of ​​a [collective] farm, and another group (up to 50 people) collected from the direction of Olexandrivka. Meanwhile, three T-72B  tanks of terrorists came up to the “neutral zone” and shelled the ATO forces’  positions with high-explosive shells, alternating between reaching the distance of direct fire, and leaving the starting line. After a relatively short shelling (each tank released 10 to 15 rounds), insurgents began shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops from 120-mm mortars, covering the retreat of their tanks. After the pulling back their armored vehicles, the insurgents launched an attack (trying to enter the flanks of the Ukrainian units), which was foiled by dense automatic machine-gun fire, from the ATO forces’ AGS-17 and 82-mm mortars.

During the past 24 hours, insurgents were also particularly active in the direction of Artemivsk.

Insurgents used 9P132 “Grad-P” MLRS in the vicinity of Troitske; the shells [for this system] are delivered by insurgents in “UAZ” vehicles. Meanwhile, the enemy has also used BM-21 “Grad” MLRS in this area.

Terrorists have used 122-mm artillery and 120-mm mortars massively – south of Donetsk (in the vicinity of ​​Hranitne and Starohnativka).

In the area of Shchastya and Stanytsia Luhanska, the enemy has fired from infantry weapons; an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group has also been observed. Terrorists have fired on the positions of the ATO forces in the vicinity of Toshkivka, Novotoshkivka, Krymske, and Triokhizbenka from SPG-9 “Spear” grenade launchers and AGS-17; 152-mm artillery has also been used.

Movements of insurgent equipment and forces:

• A convoy (15 Kamaz / Ural tented trucks, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers on a trailer, and two MT-LB) proceeded through Yenakijeve towards Horlivka.

• In Luhansk, a build-up of armored vehicles continues –  five tanks and two BMP-2 have arrived; a “Strela-10M” air defense missile system was detected in a convoy.

• The transfer of six BMP-2 was observed between Obilne and Starobesheve in the direction of Donetsk. BMPs look as if they have been “restored” after combat.

• Seven tanks, one Ural [truck] with a ZU-23-2 and four Kamaz [trucks] accompanied by “DNR police”cars have arrived in the Kyivskyi district of Donetsk from Makiivka.

• Transfer of a 152-mm 2S3 “Akatsiyia” self-propelled artillery accompanied by two BTR-80 was observed between Lutuhyne and Novofedorivka; the vehicles were moving in the direction of Krasnyi Luch.

Source.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB