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)
04.01.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

The last 24 hours saw a rapid increase of the combat activity of Russian-terrorist troops in the ATO zone. The insurgents were actively using cannon artillery and 120-mm mortars, and made several assault attempts on the Ukrainian units, some with the use of armored vehicles. We observed a rapid increase in the Russian-terrorist combat activity in the Luhansk, Donetsk, and Seaside [Mariupol] sectors.

The terrorists have been particularly active in the vicinity of Avdiivka. Before midday on March 31, a group of enemy tanks fired on the Ukrainian positions from a pre-equipped firing position and subsequently retreated behind enemy lines; after that, the insurgents made two fire strikes using 122-mm cannon artillery that, according to the Minsk Agreements, should have been withdrawn from the contact line. (Specifically, a battery of D-30 howitzers was operating from the positions near Yasynuvata.)

Russian-terrorist units also made two fire strikes on Ukrainian troop positions in the vicinity of the settlement of Opytne, using 120-mm mortars. At the same time, a terrorist armored group (three BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles) approached the Ukrainian positions near Pisky and fired on them using 30-mm automatic cannons.

In the Luhansk sector, near Stanytsia Luhanska, a patrol group of one of the Ukrainian airborne forces was attacked by two groups of terrorist “infantry” while moving along the demarcation line. The enemy used small arms, grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns. The insurgent fire group has moved towards the route of the Ukrainian paratroopers and took firing positions ahead of time, while a support group occupied a blocking position. Both groups were acting in a coordinated and covert manner. (This mechanism is described in the collection of standard tactical objectives developed by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, several years ago, for the “new type” combined arms teams.) As a result of counter-attack by Ukrainian paratroopers, the terrorists were forced back behind the demarcation line.

In the Seaside [Mairupol] sector, the insurgents  shelled the ATO forces stronghold near Pionerske using 120-mm mortars, with numerous adjustments and transfer of fire during the shelling. After this diversionary strike, which is an attempt to restrict our reserves in this area, the enemy shelled the settlement of Shyrokyne twice, using 120-mm mortars and 122-mm cannon artillery. After the artillery preparation, a clash started in the vicinity of Shyrokyne. The insurgents used armored vehicles (3-4 tanks and an “infantry” assault team) to attack the positions of Ukrainian troops.

In addition to the increased combat activity, the terrorists continue reinforcing their tactical strike groups in certain sectors. Several supply convoys were spotted moving through Lutuhyne – Perevalsk – Alchevsk (the “northern route”) – a total of 27 different vehicles, including trucks, fuel tankers, and specialized vehicles (mainly mobile repair stations and vehicles with specialized technical equipment). Plus, three train cars were unloaded at the approaches to Debaltseve – mainly unguided 122-mm missiles for Grad MRLS (the ammunition was transported to the area of Chornukhyne).

Insurgent forces stationed on the outskirts of Debaltseve. Photo by AFP.

Resources, supplies, and combat equipment are also being transferred along the “southern route” to the vicinity of Donetsk and areas south of the city. A total of 34 pieces of equipment were spotted (including 26 supply vehicles).

In the Artemivsk sector, two company-level tactical groups arrived from Donetsk, and were deployed on the flank positions near the settlements of Luhanske and Svitlodasrk. At this time, the terrorist forces concentrated north of Debaltseve include 22-24 tanks, 38 armored combat vehicles, and up to 1500 personnel organized in three main battalion-level tactical groups and a number of smaller units. Their supporting artillery has been withdrawn behind the Luhansk – Donetsk motorway (only small, 3-4-gun, artillery units are operating north of this line).

Three Russian-terrorist radio intelligence points are operating near Donetsk, Horlivka, and Dokuchajevsk. A new radio network is operating near Starobesheve (even though the enemy attempts to maintain radio camouflage in this area by trying to conceal the arrival of the new battalion task group [reported previously by the IR group]).

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)
03.31.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Due to the inclement weather conditions, the intensity of shelling and combat activity on the part of Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas has somewhat reduced. Nevertheless, the terrorists are using small arms, 82-mm mortars, grenade launchers, anti-tank missile systems, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft systems, heavy mortars, as well as 120-mm mortars that, according to the Minsk Agreements, should have been withdrawn from the line of contact. During the last two days, we also observed one instance of the use of rocket artillery by the insurgents (in the vicinity of Sokilnyky).

The enemy fire was the most intense in the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Seaside [Mariupol] sectors. In particular, the insurgents used 120-mm mortars in an attempt to defeat the advance positions of Ukrainian troops near Lebedynske and Shyrokyne). Simultaneously, terrorist personnel and equipment in the vicinity of these settlements were actively regrouping, and reserves have been pulled up from the direction of Bezymenne.

