Civil war in Ukraine: News & discussion

[Hindustani78]

State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has information that Russia destroys the pro-Russian separatist leaders in Donbas


http://uatoday.tv/crime/kremlin-liq...nected-to-novorossiya-project-sbu-802554.html
14:57 Nov. 9, 2016

Bloody purge among pro-Russian militants in parts of Donbas that are not controlled by Kyiv is being inflicted and directed from Moscow, the adviser of the SBU head and Ukraine's top negotiator Yuri Tandit told LІGA.net.

"What is happening now, confirms that people who are self-appointed ‘authorities' of the so-called pseudo-republics, they always fight each other," Tandit said.

He stressed that whatever happens, the Kremlin has ultimate influence on the situation.

"The main impact goes from Russia and, of course, it is clear that in fact there is no ‘Little Russia', no ‘New Russia' (i.e. ‘Novorossiya' – UT), and those who were related to this fake entities, they are actually destroyed," official pointed.

Read also Warlord's death in Donbas as deconstruction of Russian myth

According to LІGA.net, some Russian proxies who were close to one of the leaders of the Luhansk-based militant groups Gennady Tsypkalov were captured by other militants and thrown behind bars a few days ago. In turn, Ukraine Today reported about new wave of internal purge with mass arrests of militants in Donetsk and Horlivka.

On September 24 SBU announced that the militants still have a chance to avoid repeating the fate of one of the separatist's leaders Gennady Tsypkalov – by giving up and defecting to the Ukrainian side. As Ukraine Today reported, ex-Luhansk 'Prime Minister', arrested by separatists, was declared dead due to ‘suicide'.

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http://uatoday.tv/crime/separatists-are-amplifying-their-attacks-into-residential-areas-802594.html
54 violation cases of the cease-fire have taken place overnight; peaceful Novhorodske and Maryinka have been affected the most

54 attacks have been reported by Ukraine's ATO HQ in the past day. 3 Ukrainian soldiers have sustained injuries.

Russian-backed militants don't stop shelling peaceful villages. After a direct fire, a 30-year old resident of Novhorodske village died, according to TSN news agency.

Separatist forces were also firing into residential areas of Maryinka. A five-floor building and two private houses have been damaged, as well as a local store left in ruins.

They have also used grenade launchers against a checkpoint of "Mayorsk" where dozens of cars were waiting in a line, two of which burst into flame. Luckily, nobody was hurt there.

Small arms, grenade launchers, armored fighting vehicles and machine guns have been applied by Russian proxies around the Donbas conflict zone overnight. The villages and towns of Taramchuk, Krasnohorivka, Talakivka, Stanytsia Luhanska and Krymske have been the epicenters of provocations.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/382701.html

Militants attacks on the positions of Ukrainian units again caused the disruption of the disengagement process near the populated area of Stanytsia Luhanska, Viktor Muzhenko, the head of the Ukrainian General Staff, said.

During a meeting with strategic level advisers from the U.S., the UK, Canada and Lithuania he noted that regular ceasefire breaches make it impossible to "begin the practical stage of the disengagement in the Stanytsia Luhanska area," the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The head of the General Staff informed his advisers about the situation in the area of the anti-terrorist operation and answered a question about the prospects of implementation of the agreements on the withdrawal of troops in the previously determined areas.

U.S. adviser Gen. John Abizaid, for his part, said the main purpose of the consultations is to increase the combat readiness of Ukrainian troops.

Foreign advisers gave high marks to the efforts made by the Ukrainian military leadership to boost the effectiveness of troops management and increase the operational capabilities of military units.

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"The Ukrainian side supports initiatives put forth by the OSCE and the ICRC, which will soon join the project for rebuilding the bridge near Stanytsia Luhanska. It is very important for the civilian population, and we will assist to the quick reconstruction of the bridge," she wrote on Facebook from Minsk after a subgroup meeting on Wednesday.

Ukraine insists that the checkpoint of Zolote be re-opened and calls on the OSCE and Russia to help persuade the de-facto authorities in the occupied areas in Luhansk region give up all far-fetched reasons used to blocks the re-launch of the checkpoint, Gerashchenko said.

"We insist that the checkpoint should start work since now. It will share the workload of other checkpoints," she wrote.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/crime/russia-arrests-another-ukraine-sabotage-group-in-crimea-803034.html
Kyiv denies the allegations

Update: Ukraine's Defense Ministry has denied the allegations that its agents were arrested in Crimea.

'The FSB really hasn't arrested any sabotage group, because there aren't any groups in Sevastopol or Crimea', the Defense Ministry spokesman Andriy Lysenko said in interview with Interfax.

'Russian security services are trying to demonstrate their effectiveness in this way, again misleading its highest Russian authorities, the people and the international community', Lysenko said, adding that 'a conclusion could be made that the FSB has turned into 'a factory of lies'.

Story: Russia's security service, the FSB, claims it has detained another Ukrainian ‘sabotage group' in Sevastopol, Crimea on Wednesday, months after it reported of alleged Kyiv spec ops, exposed on the peninsula last August.

According to the report on the official website of the institution, published on November 10, 2016, the detained are referred to as a ‘sabotage-terroristic group' of the Main Intelligence Office of Ukraine's Defense Ministry.


This group allegedly planned to organize ‘diversions', targeting military and critical infrastructure in Crimea.

The report claims, the FSB has confiscated explosives, weapons and other ‘evidence', proving the criminal nature of the group.

The FSB also says it has found maps of the areas, where the diversions were planned.


The detained are under investigation, and the law enforcers will decide on the correct preventive measure.

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Combat collisions are recorded all over the frontline

http://uatoday.tv/news/clashes-rage-on-in-donbas-warzone-ato-headquarters-803129.html
44 episodes of armed clashes were recorded in the past 24 in Eastern Ukraine, the ATO headquarters press service informs.

In the Mariupol direction, the ATO forces were attacked 25 times. The combined Russian-separatist occupational troops keep engaging firearms, hand mortars, infantry vehicle weapons and both 82mm and 122mm mortars near the towns of Pavlopil, Novotroitske, Shirokyne, Vodiane, Krasnohorivka, Bohdanivka, Hnutove, Mariinka.

Snipers were marked near Shirokyne, Bohdanivka and Pavlopil. Near Vodiane, the enemy fired 112mm howitzers.


14 armed clashes were recorded in the Luhansk direction, engaging mortars. The towns of Novooleksandrivka, Novozvanivka, Krymske and Novotoshkivske were shelled.

Also, the Ukrainian defenders were attacked 5 times near Avdiivka and Luhanske in the Donetsk direction. The mortars banned by the Minsk agreements were used by the militants.

Ukraine has yet to react to the allegations.

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A column of Ukrainian tanks and APCs move towards the de-facto border with Crimea near Kherson (AP photo)

About 40 vehicles cannot cross the separation line, the border service informs

The combined Russian-separatist forces in Donbas block the Hnutovo frontline checkpoint near Mariupol, the UNIAN agency reports referring to Ukrainian border service.

"Today, the representatives of Russian-terrorist forces haven't yet started transferring civilian vehicles and pedestrians across the separation line through the Hnutovo checkpoint near the settlement of Octiabr," the service reports.


The outlaw armed forces want to convince the Ukrainian troops of shelling the town, according to the message. At the moment, about 40 vehicles and 30 persons are blocked in front of the checkpoint.



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http://uatoday.tv/politics/arrest-o...sult-in-halt-of-prisoner-exchange-803259.html
Russian lawyer Mark Feygin is convinced Russia staged another fake to justify its crimes

Mark Feygin, the former lawyer of Nadiya Savchenko, who is now defending the rights of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, warns that arrest of another group of Ukrainian ‘saboteurs' in Crimea could result in a freeze of negotiations on the prisoner exchange.

"It is odd that the incident coincided with the large-scale events such as elections in the US and the position of one of the candidates, who spoke about the possibility of negotiations on Crimea, and recognition of its annexation. It seems, that there is some political pumping up. I believe that this is another fake," Feygin told Ukrainian 112 channel.

Such events are always followed by political consequences, he said.

"For example, freezing all negotiations on humanitarian exchanges. Now, when the new so-called saboteurs emerged, it becomes problematic to talk about the exchange of Sentsov, Kolchenko, Karpyuk and Klykh," said the lawyer.

He also reminded that the first ‘Crimean saboteurs' who were detained in August, are now in Moscow's Lefortovo prison. Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, who was illegally detained and charged with espionage in early October, is also kept there.

The alleged arrest of Ukrainian ‘sabotage group' comes as humanitarian subgroup at Trilateral Contact Group is holding talks in Minsk on release of the hostages kept in the territory not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities.

Russia's security service, the FSB, maintained that officers of Ukraine's Chief Directorate of Intelligence were detained in Sevastopol on November 9.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry has dismissed the allegations as another fake "aimed at covering up the Russia's repressive actions against residents of the peninsula, as well as discrediting Ukraine."
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One member of the Ukrainian Marine Corps stationed in the Mariupol sector in Donetsk region was killed near the village of Pavlopil on Wednesday, November 9, according to the InfoResist agency.

The ATO HQ has updated on casualties for the previous day / Photo from UNIAN "One Marine was killed, another was wounded," a source in the M (Mariupol) sector told InfoResist. Later, the Ukrainian Navy's Facebook page announced the name of the killed Marine.

"Our fellow soldier, Marine Oleksandr Boyko was killed in action in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine while defending our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the post reads. "The Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has suffered an irreparable loss. This real defender of Ukraine will live in our hearts forever."

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Combined Russian-separatist forces attacked Ukrainian army positions in eastern Ukraine 44 times in the past 24 hours, including 25 in the Mariupol sector, 14 barrages in the Luhansk sector, and five in the Donetsk sector, according to the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters.

The illegal armed groups were most active in the Mariupol sector. The enemy fired from small arms, grenade launchers, infantry fighting vehicles, as well as 82mm and 120mm mortars near the towns of Krasnohorivka and Maryinka, and the villages of Pavlopil, Novotroyitske, Shyrokyne, Vodiane, Bohdanivka and Hnutove. An enemy sniper was active near Shyrokyne, Pavlopil and Bohdanivka.

The also militants fired 122mm artillery systems on Vodiane. Read also Ukraine-held Toretsk in Donbas attacked, one civilian killed (Photos) "In the Luhansk sector, Russia's hybrid military forces opened fire from different types of weapons, including mortars, on the villages of Novo-Oleksandrivka, Novozvanivka, Krymske and Novotoshkivske," the report says. In the Donetsk sector, in addition to different types of weapons, the occupiers used banned mortars on the town of Avdiyivka and the village of Luhanske.

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14:32
DPR reports militiaman's death in attack in past 24 hours

13:36
Ukrainian army fires over 200 mines and projectiles on DPR territory overnight - DPR

11:50
No Ukrainian saboteurs present in Crimea - Ukrainian Defense Ministry (Part 2)

11:18
Three Ukrainians detained in Sevastopol on suspicion of plotting acts of sabotage in Crimea - source

11:16
Ukrainian saboteurs seized in Sevastopol may be arrested for 2 months - source

10:48
Kyiv reports 44 militia attacks on Ukrainian army positions in past 24 hours

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/politics/ukraine-...ridges-ruined-by-donbas-militants-803444.html
Repair operations are held 24/7, come rain or shine

Ukrainian restoration hardware is currently operative in the cities where a range of strategically essential bridges were left in ruins. Militants while retreating from those cities in 2014 blew up major channels of the transport connection. And now Ukrainians from different parts of the country are eliminating ill-fated legacy from the separatists.

"Our brigade is from all over Ukraine. I'm from Cherkasy region, there are people from Mariupol. And we never have arguments, we are all Ukrainians"

For Sviatoslav, this is the first acquaintance with the war. However, he's not afraid to work here.

UAH 37 million (around USD 1,5 million) have been allocated for this bridge. Workers haven't been able to deconstruct it for a long time because of an live shell. Now, it's being built from scratch.

Another one in the village of Zakitne - the longest in Donetsk region - needed UAH 40 million (around USD 1,5 million) to be restored. It was blown up from one side when Russian-backed militants were fleeing to Horlivka. Right now, it's being not only restored but also widened.

"It's good news for us, we can use this bridge when going fishing, less detouring"

Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, head of Donetsk regional administration: The bridge in Siversk must be done till the new year.

There are 7 ruined bridges left in Donetsk region. However, they are right at the front so workmen cannot examine them and calculate a budget.

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http://uatoday.tv/politics/watch-ru...ent-flooding-into-eastern-ukraine-803924.html
Volunteer video shows Russian supplies arriving on freight trains

A video published on the internet by Glasnost Gone Twitter user shows the ways how Russian military supplies are delivered into eastern Ukraine.

Satellite imagery was used to create the video showing an ammo depot in Ukraine's Donbas region, where the equipment is being brought by freight trains from the territory of Russia.

"Take a few minutes to view a large Russian army supply depot in Ukraine. Military supplies seen arriving via goods trains from Russia," reads the tweet.

Russia has repeatedly denied its involvement in the conflict, and refuted allegations of supporting militants with

weapons and manpower - despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

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http://uatoday.tv/politics/ukraine-gears-up-massive-destabilization-plotted-by-russia-804079.html
Security service warns that Russia's ultimate aim is to trigger snap elections

Russia has been preparing a large-scale action to destabilize the situation in Ukraine starting from November15, head of the national statehood protection department of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) Anatoliy Dublik told journalists in Kyiv on Friday.

The SBU official noted that both the Security Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine obtained operational data, which "expose plans of the Russian Federation"

"This intelligence is broadly in line with the content of the so-called plan of priority actions to destabilize the social and political situation in Ukraine," said Dublik.

He added that the expert study of the authenticity of this plan is underway, in the framework of a relevant criminal probe.

According to Dublik, information obtained from the emails of Russian Presidential Advisor Vladislav Surkov indicates the beginning of the implementation of such a plan.

Intelligence says Surkov's deputy Inal Ardzinba directly supervises and implements the plan. Armenian citizen Armen Martirosyan is the one responsible for contacts with Ukraine's political movements and certain NGOs involved in organizing protests.

"Our agency recorded numerous trips outside of Ukraine, namely to the Russian Federation, of the organizers of rallies both to receive funding and specific instructions and details..."

SBU official added that Russia's ultimate objective is to trigger early parliamentary elections in Ukraine "in order to bring pro-Russian forces to power, exclusively with an aim to revise the European course and change the foreign policy vector of our state."

According to the Security Service, Russian supervisors of the destabilization strategy want to bring people to streets, protests are set to develop into mass riots.

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http://uatoday.tv/politics/eastern-front-situation-continues-to-deteriorate-804299.html
Shellings intensify along the frontline

Up to three thousand blasts per day - that is how the Eastern front of Ukraine sounds right now. These numbers are a rough estimate count of the OSCE Monitoring mission. Dwellers of the frontline villages say the shellings now are the heaviest for over a year.

Ukrainian soldiers agree: shelling was not so loud and heavy since the beginning of 2015. Even villages that had several quiet months now are under fire. Militants use artillery, grenade launchers, mortars and armored vehicles along the length of the front line. Mariupol outskirts remain the hottest point.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/383261.html
The Ukrainian military is ready to withdraw its forces and equipment from the site in the Stanytsia Luhanska area determined by the Trilateral Contact Group, but the enemy is not fulfilling the conditions needed for the withdrawal, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Andriy Lysenko said.

"Ukraine is fulfilling its obligations. As far as we are concerned, everything is ready, the routes and sites for withdrawal of forces and equipment are ready. But the withdrawal process is frozen because the enemy regularly breaches the ceasefire regime, attacks are going on," he told a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

Lysenko also said the enemy is not clearing Donbas of mines because "they have placed a lot of mines, but they did not mark them on maps."

This is hurting both local residents and the enemy's troops, he said.

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[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/crime/russia-sends-more-armour-to-donbas-2-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-804714.html

Ukrainian troops forced to fight back militant attacks, but Russia reportedly sends more tanks to Donbas

Russia-backed militants violate the truce along the whole front line in Donbas, Ukrainian troops return fire at the major positions, Defense Ministry spokesman on ATO issues Col. Andriy Lysenko reported today. By his data, two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and two more wounded due to Russian proxies' attacks during last 24 hours. The militants' attacks were reported along the whole front line.

According to him, the situation was tense again in Popasna district of the Luhansk sector. The militants used light arms during the day, while mortars and heavy artillery were used after sunset.

Moreover, the militants used grenade launchers, light armour, artillery in this region, so "the disengagement is impossible near Stanytsia Luhanska at the moment".

"It was reported about three militants' attacks in the Donetsk sector. The militants used mortars and heavy weapons at Svitlodarsk arch and Avdiivka. About 50 shells hit the ATO forces' positions in the Donetsk region," Lysenko informed. Around 80 shells hit the Ukrainian positions in the Mariupol sector. Militants commenced 21 fire raid here, 7 of which included usage of heavy weapons.



Russia, declaring ‘it's not involved in Donbas war', sends more deadly weapon to its troops, ‘which are not there.

"Another delivery of military equipment arrived from the territory of the Russian Federation. Two tanks were transported to Krasnodon, while seven cars of fuel were delivered to Rovenky. Ten tanks and two 2S1 Gvozdika self propelled howitzers headed towards Torez. This equipment was repaired in the Russian Federation," Lysenko said referring to Military Intelligence data.

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http://uatoday.tv/crime/russian-pro...-36-times-per-day-civilian-killed-804544.html
Militants attacked using self-propelled artillery, mortars, and light armour

The Russia-backed militant forces in Donbas continue ignoring Minsk deal and violating the truce agreements, Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation HQ reports. Durin last day Ukrainian troops faced 36 attacks, most of them on the Mariupol sector.

Militants commenced numerous attacks on this direction using all kinds of mortars, infantry fighting vehicles (BMP), grenade launchers and sniper weapon.

Luhansk region was shelled with self-propelled artillery, APC armament, and grenade launchers of various types. Ukrainian settlements and army positions in the Donetsk sector were mortared.

As a result of militant shelling of the village of Tonenke near Toretsk (Donetsk region), which began around 23.00, local resident was killed, police reports. The man worked as a security guard of the agro company, which became a target of a fire raid. During the attack the territory of the company was hit by over 35 shells of 120mm calibre.

Buildings and tractor damaged by shelling in Tonenke village, Donetsk region (photo by National Police of Ukraine).

As reported, the situation on Ukrainian Eastern front continues to deteriorate: shellings intensify all along the frontline.

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Interfax news
November 12, 2016


20:10
Ukrainian military violate truce almost 1,000 times in past 24 hours - DPR

19:56
Ukrainian troops violate ceasefire over 50 times in past week - LPR

18:37
Six Ukrainian nationalists held in connection with Motorola murder in Donetsk - DPR state security ministry

16:39
Russian armed forces not threatening anyone, must develop to guarantee Russia's security - Putin (Part 2)

14:19
Two Ukrainian servicemen killed in Donbas over past 24 hours - Ukrainian Defense Ministry

11:40
Ukrainian govt forces fire nearly 200 rounds, mines upon communities in self-proclaimed Donetsk republic - local news agency

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/crime/situation-developments-in-donbas-demonstrate-a-total-aggravation-804969.html

The number of militant attacks has significantly increased for the past 24 hours; one civilian reported killed

Update: The press office for Ukraine's Defense Ministry has informed about one civilian killed during the militant attack against the village of Tonenke near Avdiivka, Donetsk sector.

Story: For the past day, Russian-backed proxies have fired in the Ukrainian army positions 64 times using artillery and grenade launchers, according to Ukraine's ATO HQ report.

There have been 15 cease-fire violations in the Luhansk direction, 6 – in Donetsk and 43 – in Mariupol sector.

The Mariupol direction, which is a constant hot spot on the ATO map, has witnessed provocations near Maryinka and Shyrokyne.

Separatist forces used 152mm and 122mm artillery, mortars, grenade launchers, small arms and armored personnel carriers to attacks the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Talakivka, Krasnohorivka, Vodiane, Bohdanivka and Taramchuk.

Small arms, mortars and 122mm artillery were applied by militants against Novozvanivka, Troitske, Malynove and Krymske.

As reported, four Ukrainian servicemen have been wounded in the ATO zone overnight.

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http://uatoday.tv/crime/ukraine-s-p...or-donbas-military-gang-formation-805034.html

In late October, the militant returned to his native city of Druzhkivka after serving in the battalion "Vostok"

The police of the city of Druzhkivka arrested a 21-year-old man who had fought on the side of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic. For his service, he was receiving UAH 4,000-5,000 (around 200 dollars), according to the statement by Ukraine's National Police.

In May 2014, the man started "his career" as a militant soldier at a checkpoint "Donskyi". A month later, he moved to Donetsk where joined the battalion "Vostok".


For the past 2 years, the detainee has taken part in combat actions in Debaltseve and Savur-Mohyla where major battles between Ukraine's army and Russian-backed proxies happened.

In February 2016, there was a quarrel between the man and his battalion's commanders. As a result, he had to leave the occupied territories. When back to Druzhkivka, police quickly arrested him.

Now, he can be sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.

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[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/crime/russian-sme...d-on-ukrainian-village-photos-map-805459.html

Unexploded MLRS missile was produced in Russia and fired on Ukrainian village of Berezove

Officers of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) report about unexploded multiple launch rocket system ‘Smerch' missile of Russian production found Donbas. The charge fell at the courtyard of local villagers in Berezove near Mariinka, Donetsk region. According to military experts, ammunition's marking indicate that militants fired 300 millimetre missiles with cassette (cluster) warhead with fragmentation combat elements.

It's a kind of explosive weapon that releases or ejects smaller sub-munitions over a wide area, which pose risks to civilians both during attacks and afterwards. Unexploded bomblets can kill or maim civilians or unintended targets long after a conflict has ended, and are costly to locate and remove.

Cluster munitions are prohibited by The Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in Dublin, Ireland in May 2008. As of 1 October 2015, a total of 118 states have joined the Convention, but not Russia.

"These charges are produced only in Russia, ‘Smerch' system may only be operated by professional military personnel," SBU report states.

Such conclusion was made from the marking ZP2-95 (ЗП2-95 in Russian) on one of missile's elements, which indicates encrypted factory (‘loader plant' in Russia, Ukraine not producing such weapon), lot number and year of manufacture (1995). Missile contains 72 combat elements 9N235, carrying 6912 fragments able to destroy unarmoured vehicles and 25,920 fragments able to kill personnel. Impact zone of one element is 300-1100 square meters.

SBU in cooperation with the Military Prosecutor documented the fact of MLRS ‘Smerch' usage and added it to the list of evidences of Russian aggression in respective criminal proceeding.

According to Ukrainian military, Russian proxies commenced 35 attacks of Ukrainian positions last day. One Ukrainian soldiers was injured, at least 3 militants were killed by response fire.



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Ilya Bogdanov hasn't been seen in public since November 12th

Ilya Bogdanov, a former Russian citizen and an FSB officer who defected to Ukraine and fought against the pro-Russian militants in Donbas, is reported missing in Kyiv.

There have been no signs of his activity on his Facebook page or public appearance since November 12, and his friends in Kyiv have already contacted the police.

Ilya Bogdanov has officially gone missing and being searched for, the police representatives report.

Bogdanov, 28, was a regular officer of the Russian FSB special service. In 2014, amid the Russian assault on Donbas, he defected to Ukraine, joined the Right Sector volunteer battalion and got involved in combat against the combined Russian-separative troops.

In 2015, he left the Ukrainian battalion and settled down in Kyiv. Later he became one of the few Russian nationals fighting in Donbas to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.

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21:19
Kyiv records 12 shelling of Ukrainian positions in Donbas on Monday

19:53
Ukrainian deserter arrives to Russia seeking political asylum

14:01
Ukrainian intelligence agents arrested in Sevastopol were choosing sabotage targets (Part 3)

10:13
Another 4 Ukrainian officers accused of attacks on Donbas residential areas - Russian Investigative Committee

 

[Hindustani78]

Russian-backed militants fire artillery toward the Ukrainian positions during the night (by Luhansk State Administration / Facebook)
http://uatoday.tv/crime/russian-hea...krainian-mariinka-at-night-photos-806244.html

152mm charges hit civilian residential area and local school during the massive night artillery raid


A powerful night fire raid damaged all 3 floors of school №1, as well as several residential areas along the October, Shevchenko and Lenin streets in the town of Mariinka in Donetsk region of Ukraine. Fortunately, neither children nor adults were injured, local police inform.

Now police officers inspect and document the damage to the school №1. All three floors of the building are damaged, 42 window are broken. 157 children are still studying in this school, because it's the only one in this district. Information about the harm done to the private houses is still collected. Police qualified this deed of Kremlin proxies as a "terrorist act".

Aftermath of militant artillery raid on the school in the town of Mariinka (National police photo)

That's not the only attack by Russian militants during the previous day, although the heaviest one, Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation staff informs. 21 fire raids were recorded along the whole frontline. Besides the 152mm artillery, militants also used 122mm howitzers, all kinds of mortars, air defense guns, grenade launchers of all types and sniper weapon.

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http://uatoday.tv/crime/hague-report-points-at-russia-ukraine-armed-conflict-806284.html
ICC Prosecutor publishes annual report on Preliminary Examination Activities


The available information suggests that the situation within Crimea amounts to an international armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

This is according to the annual report, issued by the Prosecutor of the Hague-based International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda on November 14, 2016.

‘This international armed conflict began at the latest on 26 February when the Russian Federation deployed members of its armed forces to gain control over parts of the Ukrainian territory without the consent of the Ukrainian Government', the report reads.

The document names the situation in Crimea and Sevastopol a ‘factual ongoing state of occupation'.

The report also provides an analysis of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, saying that additional information points to ‘direct military engagement between Russian armed forces and Ukrainian government forces'.

‘That would suggest the existence of an international armed conflict in the context of armed hostilities in eastern Ukraine from 14 July 2014 at the latest, in parallel to the non-international armed conflict'.

The document says the Office is examining allegations that Russia ‘has exercised overall control over armed groups in eastern Ukraine'.

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http://uatoday.tv/politics/six-woun...ants-attack-ukrainian-army-dugout-806329.html
More than 20 attacks registered over past 24 hours, heavy artillery used in Mariupol sector


Six Ukrainian servicemen have been wounded as combined Russian-separatist forces launched 21 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in eastern Ukraine.

According to Ukraine's Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzianyk, all the soldiers were injured in the town of Avdiivka, one of the hotspots on the map of the Donbas war.

Ukrainian media reported that a dugout of Ukrainian soldiers was shelled by militant forces, one the injured is in critical condition.

The Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters says the Russian proxies continue using heavy weapons, banned by the Minsk peace agreements.

Namely, in the Mariupol sector, banned 152mm artillery systems were used to shell the town of Maryinka, resulting in damage to a local school building.

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http://uatoday.tv/politics/suddenly...enly-admits-russia-invaded-donbas-806554.html

Kremlin-backed militant's ‘official' is sure Russia will save the ‘Luhansk republic' once more if Ukraine will try to restore its sovereignty

Known Ukrainian journalist from Donetsk Denys Kazansky reported about unusual confession made by one of pro-Russian militant ‘officials,' who represents so-called ‘separatist' forces in Minsk talks, which control part of Ukrainian Donbas.

"In an interview with TV channel Luhansk 24, Vladislav Deinego, ‘Luhansk People's Republic's' official envoy to the Minsk talks, openly declared that Russia is fighting on the side of ‘LPR' militants. His statement fully negates testimonies by so-called ‘witnesses' who claim that a ‘civil war' is raging in Ukraine. On the one side, some people are trying to cover up for the aggressor state (Russia), while here on television, Mr. Deinego publicly states that Russia is actively participating in the war and supporting the separatist ‘state of Luhansk'," Kazansky wrote in the article for Euromaidan Press.

Unexpected truce was provoked by local journalist.

Kazansky explained: "In response to the TV host's statement that Ukrainian radicals could ‘destroy the ‘LPR' just as local radicals in Libya destroyed Gaddafi, Deinego replied that Russia has always come to the rescue of the ‘LPR' in times of need, has saved the puppet state many times from destruction, and will deploy its troops in Luhansk region in future if hostilities between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the separatists escalate."

"You're forgetting one small point. When the situation was very difficult for us, we very quickly received support from our brothers who are really not that far away. So, even if we don't have enough troops or munitions, we can be absolutely sure that they will help us. The Russian army will be deployed to our territory," militant ‘official' assured.

"Well, we all know what's really happening. You can't hide elephants in mouseholes," Denys Kazansky summarized.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/news/russia-initi...-who-fought-for-ukraine-in-donbas-806964.html

Dmitry Fedotov is accused of being a mercenary


The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case against a Russian national who had fought on Ukraine's side in the Donbas war.

The investigators accuse Dmitry Fedotov of mersenarism and participating in warfare, which is a punishable offence in the Russian legislation, the UNIAN agency reports.


In April 2014, Dmitry Fedotov left his family in his hometown of Kingisepp near St. Petersburgh and arrived in Kyiv to join the anti-government rallies in Ukraine. Later, he trained at the Aidar volunteer battalion camp and then participated in combat against the pro-Russian troops in Donbas.

Russian officials accuse him of participation in war for the purpose of benefication.


At the same time, the Russian authorities contradict this law by inciting its citizens to join the Kremlin-backed illegal combat units fighting against Ukraine in Donbas. In pro-Kremlin media, Russian mercenaries fighting against Ukraine are usually called home guards or volunteer militia fighters.

Tens of thousands of the Russian nationals are participaing in Donbas conflict, in both Russian army contingent and irregular combat units, holding a commanding positions.

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http://uatoday.tv/crime/we-will-use-hague-to-get-ukraine-officials-hiding-in-russia-807006.html

Ukrainian lawyer Markiyan Halabala on investigation into murders of Euromaidan activists

Individuals, responsible for the murders of the Euromaidan activists, are hiding in Russia, and Ukraine seeks to use the International Criminal Court to force them to stand trial.

This is reported by Ukrainian lawyer, involved in the Euromaidan case, Markiyan Halabala in an interview with Ukraine Today.

‘Since the top officials, who are really responsible for all the murders here, are in Russia, we are going to use this instrument (the International Criminal Court – UT) to extradite them from Russia', Mr. Halabala told Ukraine Today.

The lawyer explained, to begin the procedure of bringing the responsible in for a trial, the investigators will need an order from a prosecutor of The Hague International Criminal Court.

The investigation into the murders of the Euromaidan protesters, known as the Heavenly Hundred is ongoing and no verdict has been delivered as of yet. Still, there is a strong belief in Ukraine, that former top officials, including the ousted President Yanukovych and ex-Minister of the Interior Zakharchenko were behind the murders.

Both of them are beening sheltered by the Kremlin.

Halabala and other attorneys met with the ICC mission last month and gave it's evidence about the murders.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/384191.html

Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came under 37 attacks during the day, the anti-terrorist operation staff said on Facebook on Wednesday morning.

Most shelling incidents occurred in the Mariupol sector. Militants fired over 30 shells from 122mm guns on Ukrainian army positions in Shyrokyne. According to the press center, mortars of various calibers, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns and small arms were used against Talakivka, Slavne, Shyrokyne, Vodyane, Krasnohorivka, Lebedynske and Pavlopil. Besides, a sniper was active near Pavlopil, the report said.

In the Donetsk sector, militants shelled Luhanske and Avdiyivka using mortars forbidden by the Minsk agreements, the press center said, adding that grenade launchers of various types and heavy machineguns were also employed in those areas.

Activity in the Luhansk sector was seen on Tuesday evening, when Ukrainian army positions near Novozvanivka, Novooleksandrivka and Katerynivka were shelled by mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machineguns, the staff said.

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http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=715203
November 16, 2016 14:21

Two Ukrainian military servicemen wounded in Donbas in past 24 hours - Kyiv
KYIV. Nov 16 (Interfax) - Andriy Lysenko, spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, said there were no casualties among the Ukrainian military in the area of the special operation in Donbas in the past 24 hours.

"No Ukrainian troops were killed, two were wounded in the past 24 hours," he told a briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday.
***********
14:03
Ukrainian foreign minister: Kyiv, Moscow have no coordinated vision of Donbas settlement roadmap


12:48
Resident of Leningrad region who fought against DPR militia prosecuted - Investigative Committee


12:04
Ukrainian foreign minister declares importance of UN humanitarian committee resolution on Crimea

11:23
Kyiv reports nearly 40 militia attacks in Donbas in past 24 hours

11:09
Some 80 Ukrainian special services agents detected on LPR territory over 10 months - LPR State Security Ministry

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/crime/artillery-fire-towards-shyrokyne-again-807331.html
2 Ukrainian servicemen have been wounded overnight

Russian-backed militants have violated the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine 37 times overnight. Ukraine's ATO HQ has also reported two Ukrainian servicemen injured in the Donbas conflict zone.

Separatist forces have applied mortars of different types in all directions.

The largest number of shelling took place in the Mariupol direction. More than 30 shells of 122mm machine guns were used by militants to attack the village of Shyrokyne.

Russian-backed proxies opened fire towards Talakivka, Slavne, Vodiane, Krasnohorivka and Lebedynske using mortars of different calibers, grenade launchers, machine guns as well as small arms.

Ukraine's Armed Forces were also attacked by enemy snipers in the Pavlopil area.

******************

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http://uatoday.tv/society/turchinov-marine-corps-is-the-elite-of-military-forces-807076.html
To congratulate the elitist division of the army, a documentary movie is being released

Representatives of the Organization of Veterans, the Union of Marine Corps of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Defense gathered today in the park of Glory to commemorate all the perished fighters, including those who gave their lives since the occupation of Crimea and the beginning of military actions in Donbass.

To show respect, the flower-laying ceremony to the eternal flame and a minute of silence were held.

To congratulate the Marines with their professional day, Ukrainian military TV produced the documentary movie about Ukrainian "black berets" named "Marine Corps of Ukraine: Forever Loyal".

The Secretary of the Council of National Security and Defense of Ukraine, Alexander Turchinov, congratulated all the Marines; the official also pointed out that "black berets" establish the elite of all military forces.

Alexander Turchinov in his letter of congratulations to the fighters said: "Today, in the rows of Marines, there are genuine patriots and knights of their country. In the last two years', the majority of the fighters had been in ATO, into the very heart of the battle zones, opposing Russian aggression and making enemy feel fearful."

Turchinov also highlighted that the Marine Corps were the first to face Russian aggression.

The professional day of "black berets" was established by the president in 2014.

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http://uatoday.tv/politics/tampa-gr...o-set-up-new-commando-hq-tampabay-807386.html
The Global Special Operations Forces Foundation, based in Tampa, USA, will help Ukraine with structuring a special operations command

The Global SOF Foundation is to provide advocacy and advice for special operations forces in Ukraine, reports Tampabay. Their task is to help Ukrainian militaries to create a unified command that synchronizes forces to fight using unconventional tactics.

The Tampa group will share the best practices for commando warfare.

Founder of Global SOF Fundation Stu Bradin said, speaking of the Ukraine commandos: "These guys will fight till the last drop of blood. These are rock hard nationalists. I have never seen a more motivated group of people not afraid to die for their country."

Bradin recommended creating a flexible, rapidly deployable force that could react quickly through a limited command structure. He also recommended that the Ukraine forces work toward compatibility with NATO, the defense alliance of more than two dozen largely European nations. Ukraine is not a member.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/384469.html
Positions of Ukrainian troops in the anti-terrorist operation zone (ATO) in Donbas were shelled 14 times on Wednesday, the headquarters of the ATO said.

The enemy repeatedly shelled Vodiane, Opytne, Novotroyitske, Pavlopil, Krymske, Berdianske and Avdiyivka using 82mm and 120mm mortars, grenade launchers, large-caliber machineguns and small arms throughout the day, the press center for the headquarters said on Facebook.

A sniper also fired at Pavlopil and Novotroyitske.

"Our positions were shelled 14 times overall today," the press center said.

**************************

 

[Hindustani78]

Ukraine's Armed Forces suffer more losses

Russia's hybrid military force operating in eastern Ukraine continues snubbing Minsk peace agreements, Ukrainian military report.

Out of 37 militant attacks, 24 were recorded in the Mariupol sector. There, the militants remain twice as active as in the other two sectors put together, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzianyk.

"The Ukrainian military had to return fire," he said.

In the Donetsk sector, the town of Avdiivka remains the hotspot. Yesterday two continuous powerful shellings occurred there. The intensive militant fire lasted non-stop for about eight hours, Motuzianyk said.

The ongoing hostilities resulted in more casualties for the Ukrainian Armed Forces: one serviceman was killed and another one wounded.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/384621.html

One Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman has been killed and another one has been wounded in Donbas in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzianyk has said.

"One Ukrainian soldier has been killed and another one has been wounded in the past 24 hours," he said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.

Militant forces were conducting strikes mainly in the Popasna district of the Luhansk region between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., using heavy weapons, he said.

Two provocations were also recorded in the east of the Stanytsia Luhanska district, near the Ukrainian-Russian border. All in all, eight ceasefire breaches, half of them involving the use of heavy weapons, have been registered in the Luhansk region in the past 24 hours.

Two instances of lengthy shelling were reported in the Avdiyivka industrial zone in the Donetsk region, with militant units using mortars and armored hardware, Motuzianyk said.

One instance of shelling occurred in Luhanske, Dokuchayivsk and Opytne each. All in all, eight strikes have been recorded in the Donetsk region in the past 24 hours, including three strikes with the use of heavy weapons.

"The adversary fired 60 mines and 14 projectiles on Ukrainian military positions near the city of Mariupol, and also shelled Maryinka and Dokuchayivsk. The Ukrainian military had to return fire," Motuzianyk said.


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Interfax news
November 17, 2016

15:01
One Ukrainian soldier killed in Donbas in past 24 hours

14:33
DPR reports almost 900 truce violations by Ukrainian army

14:16
Ukrainian side shells Donetsk hospital - DPR

11:18
Ukrainian army reports 37 attacks on its positions in Donbas

 

[Hindustani78]

Ukrainian soldiers at Yavoriv Ukraine

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/crime/offence-aga...and-troitske-with-122mm-artillery-808523.html
40 provocations for the past 24 hours in the Donbas conflict zone

Ukraine's ATO HQ has reported about 40 armed provocations overnight.

Russian-backed separatist forces have shelled the Ukrainian army positions with banned weapons in all directions.


Militants opened their fire into Ukrainian soldiers near Shyrokyne using 152mm and 122mm artillery along with tanks.

Mortars, grenade launchers and artillery were applied in Hnytove, Krasnohorivka, Berdianske, Vodiane and Maryinka.


Russian-backed proxies attacked Troitske, Novooleksandrivka, Zolote, Novozvanivka and Krymske with 122mm artillery and mortars. Armored personnel carriers were active around the village of Stanytsia Luhanska.

Armored fighting vehicles and tanks were also used in the direction of Avdiivka.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/384823.html

The prospects for mitigating the conflict in eastern Ukraine and fulfillment of the Minsk agreements today, probably, do not exist, according to U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

"I do not see prospects for mitigating [the conflict] or fulfilling the Minsk agreements," Clapper said, testifying on November 17 to U.S. Senators on Thursday.

Clapper said, "The Russians as seeking to retain their influence" and "they will continue to exert pressure."

According to Clapper, the ceasefire in Donbas has not been observed recently.

"I think [Russia] intends to maintain its presence in Donbas," Clapper emphasized.

He said, "Both sides [Russia and Ukraine] will continue to act against the other's interests, attempting the foment instability."

Meanwhile, Clapper on Thursday tendered his resignation and U.S. National Intelligence Director.

American media covering the hearing in Congress said the resignation came following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump. Clapper said he formally tendered his resignation on Wednesday, November 16.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/384785.html

Militant units opened fire on the Zolote entry and exit checkpoint and the Maryinka checkpoint in Donbas on Thursday, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service said.

Small arms fire from the village of Oleksandrivka in the direction of the Maryinka checkpoint began at around 9:00 p.m. and continued for about an hour, it said.

Several hours later, the Zolote entry and exit checkpoint, located in the Lysychansk-Stakhanov road corridor, came under AGS-17 grenade launcher fire from the direction of Pervomaisk, the press service of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service said.

No border guards were wounded in the shelling.
AGS-17 grenade launcher

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10:39
Ukrainian army reports 40 attacks on its positions in Donbas

10:04
Ukrainian army shells outskirts of Donetsk, Yasynuvata, Horlivka, southern Donbas villages - DPR Defense Ministry

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.unian.info/war/1631406-s...ot-missile-launchers-near-popasna-photos.html


The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has uncovered three camouflaged firing positions with launchers of Fagot anti-tank missile systems in the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone in eastern Ukraine.

The systems were located in close proximity to the contact line on the outskirts of the village of Novozvanivka in Popasna district, Luhansk region, the SBU's press center said.

The verification of markings of the anti-tank missile systems revealed that the weapons were not registered to be in use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. An investigation is under way; criminal proceedings are about to be opened.

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20:52
Kyiv reports 26 shell attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas

17:02
Ukrainian shelling kills five people in Donbas in past week - DPR

15:05
One Ukrainian serviceman wounded in Donbas - Kyiv

15:12
DPR reports 6,500 attacks by Ukrainian military in past week (Part 2)

 

[Hindustani78]

http://uatoday.tv/news/violence-spikes-in-donbas-conflict-zone-809108.html
Mariupol sector and Avdiivka are still the hot spots

The Russian-backed separatist forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian soldiers 46 times in the past 24 hours, according to a report, published on the official Facebook page of the Anti-Terrorist operation.

The Mariupol sector, which has been a hot spot for weeks, saw intense shooting again, with militants using the 152-mm artillery to shell the government forces in villages, surrounding the city.

Armored personnel carriers and a tank were active near the former sea resort village of Shyrokyne, devastated by the military clashes.

In the Donetsk sector, the combatants used mortars, grenade launchers and machine guns to attack Ukraine's servicemen in Avdiivka.

The situation was difficult in the Luhansk region as well, with artillery and assault weapons being used.

A sniper targeted the government forces in Stanytsia Luhanska, a key area where the withdrawal of troops is planned, but still hasn't happened due to ceasefire violations, Kyiv says.

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http://uatoday.tv/crime/russia-alle...ex-fsb-officer-who-joined-ukraine-809128.html
Ilya Bogdanov was rescued by SBU after he was reported missing

Former Russia's FSB officer, who had joined Ukraine during the war, held a press briefing in Kyiv on November 18, following his alleged kidnapping by pro-Russian criminals. This is according to UNIAN.

In his statement, Ilya Bogdanov shared details on his captivity, praising his rescue as a victory for Ukraine's security service, the SBU.

‘I heard their conversation between the GRU officers (Main Intelligence Office of Russia - UT) and this Sasha (alleged kidnapper - UT), how happy they were to catch me. Then when they gave a command to kill me. I was sitting nearby and observing the doers. I realized they would really kill me. On the other hand, proud that the SBU worked that well', Bogdanov told journalists.

The former FSB officer was reported missing on November 12. Six days later the SBU said it arrested his kidnappers, who turned out to be a group of Ukrainian citizens. The group was acting on the orders from Russia, the SBU chief Vasyl Hrytsak said in a statement.

‘It was the second attempt to kidnap and kill. In February 2015 we thwarted such an attempt, arrested a killer, who in October 2015 was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison and is now serving his time', Hrytsak said, adding the killer was recruited by an FSB officer in Russia's Belgorod.

Hrytsak said, Bogdanov had decided to fight for Ukraine, and ‘the Russians don't forgive such decisions'.

Bogdanov, 28, was a regular officer of the Russian FSB special service. In 2014, amid the Russian assault on Donbas, he defected to Ukraine, joined the Right Sector volunteer battalion and got involved in combat against the combined Russian-separative troops.

In 2015, he left the Ukrainian battalion and settled down in Kyiv. Later he became one of the few Russian nationals fighting in Donbas to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.

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21:15, 18 November 2016
DNA profiling helps identify 450 KIA in Donbas Advisor to the president of Ukraine for humanitarian issues, Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee Inna Bohomolets during a round table in UNIAN, initiated by Slovo I Dilo NGO said that 450 Ukrainian soldiers killed in combat with combined Russian-separatist forces in eastern Ukraine were identified due to DNA tests.

"Over this period, I’ve made a system of DNA-identification of the victims. There has been no such system before the war. Today we have 1,800 remains removed from the territory (of Donbas - UNIAN). We have 880 DNA profiles in the system, 450 of them have been identified and the families received compensation," she said.

As reported, according to UN data, the number of documented victims of the Donbas hostilities since the beginning of the armed conflict has reached almost 10,000 people.

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http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/385048.html

Ukrainian military positions were shelled 26 times between midnight and 6 p.m. on Friday, according to the press center for the headquarters of the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine.

In the Mariupol area, mortars of varying caliber were fired against Ukrainian military positions near Vodiane, Novotroitske, Shyrokyne, Talakivka and Pavlopil, the press center said on Facebook on Friday evening. "Near Shyrokine and Berezove fire was also delivered by infantry fighting vehicles. A tank fired several times on Shyrokine," the press center said.

In the Luhansk area, mortars, grenades and small arms were fired on Krymske and Zhovte.

In the Donetsk area, 120mm-caliber mortars were fired on Luhanske; grenades and large-caliber machineguns, on Avdiyivka.

"In all, 26 shell attacks were carried out between midnight and 6 p.m.," the press center said.

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17:52
Poroshenko gives important information about Euromaidan events - Ukrainian prosecutors

14:35
Ukrainian govt forces again shelling Yasynuvata - self-proclaimed Donetsk republic

 

[Hindustani78]

Kremlin-backed militants shelled Ukrainian positions 36 times over 24 hours


The militants commenced attacks and fire raids all over the frontline during last day, Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation HQ reports. 36 attacks reported over the past 24 hours from all sectors.

The tensest situation is noted on Mariupol direction. Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian position here using all kinds of weapon including heavy artillery of 152mm calibre and at least one tank. The hottest spot of this area is the village of Shyrokyne again.


In Luhansk and Donetsk sectors the militants shelled Ukrainian positions with mortars, grenade launchers, anti-aircraft guns and large-calibre machine guns.

According to Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Oleksandr Motuzianyk three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded during the day, no one was killed.

Yesterday 46 militant attacks on the positions of Ukrainian soldiers were reported. The Mariupol sector, which has been a hot spot for weeks, also saw intense shooting with the 152-mm artillery.

****************

http://uatoday.tv/politics/proofs-of-russia-s-invasion-of-donbas-presented-to-nato-pa-809598.html


Ukrainian volunteers identified 75 Russian military units covertly sent to Ukraine
http://uatoday.tv/politics/proofs-of-russia-s-invasion-of-donbas-presented-to-nato-pa-809598.html


Ukrainian parliamentary delegation presented evidence of Russian military aggression against Ukraine before members of NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey. This was reported by the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada permanent delegation to the NATO PA Iryna Friz on Facebook. MPs were shown two InformNapalm volunteer intelligence community's videos presenting the key data on Russia's intrusion.

InformNapam has been gathering evidence of Russian aggression in Ukraine for over 2 years.

"Proving the participation of Russian professional military in the war in Donbas is the most important part of our work. While Russian soldiers have been pretty cautious and carefully cover up their combat involvement, they still leave traces. Our analysts sift through different sources – websites, videos, social media posts – to find these traces and present investigations to public," volunteers say.

So far they have identified servicemen from 75 Russian military units sent to Ukraine on the orders of their command. This video is made as a quick guide through InformNapalm's major findings. You can explore full database here.

It contains 165 documented incidents. Each record in our database has a link to the detailed investigation behind the case.

Lawmakers from NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted reports urging NATO member-states "to stand firm in supporting Ukraine and maintain a strong stance against Russian belligerence" (full press-release of NATO PA).

The Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters has reported that Ukrainian troops were attacked in all sectors in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the past day; the total number of reported barrages was 36.


20 November 2016

ATO forces stationed near the Ukrainian-controlled strategic port city of Mariupol were attacked with the use of mortars, grenade launchers and small arms. In particular, Russia's hybrid military force shelled the villages of Shyrokyne, Talakivka, Vodiane, and Pavlopil and the towns of Krasnohorivka and Maryinka.

What is more, banned 152mm artillery systems and a main battle tank were engaged to attack the village of Shyrokyne, which is some 25 km from Mariupol. Read also Ukraine reports 40 attacks in Donbas in last day Ukrainian troops in the villages of Krymske, Novozvanivka, Horikhove, and Novo-Oleksandrivka in the Luhansk sector came under fire.

The combined Russian-separatist forces used mortars, grenade launchers, anti-aircraft guns and large-caliber machine-guns. Mortars, grenade launchers and small arms were used in the Donetsk sector. The village of Zaitseve, which is close to the militant-held town of Horlivka, as well as the villages of Opytne and Luhanske and the town of Avdiyivka came under fire.

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Interfax news


November 20, 2016
19:59
Kyiv accuses militia of shelling Ukrainian army positions from tank, infantry fighting vehicle weapons, mortars on Mariupol direction

17:35
DPR reports 3 casualties in Ukrainian army attacks

http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=716029
KYIV. Nov 20 (Interfax) - Three Ukrainian servicemen were injured, no one killed in eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanik said.

"No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, three injured in hostilities in the past 24 hours. All of them were already admitted to hospitals and are receiving medical care," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Sunday.

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