During the last two days, Russian-terrorist troops were also active in the Artemivsk direction, in the area of Luhanske [settlement in Donetsk oblast; not to be confused with the city of Luhansk] and Troitske. In this sector, the enemy is using small “infantry” groups (sometimes supported by 1-2 tanks) that fall back to their initial lines when Ukrainian troops return fire.

Anti-aircraft battery command vehicle 9S737 Ranzhir in Luhansk. SOURCE

In the area of Opytne, the terrorists opened intense fire from heavy machine guns, twice (from several positions at once), and used a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft system against the positions of Ukrainian troops. The insurgent command believes that the current dislocation of Ukrainian troops in this sector is restricting Russian-terrorist formations on the Pisky – Krasnohorivka stretch (a similar situation is observed in Avdiivka, where the insurgents also continue their efforts to “squeeze out” Ukrainian troops from their positions).

Four tanks, accompanied by two army trucks, two infantry fighting vehicles BMP-2, and a BTR-70 armored personnel carrier, were seen transferring to an area southwest of Horlivka.

Two “fresh” mortar batteries were spotted in the Petrovskyi and Kuibyshivskyi districts of Donetsk (one employing 120-mm mortars, and the other, 82-mm mortars, for a total of 12 units). The mortar units arrived from the vicinity of Makiivka.

The combat activity of Russian-terrorist troops (primarily units that are part of the “Prizrak” [“Ghost”] gang) continues to increase in the Luhansk – Pervomaisk sector. Namely, small mobile terrorist groups continue their attempts to infiltrate through the gaps between the positions of Ukrainian troops.

The terrorist formations concentrated on the Pervomaisk – Stakhanov stretch continue being reinforced and resupplied. A convoy of six BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, two BTR-80 APCs, and two specialized vehicles (command and control vehicles equipped on board of Ural trucks) proceeded northwest through Alchevsk.

The enemy continues fortifying and entrenching the artillery firing positions in the vicinity of Chornukhyne and Alchevsk. Six Grad BM-21 multiple rocket launcher systems have been spotted moving towards Stakhanov. The enemy is carefully camouflaging the artillery positions and improving their approach routes.

In the vicinity of Kryakivka, Krymske, and Sokilnyky, the terrorists shelled the positions of Ukrainian troops several times during the past 24 hours, attempting to push the ATO forces from their positions near the Bakhmut motorway.

On the Dokuchajevsk – Stepne stretch, the enemy has deployed two battalion tactical groups, as well as several smaller groups (each of them up to a platoon in strength, mainly the remaining members of the “Kalmius” gang). The total enemy strength in this area is some 1100 – 1200 personnel, 28 tanks, and 42 armored combat vehicles. The insurgent artillery on this stretch has been somewhat pulled back, to an area behind Starobesheve.  The tank units of these BTGs are mainly employing T-72 tanks of various modifications. These BTGs are separated into a number of separate units, different in number and composition (namely, company tactical groups on the basis of tank units, and infantry units without armored vehicles). The units deployed in this sector will be following the orders of the single command point set up near Starobesheve.

A “rotation” of the gangs is underway in the Seaside [Mariupol] sector. Some of the insurgents previously stationed north of Shyrokyne have been moved towards Novoazovsk. They were replaced by an armored group consisting of three tanks and four ACVs (advanced towards Shyrokyne), which was later reinforced by 70-80 personnel with mortars and mounted grenade launchers, delivered by truck.

Russian-terrorist troops continue increasing the combat potential of their units with deliveries of resources and supplies from Russia. Over the last 24 hours, approximately 28 vehicles were spotted making these deliveries (mainly along the “northern” route). Large shipments of resources and supplies are being sent from the direction of Luhansk and Lutuhyne, as well as through Krasnyi Luch, towards Debaltseve, Stakhanov, and Pervomaisk.

The enemy continues repairing railway tracks between Donetsk and Luhansk (a “test” electrical train was sent along the track), and works to increase the capacity of this railway section.

A Russian military column near Shakhty, Rostov region. 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)
03.28.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past 48 hours (March 26-27), Russian-terrorist forces continued shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian objects in the Donetsk, Mariupol and Artemivsk directions, using small arms, 120-mm mortars and other heavy infantry weapons (rocket-propelled grenade launchers, heavy machine guns). Insurgents were observed using MLRS BM-21 “Grad” from their positions north-east of Stakhanov (earlier, the IR group reported on the transfer of artillery to terrorists in this stretch). In Mariupol (the seaside) direction, along with shelling, insurgent attempts to maneuver their manpower and equipment, as well as transfer of reinforcements to advanced positions have been observed.

In addition to significantly heavy shelling at the forefront, insurgents continue to increase combat capability of their units. In particular, to reinforce “Oplot,” “Vostok,” and “Sparta” gangs, the enemy has moved marching replenishment to the vicinity of Donetsk (Petrovskyi and Kuibyshev city districts) – about 400 armed men that were transported by road (including grenade launchers, heavy machine gun, and anti-tank systems). This reinforcement includes a significant (about 75%) number of residents of Crimea and residents of Donbas who were earlier “evacuated” to the Russian Federation [RF]. These people received specialized instruction in training centers in the vicinity of Rostov-on-Don (Russia) and Perevalsk (Crimea). Russian mercenaries comprise about 25% of the personnel of this gang. The transfer of reinforcements was carried out secretly, without any support of manpower or equipment.

A second battalion tactical group of Russian-terrorist forces currently deployed to the north-east of Dokuchajevsk is staffed predominantly with Russian mercenaries and military personnel of the RF. During the past 48 hours, this group has received another reinforced mechanized company (partly using BMP-2, partly – BTR-80 and MT-LB). Overall, the group that took up positions north of the settlement of Laspa, received up to 15 AFVs, 4 MT-LBs and 4 tanks in addition to those [vehicles] that arrived earlier. The group also is in possession of 2 ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft installations and a significant number of anti-tank weapons (ATRA).

Moreover, a mortar battery arrived in the area – 6 mortars of 120-mm caliber and 11 vehicles. It seems this mortar battery will act in the interests of the entire battalion tactical group (an insurgent artillery group that was earlier deployed in this area and which had repeatedly conducted fire strikes onto civilian objects in the vicinity of Dokuchajevsk, has been moved back in its entirety behind Starobeshevo).

In the seaside direction, the transfer of a small armored group from the direction of Bezymenne (2 tanks and 3 BTR-80) towards Shyrokyne has been observed. Earlier, the movement of a reinforced mortar platoon of terrorists (120-mm mortars) was recorded through Novoazovsk towards Mariupol, accompanied by a BMP-2 and 2 BTR-80.

On the Shchastia – Stanytsia Luhanska stretch, the enemy actively conducts a regrouping of its forces, disguising it as a “withdrawal of heavy weapons,” while also transferring new weapons to this site. During the last 48 hours, 11 trucks and specialized vehicles, as well as 2 tanks and about 5 ACVs crossed through Luhansk and Oleksandrivka in the direction north of Luhansk.

The transfer of ammunition for the insurgent artillery gathered in the vicinity of the Donetsk – Luhansk highway continues through Krasny Luch, Ilovaysk, and Snizhne. At the same time, the “withdrawal” of artillery [that was] demonstrated earlier by insurgents has been essentially derailed – terrorist artillery equipment deployed from Yenakiieve, Makiivka to Chornukhyne and Alchevsk continues to mainly remain in its positions, and the “withdrawal” is performed only by specially allocated personnel and equipment of the insurgent artillery groups. The main purpose of this particular group – is to provide support for Russian-terrorist troops in Dzerzhynsk, Artemivsk, and Lysychansk directions. At least 60 cannon artillery guns (mostly 122-mm D-30 howitzers), 34 self-propelled guns (mostly 122 -mm 2S1 “Carnation” self-propelled guns, but also units with 152-mm “Acacia” and “MSTA-S” self-propelled guns have been observed) are deployed in the three main divisions of this formation.

Russian-terrorist troops continue to accumulate material and technical resources and to test new avenues of logistics. During the past 24 hours, 4 supply convoys (48 vehicles) were observed carrying fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and specialized equipment. Terrorist continue to predominantly use a “southern route” (via Amvrosiivka, Snizhne, Shakhtarsk, Ilovaysk) for the movement of supply convoys. [Terrorists also] organized a two-tier system of logistics – using railways, trailers and driving teams to certain locations from the adjacent territory, after which automobiles are predominantly used to distribute and deliver resources. Directly in the occupied zone, the military equipment mainly moves by itself.

In addition, the following has been recorded:

• The transfer of 6 tanks through Makiivka in the direction of Yenakiieve, as well as 2 MT-LBs and 3 army trucks (one of them carrying a covered ZU-23-2);

• A regrouping of insurgent armored vehicles in the seaside direction to the northeast of Shyrokyne (a maneuver of 2 tanks towards the north, with movement of 3 BMP-2 and a BTR-80 directly to the positions near the village);

• The transfer of a reinforced company towards Vesela Hora from Metalist (about 90-100 people on 5-6 trucks, 4 120-mm mortars, 2 BMP-1, 2 BMP-97, a  MT-LB as a PPRU [NATO reporting name “Dog Ear”] (mobile reconnaissance and command center for tactical air defense).

Ukrainian soldier, Donbas. Source: AFP

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB