Civil war in Ukraine: News & discussion

[Hindustani78]

Friday, March 30. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 57 times over the past 24 hours.

Militants used 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, BMP against the Ukrainian positions near Pavlopil, 82 mm mortars near Shyrokyne, grenade launchers and small arms near Avdiivka, Vodiane, Hnutove, Opytne, Novotroitske, Lebedynske, and Pishchevyk, heavy machineguns near Talakivka, Kamianka, Marinka, and Verkhniotoretske, BMP — near Hnutove, Talakivka, and Pishchevyk, small arms near Shyrokyne, Butivka mine, and Pavlopil, anti-tank guided missile near Novotoritske.

The enemy fired grenade launchers and small arms on the Ukrainian positions near Artemove (Zalizne), heavy machineguns — near Luhanske.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded, one soldier was injured.

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Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration Lieutenant General Anatolii Petrenko paid two day working visit to Kamianets Podilskyi military garrison.

He met with commanding officers of military units, toured the Mine Action Centre and handed over certificates to IMSMA training graduates.

“I would like to thank our OSCE partners, Armed Forces of Canada for assistance in development of our mine action capabilities”, Gen. Petrenko underlined, “The Armed Forces of Ukraine are developing and gain new professional skills while implementing technological solutions. We face serious challenges and have strategic tasks on restoring territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Our personnel are motivated. I believe all new knowledge and experience would be helpful through your mine action”, he summed up.

Deputy Minister of Defence participated in an official ceremony of handing over of certificates and new Mitsubishi L-200 for the Centre, PCs, office equipment, GPS bought within the framework of the Development of Ukraine’s Mine Action Potential project financed by the Canadian Government and realized by the OSCE coordinator in Ukraine.

“Mine Action Centre in Kamianets Podilskyi is the Centre of Engineering Excellence. We should develop and increase its potential”, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration Lieutenant General Anatolii Petrenko stressed during visit to Kamianets Podilskyi military garrison.

“Its infrastructure is good, professionals work here and we see a process of qualitative training of military EOD specialists according to the best standards. Our international partners — Canadian military instructors — cooperate with us, the appropriate OSCE projects and programs are implemented here,” Gen. Petrenko said.

Saturday, March 31. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 32 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missile against the ATO positions near Talakivka, grenade launchers near Opytne, Verkhniotoretske, Bohdanivka, Butivka mine, Lebedynske, and Shyrokyne, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, and anti-air mount against the Ukrainian positions near Vodiane, heavy machineguns — near Pavlopil and Pishchevyk, small arms — near Pavlopil, Avdiivka, Opytne, Bohdanivka, Novotroitske, Kamianka, Marinka, Pishchevyk, and Pisky.

Militants fired grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, and small arms on the Ukrainian positions near Luhanske. The enemy also launched attacks using grenade launchers near Katerynivka.

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and three soldiers were injured.

We express condolences to the family and relatives of the fallen hero of Ukraine.

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[Hindustani78]

President Petro Poroshenko met with the servicemen of the 79th assault brigade and the warriors of the National Guard who defend Ukraine in the east and handed them Easter baskets prepared by the wife of the Head of State Maryna Poroshenko, as well as talismans from the children of Sumy region.

„Today, when the whole country celebrates Palm Sunday, I would like to convey words of sincere gratitude not only from myself, but also from my entire family,” Petro Poroshenko said.

The President thanked warriors for their courage, valor and morale. „Thank you for protecting every piece of Ukrainian land,” he noted.

„We should keep the powder dry. We should be ready to demonstrate at any moment the capability of Ukrainian troops,” the President said.

The Head of State noted that Ukrainians trusted the army the most. „We should do everything to save this trust and justify it,” he stressed.

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Monday, April 02. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 38 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 120 mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers and heavy machineguns near Luhanske. Moreover, occupants launched attacks using 82 mm mortars against the Ukrainian positions near Troitske, small arms — near Stanytsia Luhanska.

Militants fired 82 mm mortars on the Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka, as well as near Pisky, Shyrokyne, and Butivka mine, grenade launchers on positions near Avdiivka, Butivka mine, Starohnativka, Pavlopil, and Vodiane, heavy machineguns on positions near Kamianka, Hnutove, Vodiane, and Opytne. An enemy’s sniper targeted the Ukrainian positions near Pavlopil.

The enemy used small arms near Avdiivka, Talakivka, Verkhniotoretske, and Vodiane.

There are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers. The situation along the frontline is under control of the Ukrainian defenders.

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The Joint Ukrainian-Danish Operation kicked off. The Ukrainian Il-76 airlifter, including 23 pilots and ground personnel, as well as coordinators from the Ukraine’s AF Command, led by Col. Serhii Artemenko left from Boryspil military airfield for Aalbolg Air Base of the Danish Air Force.

The Ukrainian pilots will airlift more than 500,000 litres of fuel, other items and assets during about 25 flights (120 hours). The operation will last until May 5. They will accomplish tasks in inclement weather conditions in Greenland (at temperature below 50 degrees Celsius, wind speed up to 15-20 meters per second, stormy weather).

This operation has been organized for the tenth year in row as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ukrainian and Danish Ministries of Defence.

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Kharkiv National Ivan Kozhedub Air Force University hosted the delegation of representatives of US Air Force Academy. They met with university leadership, held talks, and toured the educational establishment infrastructure, as well as learnt the curriculum and training process of cadets.

US AF attaché at US Embassy in Ukraine discussed with the University leadership the training and working project Military Personnel Exchange Program.

The US and Ukrainian parties agreed on development of bilateral cooperation.

 

[Hindustani78]

Wednesday, April 04. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 24 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 82 mm mortars near Opytne, grenade launchers near Avdiivka, Pisky, Vodiane, and Pishchevyk. Militants fired sniper’s rifles and small arms on Ukrainian positions near Shyrokyne, Vodiane, and Butivka mine, heavy machineguns near Kamianka, Pavlopil, and Marinka, small arms on Ukrainian positions near Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Avdiivka, Nevelske, and Pavlopil.

Occupants shelled the Ukrainian positions near Luhanske with 82 mm mortars, near Novooleksandrivka with grenade launchers.

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded.

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Thursday, April 05. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 39 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers, sniper’s and small arms against the Ukrainian positions near Butivka mine, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, and small arms near Avdiivka, Lebedynske, Kamianka, grenade launchers near Vodiane and Marinka, BMP near Hnutove, heavy machineguns near Opytne and Hnutove, sniper’s and small arms near Shyrokyne and Vodiane. Moreover, militants launched attacks using small arms near Pavlopil, Hnutove, and Nevelske.

Occupants fired small arms on the Ukrainian positions near Stanytsia Luhanska, Donets station.

There are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers.

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Trust Fund supporting medical rehabilitation of Ukraine servicemen and women recently launched a two-year bachelor level educational program in Prosthetic and Orthotic (P&O) in Kharkiv with the long term objective to establish a bachelor and master level educational program certified by the International Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists (ISPO). This program will help to raise the level of medical services provided to amputated military members to international standards. The number of amputees in Ukraine has grown significantly due to the conflict in the Eastern part of the country.

This program is hosted at the P&O Research Institute in Kharkov, under the academic umbrella of the KNURE University, department for Radio-Electronics and with supervision from the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. It is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Following the Summit in 2014, US-Ukraine Commission Heads of State and Government identified medical rehabilitation as one of the key areas for developing practical cooperation with Ukraine. A Trust Fund on Medical Rehabilitation is even working in Bulgaria and executed by NSPA was subsequently defined with objectives to:

provide UKR military (both active and discharged) and civilian personnel from the defence/security sector) rapid access to medical rehabilitation care and to longer term medical services.

ensure the medical rehabilitation system in Ukraine system offers sustainable services to UKR military (both active and discharged) and civilian personnel from the defence/security sector.

Since 2015, more than 500 wounded servicemen and 2,000 practitioners have benefited from services proposed by this Trust Fund which also supported the drafting of a new law on Medical Rehabilitation and the establishment of new medical professions such as Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Prosthesist.

 

[Hindustani78]

Saturday, April 14. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 43 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 120 and 82 mm mortars, BMP, grenade launchers, and heavy machineguns near Troitske, 82 mm mortars near Krymske, grenade launchers and small arms near Zaitseve, heavy machineguns near Svitlodarsk.

Militants fired 82 mm mortars on the Ukrainian positions near Opytne and Kamianka, grenade launchers on positions near Vodiane, Avdiivka, Kamianka, Marinka, Pavlopil, Lebedynske, and Bohdanivka, heavy machineguns — near Nevelske, Avdiivka, Marinka, Pavlopil, and Butivka mine, BMP — near Talakivka, Kamianka, and Bohdanivka, small arms — near Kamianka, Opytne, Lebedynske, Butivka mine, Talakivka, Pavlopil, and Vodiane. An enemy’s sniper targeted the Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka.

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded.

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Within the framework of a working travel to Odesa garrison Minister of Defence of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak inspected operational readiness of a unit of Ukraine’s Air Force equipped with S-300 missile system and met with service members protecting the Ukrainian sky and awarded the best service personnel.

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On April 11-13, the delegation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine led by Chief of General Staff General of the Army of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko visited Sweden.

Within the framework of this official visit, Gen. Muzhenko held talks and consultations with senior leaders of the Armed Forces of Sweden. The parties shared views on prospects of bilateral cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. They also focused on updating the situation in the east of Ukraine and ongoing reforms of the Ukrainian army.

The Ukrainian delegation also visited the Skaraborg regiment of the Swedish Army, regional command ‘West’ and logistics regiment of the Swedish Army.

PA Office of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

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Monday, April 16. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 59 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 120 mm mortars near Pavlopil, Lebedynske, and Novotroitske, 82 mm mortars near Pisky and Pavlopil, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, and small arms near Avdiivka, Kamianka, Butivka mine, Verkhniotoretske, Pishchevyk, Shyrokyne, and Hnutove, BMP near Pisky and Talakivka, heavy machineguns near Opytne, small arms near Slavne, Berezove, and Lebedynske. An enemy’s sniper targeted the Ukrainian positions near Novotroitske.

Militants shelled the Ukrainian positions near Luhanske, Troitske, and Svitlodarsk with 120 mm mortars, near Luhanske and Svitlodarsk with 82 mm mortars, near Novoluhanske and Novhorodske with grenade launchers and heavy machineguns, near Luhanske and Troitske with BMP.

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded and one soldier was injured.

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During the meeting in the ad hoc center, President Petro Poroshenko emphasized that Russia’s war had new features and characteristics. This is a hybrid war, where along with the military actions of the Russian regular armed forces and Russian mercenaries, Russia wages subversive war against Ukraine on all fronts.

“We see the attempts to organize terrorist attacks inside the country, and the Security Service of Ukraine has prevented more than 400 attempts of terrorist attacks in different regions of Ukraine in the last 3.5 years,” the Head of State said. According to him, a significant part of terrorists who were identified and detained were trained in the respective camps in the territory of the Russian Federation and illegally annexed Crimea.

“An important element of the hybrid war and Russian aggression is the economic war. It is a blockade and embargo on the supply of Ukrainian goods. Our trade has fallen exponentially and today makes up about 9% of the total volume. Previously, it was more than a third,” Petro Poroshenko noted.

The President also drew attention to the practice of fake news and propaganda that Russia is using throughout the world today. He remarked that an investigation against Russia Today had begun in Britain, and the broadcast of that resource had been closed in the United States. Also, Russia’s actions in social networks are being investigated around the world.

The Head of State reminded that in 2014, the first objects of sniper attacks had been the transmitters of Ukrainian TV and radio companies in the area of military operations. The President appealed to Director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies Volodymyr Horbulin with a request to report on the strengthening of Ukraine’s information security and the proposals put forward today, starting with legislative changes, taking into account the experience of the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France from the point of view of social networks, the Internet. “How we can effectively counteract Russian aggression in the hybrid war, maintaining the necessary standards of freedom of speech. Because we live now in a completely different dimension,” the President emphasized.

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President Petro Poroshenko stresses the importance of saving the lives of the military, because, unfortunately, Ukraine loses Ukrainian heroes. The President noted that on April 17, soldier of the 24th separate mechanized brigade, Lviv resident Mykhailo Shozda was killed by a sniper shot. The attendees honored the memory of the fallen Ukrainian heroes.

“That is why it is so important for us to develop cooperation with our partners, to strengthen our army, to provide new equipment. Today, the first antisniping complexes were tranferred. As soon as they learned that these complexes were located in the areas of Avdiivka, Shyrokyne, the intensity of the sniper fire was lowered immediately,” the Head of State said during the working visit to Lviv region

“We will not save money on the Ukrainian Army, the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the President noted. Several days ago, an authoritative international media recognized the Ukrainian army as one of the top 30 armed forces in the world. “And they improve their positions each year,” the President added.

At the same time, Petro Poroshenko emphasized that the strengthening of state defense included not only the procurement of weapons for the protection of Ukrainian land and soldiers, but also the construction of comfortable living conditions for the military. According to him, the tenders for the construction of 77 dormitories have already been completed and construction is now under way. The President noted that the soldiers lived in tents and camps, and today they live in comfortable rooms designed for 5 contractors.

“I served in the army as well, I had a room for 120 people. And this was called the barracks. And look how the state is now fundamentally changing,” the Head of State emphasized.

“The key thing we have to fight for today is Ukraine’s independence, 100 years of which we celebrate this year. We do not celebrate the anniversary, we are building it now. Because the Ukrainian army is Ukrainian independence,” Petro Poroshenko stressed.

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Monday, April 23. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 30 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 120 mm mortars against the Ukrainian positions near Novhorodske and Luhanske, 82 mm mortars near Novhorodske, Novoselivka, and Troitske, grenade launchers Troitske, Luhanske, and Novoselivka, heavy machineguns near Luhanske and Troitske, BMP and small arms near Novhorodske.

Militants fired 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns and small arms on the Ukrainian positions near Talakivka, grenade launchers and small arms on positions near Avdiivka, Butivka mine, Marinka, and Vodiane, heavy machineguns near Pavlopil, Hnutove, Krasnohorivka, and Shyrokyne, small arms near Kamianka. An enemy’s sniper targeted the Ukrainian positions near Pavlopil and Novotroitske.

There are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers.

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Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko awarded the representatives of the Signal Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who won TIDE Hackathon 2018.

According to Gen. Muzhenko, the fact the Ukrainian military IT specialists participated in this competition and won it contributes to the image of the Ukrainian army and demonstrates that Ukraine can be a leader in state-of-arts spheres.

The gained experience will be used for realization of national projects on development and implementation of elements of command and control systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in line with the NATO standards, as well as for organization of the national Hackaton in 2018.

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Tuesday, April 24. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 44 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 120 and 82 mm mortars and grenade launchers against the Ukrainian positions near Troitske, 82 mm mortars near Popasna and Novooleksandrivka, grenade launchers, and heavy machineguns near Novozvanivka, anti-aircraft mount and small arms near Novoselivka.

Militants fired 120 mm mortars on the Ukrainian positions near Vodiane, 82 mm mortars on positions near Butivka mine, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, and small arms on positions near Verkhniotoretske, Vodiane, Hnutove, Kamianka, Avdiivka, Butivka mine, and Talakivka, heavy machineguns on positions near Pavlopil, Marinka and Lebedynske, small arms — near Nevelske, Pavlopil, Lebedynske, and Pishchevyk. The enemy’s sniper targeted the Ukrainian positions near Krasnohorivka and Marinka.

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded, one Ukrainian soldier was injured.

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[Hindustani78]

25 april 2018, 10:10


On April 25, 2018, the Press Centre of the Joint Forces Operation will launch the accreditation of media representatives for work in Joint Forces Operation area.

The media representatives have to send a letter on media letterhead to the Press Centre of the Joint Forces Operation and ask to accredit them.

The letter should include the full name (according to the ID), titles, their contacts, as well as period of travel and be signed by the media director and sealed. Please, attach passport scans of a person to be accredited and their journalist’s IDs, a photo for document.

25 april 2018, 17:16 | ID: 40158 | Views: 59


Combined Resolve X — Day 3: Preparation for the practical stage. Military Personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine began preparations for the practical stage of Combined Resolve X international military exercises. Paratroopers and tank crews checked the technical equipment and weapons.

Ukrainian military personnel continue preparations for the practical stage of Combined Resolve X multinational military exercise.

In particular, today the MILES combat laser imaging system has been installed on T-84 and BTR-80.

Video: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Minister of Defence of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak has approved the Plan of formation of territorial recruiting and social support centres at military commissariats.

“The plan stipulates the transfer to a new structure. These centres will increase effectiveness of work with recruiters (reservists, etc.) and veterans in terms of their social and legal protection”, Gen. Poltorak said.

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Friday, April 27. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ in the east of Ukraine, the enemy has violated the comprehensive termless ceasefire for 52 times over the past 24 hours.

The enemy used 120 mm mortars, as well as BMP weapons, grenade launchers and small arms near Novotroitske, 120 and 82 mm mortars and heavy machineguns near Lebedynske, 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machineguns near Verkhniotoretske, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, and Butivka mine, grenade launchers and small arms near Avdiivka, Marinka, Vodiane, as well as near Kamianka, BMP near Butivka mine, heavy machineguns near Nevelske, Talakivka, and Opytne, small arms near Lomakyne, Lebedynske, Shyrokyne, Hnutove, Pishchevyk, and Opytne. An enemy’s sniper targeted the Ukrainian positions near Novomykhailivka and Marinka.

Militants shelled the Ukrainian positions near Zaitseve with 120 mm mortars, heavy machineguns and anti-tank rifle, near Zolote with 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers, machineguns, and small arms.

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded, two soldiers were injured.


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6 hours ago


Ukrainian participants of Combined Resolve X exercise trained to survive a vehicle rollover. HMMWV rollover simulator teaching valuable survival skills was used for it. It was tilted and overturned.

This training allows the military personnel to execute steps required to survive a rollover.

PA Office of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

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26.04.2018
Nine residential houses have been damaged in the village of Zaitseve in Donetsk region after it was shelled by militants from 09:00 on Thursday, the press service of the main directorate of the National Police in Donetsk region has reported.

"There are no civilians wounded. In the village of Zaitseve (Bakhmut district) affected by militants' shells, police officers continue to check the territory and document the consequences of the shelling. Nine houses on Volohodskoho and Shumskoho Streets have been damaged," reads a report released by the police on Thursday.

The issue of opening a criminal proceeding under Part 2, Article 258 (terrorist attack) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is currently being decided.

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[Hindustani78]

President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed the Decree on approval of the NSDC decision on a large-scale antiterrorist operation in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which introduces the NSDC decision to change the format of the large-scale antiterrorist operation introduced in 2014.

The Head of State also signed the Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the beginning of the Joint Forces Operation on ensuring the national security and defense, deflection and deterrence of Russia’s armed aggression in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

In addition, he signed the Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on approval of the provisions on the Joint Operational Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“I’m confident that this is not just a change in format. These are new opportunities for protecting Ukrainian territory, Ukrainian citizens. We will do everything possible to return the land of the occupied Donbas to the sovereignty of Ukraine as soon as possible. We will also create conditions for hundreds of thousands, millions of IDPs who were forced to leave Donetsk and Luhansk lands, so that they can return and restore normal life in the Donbas as soon as possible,” Petro Poroshenko emphasized.

The Head of State thanked Commander of the ATO Mykhailo Zabrodskyi “for the brilliant execution of tasks” and conveyed leadership to the Commander of the Joint Forces, General Serhiy Nayev.

“ATO is finished,” the Supreme Commander-in-Chief noted.

“In the event of an aggravation of the situation, we must involve additional forces and means of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, all other units without exception, other components of the defense and security sector,” Petro Poroshenko said.

“I want to emphasize separately that the completion of the regime of a large-scale antiterrorist operation does not deprive us of the possibility of announcing the ATO at any time when there is a terrorist threat in the liberated territories,” Petro Poroshenko noted.

The President stressed the importance of closely monitoring the situation and counteracting the risks and threats, including the activities of sabotage groups. “The new Law (the Law on the peculiarities of the state policy on ensuring the state sovereignty of Ukraine over temporarily occupied territories in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions — ed.) gives you radically new opportunities and new rights,” he said.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of counteracting the information aggression as part of the hybrid war.

Commander of the Joint Forces, General Serhiy Nayev was instructed to ensure the use of weaponry by the subordinate troops to fire in response. “I emphasize again that the liberation of the Donbas is meant to be held in a political and diplomatic way, forcing Russia to comply with the Minsk agreements. Ensuring, first of all, the implementation of the security package of the Minsk agreements, including the guaranteed ceasefire regime. Withdrawal, preferably to the territory of the Russian Federation, of artillery, tanks, MLRS, mortars that are prohibited by the Minsk agreements,” he said.

The Head of State appealed to the Commander of the Joint Forces: “If the enemy goes into a large-scale offensive, you are primarily responsible for repelling the large-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation”.

Petro Poroshenko also emphasized that the Ukrainian diplomats and he, as President, would do everything to ensure the implementation of the format of peacekeepers that would strengthen the security component and create the necessary conditions for the restoration of normal life.

The President also noted that the documents of the international organizations, the separate statements of our partners and allies clearly stated: what is happening in the east of Ukraine is the aggression of the Russian Federation, what happened in Crimea is the illegal annexation of a sovereign Ukrainian Crimea by Russia. “The world recognized the fact of aggression. And this gave us an opportunity to fix it in the internal legislative acts of Ukraine,” he added.

“Thus, from today, April 30, 2018, the large-scale ATO on the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is completed. We are now starting the military operation under the leadership of the Armed Forces to ensure the protection of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of our state,” the President emphasized.

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During a meeting with the military leadership on the start of the Joint Forces Operation, President Petro Poroshenko stressed that the format of the antiterrorist operation had destroyed Russia’s plans in Ukraine.

“Until this day, until April 30, 2018, the main instrument for repelling Russian aggression in Ukraine was the large-scale antiterrorist operation,” the Head of State stressed. According to him, the ATO format in 2014 was developed and introduced by the leadership of the country to ensure effective coordination of the entire defense and security sector in the absence of the appropriate legislative framework, sufficient forces of the army and the Armed Forces to deflect the aggressor. At the same time, the introduction of the ATO allowed to quickly bring all available capabilities of the defense and security sector into order, as well as gave an opportunity to hold presidential, parliamentary and local elections in 2015.

“This format destroyed the plans of the Russian Federation. One of the key elements of the hybrid war was to prevent the recognition of the new Ukrainian government and try to impose a format to the world that there was a state rebellion that was not supported by the people in Ukraine. Immediately, from the very first days the plans of Russia were destroyed, free expression of will of the citizens and democratic conduct of all necessary state procedures was ensured,” the Head of State emphasized.

According to Petro Poroshenko, the ATO, thanks to the national solidarity, courage and patriotism of Ukrainians, made and fulfilled the tasks.

The President recalled that during the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia’s aggression in the Donbas, the Ukrainian Armed Forces actually did not have material, medical, food and military equipment. “For years the defense potential of Ukraine has been destroyed. The so-called ‘defense ministers’ and the political leadership of the country have been selling the country’s defense potential for nothing,” the Head of State noted.

The President noted that in the first months, the volunteer movement was engaged in providing military assistance, 80% of Ukrainians took part in it. Due to those who abandoned their civilian life and went to help the army, who mobilized, who signed up for volunteering, providing meals, body armor, first-aid kits and all the necessary elements, Ukraine managed to hold on.

The President stressed that in a few months after his election, in close coordination with the National Security and Defense Council, Parliament and Government, thanks to the courage and heroism of the soldiers of the Armed Forces, Security Service, National Guard, border guards, National Police, more than 200 inhabited localities that had been previously occupied by the Russian-terrorist troops were released.

The Head of State emphasized that the ATO had been directed against terrorists armed with Russian weapons and trained by the officials of the Russian Federal Security Service, who had started their actions from Crimea and then, upon completion of the annexation, had been transferred to the Donbas. According to him, in August 2014, regular parts of the Russian armed forces crossed the state border, although earlier, realizing that Ukraine is bound by international law and cannot launch an artillery missile attack on the territory of the Russian Federation, Russians opened artillery fire from their territory at Ukrainian positions.

“This violates any rules of the war. It breaches all international conventions. And after the invasion of our territory by the regular units of the Russian Armed Forces, which is confirmed by a huge amount of evidence — from captured Russian soldiers to satellite intelligence data, from objective intelligence information to photo and video evidence, the aggression has started a new phase,” the President noted.

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According to the President, counteraction to Russian aggression will be completed when the last piece of Ukrainian land is released in the Donbas and occupied Crimea

“The ATO has ended, and the counteraction to aggression will be completed when the last piece of Ukrainian land will be released in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as in the territory of the occupied Crimea. This is our fundamental position,” the Head of State said.

The President noted that there were proposals to cut off Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea and give them to the enemy. “And then follow the path defined by somebody. No. Ukraine will fight for every piece of land and for every Ukrainian who is now in the occupied territory in terrible humanitarian conditions — unemployment, lack of full access to education, health care, lack of pensions,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President noted: “It became clear soon what the ‘Russian world’ and ‘Russian spring’ will bring to Ukrainians — curfew restrictions, hiding in the basement, sharply falling living standards, robbery, murder, abusing Ukrainian hostages, illegal armed groups and so on”.


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Tuesday, May 02. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the enemy has executed 52 attacks over the past 24 hours. The Russian terrorist troops have used heavy weaponry for 13 times.

The tensest situation was near Avdiivka, Butivka mine, Marinka, Svitlodarsk, Luhanske, Lebedynske, Starohnativka, and Nevelske. The enemy used 120 mm mortars against a Ukrainian position in Luhansk direction

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded. As of 7.00 a.m., May 02, there are no casualties.

According to information revealed by intelligence, the enemy’s casualties are 4 people.

Violating international humanitarian law, yesterday, occupants used 152 mm artillery against Troitske. There are no positions of the Ukrainian troops in this village.

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission is expected to work in Troitske today. The CIMIC service personnel will provide assistance to citizens of Troitske.

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According to the press centre of the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), violating the international humanitarian law (IHL), yesterday, occupants used 152 mm artillery against Troitske and damaged private houses.

At the night from April 30 to May 01, 2018, the Russian terrorist troops executed attack against Marinka. It resulted in damaging a private house and a car. Fortunately, there are no casualties among local citizens.

By these actions, militants demonstrate their interest to increase the number of casualties and destructions.

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“The Joint Forces Operation launched on April 30 is a military operation on stabilization of situation of Donbas and its social recovery”. Commander of Joint Forces Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev said during a briefing in Kramatorsk.

According to him, within the framework of the operation, the joint forces will perform tasks on situation stabilization in Donbas and its social recovery. All activities will be performed in cooperation with heads of Donetsk and Luhansk military civil administrations, as well as with other components of security and defence sector of Ukraine.

“1st and 2nd army corps formed in so called DNR and LNR are standard Russian units. They are subordinated to and controlled by command of the Southern Military District of Russian Federation. Both corps are a part of the 8th Russian army. This is a Russian aggression”, mentioned he.

Press Centre of Joint Forces HQ

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

In Bulgaria, cadets of Naval Institute of National University ‘Odesa Naval Academy’ participated in computer-assisted training on tactical simulators. Generally, the representatives of Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine took part in it.

They enhanced their professional skills while using Dangerous Waters system. This training was supported by NATO DEEP program. The Ukrainian cadets attend it the second year in row.

******


Thursday, May 03. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the enemy has executed 22 attacks over the past 24 hours. Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

The enemy has four wounded militants.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces Operation.

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

According to the JFO HQ press centre, violating the international humanitarian law, this morning, May 3, at 8.30 a.m. the Russian terrorist groups shelled Zaitseve village using 122 mm guns.

Rescuers and a monitoring group of the JCCC are at the scene.

************
On May 03, at 01.35 p.m., technical premises of the 65th depot in Balakleya, Kharkiv oblast, are on fire as a result of grass fire. The territory was being cleaned from UXOs left from the last-year emergency situation.

Two fire tanks and an armoured engineer vehicle participate in fire-fighting operation. The mine action personnel were evacuated. Service personnel and representatives of State Emergency Service take measures to secure local citizens.

***********

As we reported earlier, technical premises of the 65th depot in Balakleya, Kharkiv oblast, are on fire as a result of grass fire. The territory was being cleaned from UXOs left from the last-year emergency situation.

It is known that at that moment groups preparing the territory for cleaning were working there. According to preliminary information, demolition operations were not executed there.

Fire-fighting teams of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and State Emergency Service are at the scene. Two fire tanks and an armoured engineer vehicle, 8 fire-fighting vehicles, An-32, and Mi-8 participate in fire-fighting operation. Two more fire-fighting tanks will be involved in the operation, too. The mine action personnel were evacuated. Aerial reconnaissance is executed. Personnel of the Military Law Enforcement Service close the territory.

A group of the Ministry of Defence and General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has left for Kharkiv oblast to investigate the situation.

 

[Hindustani78]

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Opening of a bridge linking Crimea to Russia is being seen by Ukraine and the West as Moscow’s attempts to hold sway over the region.
world Updated: May 16, 2018 08:54 IST
Reuters, The Kerch Strait

Russian President Vladimir Putin on a Kamaz truck during a ceremony to open a bridge, constructed to connect the Russian mainland with the Crimean peninsula.(Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, driving a truck, unveiled the auto section of a new road-and-rail bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula on Tuesday, defying Ukraine which said the move showed cynical disregard for international law.

Putin, at the wheel of an orange heavy Kamaz dump-truck, drove 19 km across the bridge from the Kerch Strait. Some Russians are calling it “Putin’s bridge”, designed to link Crimea into Russia’s transport network.

At a ceremony broadcast live on state TV, Putin, dressed in blue jeans, was met by cheering workers on the Crimean side after driving the truck in a convoy of vehicles. “At last, thanks to your talent, this project, this miracle, has happened,” Putin told the workers.

In Kiev, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said: “The illegal construction of the Kerch bridge is the latest evidence of the Kremlin’s disregard for international law. It is particularly cynical that its opening is happening on the eve of the latest anniversary of the deportation of Crimean-Tatar people by the Stalin regime.”

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, drawing sanctions and prompting a deterioration in ties with the West. Many in Russia saw the move as restoring Moscow’s rule over a historically Russian region.

Built at a cost of 223 billion roubles ($3.60 billion), the bridge will be the longest dual-purpose span in Europe. The Kremlin said it would be opened to cars on Wednesday and the rail section was due to be completed at the end of 2019.

“Putin initiated this project himself. Many didn’t believe these plans were possible,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the ceremony. “This is an extremely important day from this point of view and in a practical sense and in symbolic terms.”

The road stretch of the bridge was due to be completed by the end of 2018, but the opening was brought forward at Putin’s request.

Putin inspected the bridge in March ahead of the presidential election he won by a landslide, saying it was important to have the link to the Black Sea peninsula open for the summer tourist season.

The opening ceremony drew criticism from the West.

“France condemns the construction by Russia of the Kerch Bridge, which deprives Ukraine of full access and the use of its internationally recognised territorial waters,” a French foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

US state department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert in a statement on Tuesday said the “bridge serves as a reminder of Russia’s ongoing willingness to flout international law” and said it was an attempt by Russia “to solidify its unlawful seizure and its occupation of Crimea” and impede navigation of the Kerch Strait.

The spokesperson of the European External Action Service said in a statement on Tuesday the bridge was “another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“The European Union continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia and will not recognise this violation of international law,” the spokesperson said.

 

[Hindustani78]

*********
President: Four years ago, Ukraine almost lost all the Donbas, but due to a successful military operation, we liberated two thirds of our land
09 may 2018, 12:15

President Petro Poroshenko stressed that the Ukrainian army had become an army of people without exaggeration. Every Ukrainian participated in its development and creation. It was stated by the President in the ceremony of taking military oath by the new replenishment of the 101st separate guard brigade of the AFU General Staff.

According to the Head of State, young soldiers enter the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which, according to the authoritative international think tank, are among the ten strongest European armies. "We are the eighth in the corresponding ranking on the continent. And our army is the twenty-ninth in the world. But our Armed Forces still must keep growing and developing, since we are opposed and threatened by the army of the aggressor-country. And only the army of our partner and ally, the United States of America, is greater and stronger," the President underlined.

**********

Thursday, May 10. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the situation is still tense in the region.

The tensest situation was near Avdiivka, Pisky, and Shyrokyne. The Russian occupational troops used artillery and mortars for 20 times, they initiated accurate fire for 53 times using small arms, grenade launchers, and BMP.

The Joint Forces troops were engaged in combat operations near Avdiivka and Pisky. According to the reconnaissance information, the enemy’s casualties are 5 lost and 7 wounded in Avdiivka direction.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and five soldiers were wounded. All our thoughts and feelings are with family and relatives of the fallen hero of Ukraine.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces Operation.

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

Minister of Defence of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak traveled to the east of Ukraine.

The Minister inspected the first 10 days of deployment of Joint Forces Operation such as tasks accomplishment, as well as interoperability of all involved components.

He was briefed by Commander of the Joint Forces Operation Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev and other officers.

“I am here to know about your current problems and those steps we need to take to solve them as soon as possible”, Gen. Poltorak said.

He also paid attention to establishment of cooperation and interoperability between civil and military components, information support, media support, cooperation with volunteers etc.

Friday, May 11. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the situation is still tense in the region.

The combat operations were primarily in Donetsk direction, near Zaitseve, Novozvanivka, Avdiivka, Vodiane, Butivka mine, and Pisky. The tense situation was near Popasna (Luhansk oblast) and in Shyrokyne (Mariupol direction).

The enemy has violated the ceasefire for 55 times. Occupants have used heavy weapons for 15 times, including 152 mm guns.

The enemy’s losses are two killed and three wounded.

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

At night the Russian occupational troops executed disturbing fire using small arms.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces Operation.

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


Monday, May 14. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the situation is still tense in the region, especially near Krymske, Novotoshkivske, and Troitske (Luhansk direction), Svitlodarsk, Novoluhanske, Zaitseve, and Verkhniotoretske (Donetsk direction), Avdiivka industrial zone and Pisky, Talakivka, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne (Mariupol direction).

The enemy has violated the ceasefire for 63 times (including militants have used mortars and artillery for 20 times).

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces Operation.


14 may 2018, 09:55


According to the Ukrainian party of the JCCC, militants of the Russian occupational troops broke disengagement of troops near Stanytsia Luhanska preliminarily planned for May 15.

Yesterday, May 13, about 08.14 p.m. militants used heavy machineguns against the Ukrainian positions at a disengagement area.

Press Centre of the Joint Forces

**********

Wednesday, May 16. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region.

The Russian occupational troops have violated the ceasefire for 45 times, including 17 times with use of heavy weaponry. In breach of the International humanitarian law, the occupants shelled Novhorodske with 82 mm mortars at about 06.00 a.m., May 15.

In Luhansk oblast, the tensest situation was near Troitske and Novozvanivka. In Donetsk direction the active situation was near Travneve, Zaitseve, Zalizne, Verkhniotoretske, and Pisky.

The enemy’s casualties are two killed and three wounded. An enemy’s attacks near Talakivka and Shyrokyne were repelled.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and two soldiers were wounded.

As of 7.00 a.m., the intensity of attacks has reduced and there are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

*******

 

[Hindustani78]

Friday, May 18. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region.

The enemy is active near Novoluhanske, Troitske, Svitlodarsk, Zaitseve, Avdiivka, Opytne, and Vodiane. The Russian occupational forces have violated the ceasefire for 60 times, including 26 times using guns and mortars.

About 02.00 a.m. occupants executed shelling using 122 guns against residential quarters of Troitske.


Seven Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.


The enemy’s casualties are 6 killed and 1 wounded.

Yesterday, May 17, Commander of Joint Forces Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev held talks with OSCE Special Monitoring Mission’s Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug. The parties focused on discussion of the current situation in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

***********

“US and other NATO nations assistance is a crucial element in reforms of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and development of their capabilities”, stressed Acting Chief of General Staff Colonel General Ihor Kolesnyk while meeting with Director of Strategy and Policy for U.S. European Command, Co-chairman of Multinational Joint Coordination Committee for Military Cooperation and Defence Reforms Major General David Allvin.

“We praise the attention paid by the US party and our partners to our problems and we are grateful for the effective assistance received within framework of the Multinational Joint Coordination Committee for Military Cooperation and Defence Reforms. This assistance is crucial for development of capabilities of our Armed Forces and their effective transformation”, General Kolesnyk underscored.

He valued the results of the session of the Committee held these days in Kyiv and awarded Major General David Allvin with medal “For merit for the Armed Forces of Ukraine” on occasion of the end of his cadence as Co-chairman of Multinational Joint Coordination Committee for Military Cooperation and Defence Reforms.

PA Office of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Deputy Minister of Defence for European Integration Lieutenant General Anatolii Petrenko held talks with Director of Strategy and Policy for U.S. European Command, Co-chairman of Multinational Joint Coordination Committee for Military Cooperation and Defence Reforms Major General David Allvin.

The parties defined further cooperation to achieve the goals stipulated in the Strategic Defence Bulletin of Ukraine.

Gen. Allvin reaffirmed the US intent to continue comprehensive support for development of capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Deputy Minister awarded General Allvin with medal “For development of military cooperation”.

 

[Hindustani78]

Sunday, May 20. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region.

The Russian occupational troops have violated the ceasefire for 58 times, including 22 times they used 122 mm artillery, 120 and 82 mm mortars.

In Luhansk oblast, near settlements of Novotoshkivske, Krymske, Novozvanivka, Zolote, and Troitske, the enemy executed several unsuccessful attacks.

In Donetsk direction, the tense situation was near Zaitseve, Zalizne, Avdiivka, Novotroitske, where militants used artillery and mortars from residential quarters of Horlivka town.

In Mariupol direction, the enemy was active near Pyshchevyk, Talakivka, and Shyrokyne.

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

The enemy’s casualties are one killed and three wounded.

Today, May 20, occupants have used heavy weaponry for 5 times, including BM 21 MRLS against defenders of Avdiivka near Donetsk Filtration Station.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

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

Monday, May 21. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region. There are no casualties among the Ukrainian troops.

The enemy was active in Svitlodarsk, Horlivka, Donetsk and Mariupol directions. The Russian occupational troops have violated the ceasefire for 55 times, including for 19 times using the weapons forbidden by the Minsk agreements.

The less tense situation was in Luhansk direction, combat engagements were only near Troitske and Luhanske.

In Horlivka direction, near Zaitseve, Shumy, and Novhorodske the enemy used mortars against the Ukrainian AFU positions and residential quarters of Zaitseve.

In Donetsk direction, the enemy was active near Avdiivka, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, and Marinka.

In Mariupol direction, the engagements were near Vodiane and Shyrokyne.

The enemy’s casualties are three wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

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

Tuesday, May 22. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region.

In Luhansk direction, the enemy was active near Troitske. In Donetsk direction, the situation was tense near Zaitseve, Luhanske, Novoluhanske, Maiorsk, Shumy, Zalizne, Pivdenne, Novhorodske, Avdiivka, Marinka, and Novohnativka. In Mariupol direction, the enemy was active near Chermalyk, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne.

Militants have violated the ceasefire for 53 times, including 30 times they used 122 mm artillery, 120 and 82 mm mortars.

Near Avdiivka and Marinka counter-sniper means were used to suppress the enemy’s sniper attacks.

Yesterday, the enemy was active near Pivdenne spreading panic among residents of Horlivka and targeting Toretsk.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and nine were wounded. All our thoughts and feelings are with the families and relatives of the fallen heroes of Ukraine.

15 militants were killed and 13 were wounded.

There are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers today, May 22.

According to information of the JCCC, yesterday evening the enemy shelled 13 rounds against Zaiseve.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

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

 

[Hindustani78]

Wednesday, May 23. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region. The Russian occupational forces have violated the ceasefire for 49 times, including 13 times using 152 mm and 122 mm artillery, 120 and 82 mm mortars.

In Luhansk direction, the enemy used heavy machinegun near Stanytsia Luhanska, attacked Troitske.

In Horlivka direction, the enemy was active near Travneve, Zaitseve, and Pivdenne. In Donetsk direction — near Avdiivka, Opytne, and Krasnohorivka.

In Mariupol direction, the situation was tense near Talakivka, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne. Yesterday evening, militants shelled Talakivka with 90 rounds of 152 mm artillery. There are no casualties among local population.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and three soldiers were wounded. We express condolences to families and relatives of the fallen hero of Ukraine.

The enemy’s casualties are 4 killed and 4 wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

 

[Hindustani78]

Tuesday, May 29. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region. The enemy was active near Krymske, Novotoshkivske, and Zolote (Luhansk direction), as well as near Svitlodarsk, Novoselivka Druha, Marinka, Novomykhailivka, Starohnativka, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne.

The Russian occupational forces have violated the ceasefire for 37 times, including for 9 times using 82 and 120 mm mortars.

Six Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

The Russian occupational troops have violated the International humanitarian law for three times shelling residential quarters and houses of Chermalyk, Zalizne, and Pivdenne killing 15 year old girl.

Today, as of 7/00 a.m. there are no casualties among Ukrainian soldiers.

The enemy’s casualties are three killed and five wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

**************
29 may 2018, 14:26
The enemy has violated the international agreements and shelled the representatives of the OSCE special monitoring mission in Ukraine.

The OSCE representatives were launching UAV near Nelipivka settlement (near Toretsk), when a mine blasted near OSCE vehicle.

According to preliminary information, there are no casualties. The shelling was executed from residential quarters of Horlivka.

The Joint Forces Command underscores the JF did not shell the settlements.
*********

30 may 2018, 07:45
Wednesday, May 30. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region. The enemy was active near Novotoshkivske (Luhansk oblast), Zaitseve, Pivdenne (Horlivka direction), Avdiivka and Marinka (Donetsk direction), and Shyrokyne (Mariupol direction).

The Russian occupational forces have violated the ceasefire for 36 times, including 9 times using heavy weaponry.

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

The enemy’s casualties are three killed and three wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

**********

Ukrainian T-84 tanks arrived to Grafenwoehr Training Area to participate in the annual Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2018.

An official opening ceremony will be held on June 3. This year representatives of 8 countries will be tested.

U.S. Army Europe and the German Army co-host the annual Strong Europe Tank Challenge.

The Strong Europe Tank Challenge is designed to foster military partnership, promote interoperability, and provide an environment for sharing tactics, techniques and procedures among NATO nations and partners.

*******

Thursday, May 31. DONBAS – According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is still tense in the region.

The Russian occupational troops have violated the ceasefire for 28 times, including 9 times using the heavy weaponry – 122 mm artillery systems, 120 and 82 mm mortars.

The tensest situation was near Krymske and Novotoshkivske, Zaitseve and Novotroitske, Chermalyk and Hnutove.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

The enemy’s casualties are two killed and four wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

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

“Ukraine receives assistance from partners in efforts to fight the Russian aggression and is an important contributor to European and world security”, Acting Chief of Main Directorate of Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping Operations of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Col. Valentyn Levchyk stressed it during a briefing held in Kyiv.

According to him, Ukraine and its army are a reliable international partner.

“We initiate new ideas in the context of peace and stability propagation in the world. We are not just users of international security but also its active contributors”, he stressed.

335 service members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces participate in 8 international peacekeeping and security operations, especially under auspices of the United Nations and NATO.

PA Office of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

 

[Hindustani78]

This is the Press Center of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Here is the weekly update of the situation in the operations area of the Joint Forces engaged in defeating the Russian Armed Aggression.

1. The situation on front line remained largely unchanged in the period from July 23rd until July 30th, 2018. In the same time, the Joint Force retail full control over the situation in their operations area.

Russian Occupation Forces continued to violate ceasefire by using mortars, grenade launchers of different modifications and light infantry weapons against the positions of Ukrainian defenders.

2. Starting from midnight on Monday, July 23rd until the morning of July 30th, the occupational forces made over 210 precision shellings against the defensive positions of Ukrainian forces.

Our forces have registered the use of 122 mm artillery, 120 mm mortars (in 5 cases) and 82 mm mortars (in 8 cases) by the Russian Occupation Forces. All those types of weapons are prohibited by the Minsk Agreements.

3. On July 28th, the enemy (sabotage-reconnaissance group of 15 fighters) attempted to capture one of the positions of Ukrainian units in the vicinity of KRYMSKE settlement trying to take advantage of the ceasefire.

Fortunately, these actions were deterred by the Ukrainian personnel serving on the watch post yet they were severely outnumbered (4 to 1). In the same time, they maintained their positions until the arrival of the reserve party led by the company commander.

Having faced the heavy defenses, the enemy forces decided to withdraw under the cover fire of their artillery. Although, further withdrawal was complicated by the mortar fire of the Ukrainian Forces unit. The clear and coordinated actions of our units allowed to inflict severe casualties upon enemy forces — 4 fighters were killed and 6 were wounded.

These treacherous actions on the part of the enemy forces were fight back due to the determination and courage of our soldiers, who maintained the position at the cost of their lives. This two-hour battle took the lives of another two sons of Ukraine, while the other two of our soldiers were wounded.



4. Unfortunately three Ukrainian soldiers were KIA and 7 were WIA as a result of direct actions and enemy shelling of Ukrainian positions. OUR HEARTS GO OUT FOR THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THE FALLEN UKRAINIAN HEROES WHO DIED FOR THEIR MOTHERLAND.

5. Some of the other important events that took place last week.

According to the Ukrainian members of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination for the issues of ceasefire and stabilization of the delimitation line (SCCC), the Russian Federation is actively increasing the number of military equipment along the delimitation line despite the agreements.

The observers are registering numerous movements of the military equipment outside the storage sites and further arrangement of positions on the territories beyond the control of Ukrainian government.

On July 21st and 22nd, 2018 the drone of the OSCE SMM have registered numerous movements of the military equipment belonging to the Russian Federation outside the storage sites in the operations area of the “Northern” Task Force. Particularly:

MLRS — 3 pieces

Towed howitzers — 46 pieces

Self-propelled howitzers — 12 pieces

Tanks — 45 pieces

On July 23rd and 24th 2018 the observers were registering numerous movements of the military equipment belonging to the Russian Federation outside the storage sites in the operations area of the “Eastern” Task Force. Particularly:

Self-propelled howitzer 2S1 Gvozdika (122 mm) — 3 pieces

Tanks T-64 and T-72 — 21 pieces

Besides the observers were registering numerous movements of the military equipment (APCs and IFVs) belonging to the Russian Federation in the other areas. Besides, the engineering units of the Russian forces continued with the arrangement and further development of their positions in the region.

The SCCC believes that these actions, taken by the enemy despite all the agreements and obligations regarding the delineation of parties and withdrawal of military equipment, as a sign of the preparation of Russian forces for further active operations designed to further escalate the situation along the contact line.

6. The demolition engineers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operating as part of the Joint Forces have destroyed a total 14 anti-personnel mines PMN-2 that were found near one of the positions within the brigade defense area Another 36 mines were destroyed on-site as their transportation was impossible. The disposal of enemy mines PMN-2 was conducted in the presence of Ukrainian members of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination as well as observers from the OSCE mission in Ukraine.

Enemy mines are prohibited by international conventions and considered as inhumane. In case of explosion, they produce a severe damage to the lower limbs of a human causing a severe injury.

All mines were plotted with account for standard mining techniques and carefully camouflaged. They were plotted in the forest strip in fours (four mines located in the form of a diamond) with the fifth one in front of the hypothetical target. This is done specifically to confuse the demolition engineers and increase the risk of explosion. None of demolition engineers was injured in the process of disposal.

All mines were manufactured in 1987. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are not using these mines that were supplied from the Russian Federation.

6. The separate brigade of the Marine Corps of the Ukrainian Navy engaged in the operations as part of the Joint Forces was hosting a foreign delegation chaired by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Judith Hof.

— We are not alone in our fight against the enemy. We constantly feel the support of the leading nations in this struggle against aggressor, — said the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Igor VORONCHENKO in the course of the meeting.

According to the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Judith Hof, the UK stands alongside with our nation, supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Navy Commander expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom and other partner countries for their support, assistance and significant contribution to the development of the national fleet.

7. The ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 conducted a PASSEX-type training with the ships and boats of the Ukrainian Navy in the waters of the Black Sea.

The purpose of the maneuvers was to increase interoperability and coordination as part of the multinational task forces as well as to test the employment of boat formations and joint counter mine operations in accordance with NATO standards.

8. Our military pilots from the 18th Separate Helicopter Unit currently preparing to join the operations in the DR Congo have conducted a number of exercises as part of the combat shakedown process, that involved the engagement of surface targets using all types of weapons.

The exercise involved the movement of the helicopter unit from Lviv to the training area in Rivne region, air reconnaissance and engagement of the surface targets.

Head of Aviation of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo Azam Ayat was personally overseeing the course of the exercise to verify the combat shakedown process for the next rotation of the national contingent.

Following the exercises, he marked the unique piloting skills and professionalism of the Ukrainian military pilots preparing for the rotation.

That’s all the information for right now. Thank you for attention.

Briefing of the English spokesman of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

LT. COL Andrii Liashenko

Military units of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces recently participated in the command and staff exercise, Maroon Beret 2018, led by Commander of Air Assault Forces Lieutenant General Mykhailo Zabrodskyi. In addition, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and General of the Army of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko observed the progress of the event.

A practical phase of air strikes by Mi-24 combat helicopters and artillery training occurred at a firing range in Kherson oblast. Then, an air assault brigade’s armoured team executed raids.

In a neighbouring region, equipment and paratroopers also airdropped from an Il-76 airlifter into the enemy rear.

In appreciation of the units’ actions and their level of readiness, General Zabrodskyi stated “Within the framework of Maroon Beret 2018, Air Assault Forces perform many tasks in different regions of Ukraine. They act following the ongoing situation.”

Press service of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces Command

 

[Hindustani78]

Joint Forces Air Defence shoot down Russian UAV
17 August 2018, 10:35
The Air defence system of the Joint Forces proves its effectiveness. Yesterday, August 16, air defence units tracked the Russian unmanned aerial vehicle executing reconnaissance of the Ukrainian positions in Pervomaisk — Severodonetsk — Svatovo. It was shot down.

This UAV is equipped with 12-lens camera. Its components, especially optical-electronic system, are made by Russian company (which is sanctioned by the USA and cooperates with manufacturer of Orlan UAV) proving Russian participation in weapons supply to Donbas. Reportedly the price of one camera is more than US $100,000.

Russia keeps on using and testing new equipment and weapons in eastern Ukraine.

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

 

[Hindustani78]

18 august 2018, 07:10

Saturday, August 18. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is under control in the region.

Yesterday, the enemy completed 40 attacks against the Ukrainian positions and there was one attack using heavy weaponry.

The Russian occupational troops targeted the Ukrainian positions near Krymske, Novozvanivka, Novoluhanske, Luhanske, Marinka, Krasnohorivka, Nevelske, Novomykhailivka, Chermalyk, Hnutove, Lebedynske, Pavlopil, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne with grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, small arms, and 82 mm mortars. The enemy also shelled the positions near Chermalyk with 82 mm mortars.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

Today, militants have shelled the Ukrainian positions for 4 times near Krymske, Lebedynske, Pavlopil, and Shyrokyne. There are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers.

The enemy’s casualties are two killed and one wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

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

20 august 2018, 07:15
Monday, August 19. DONBAS — According to the press centre of the Joint Forces (JF), the situation is under control in the region.

Yesterday, the enemy completed 20 attacks against the Ukrainian positions without using heavy weaponry.

The Russian occupational troops targeted the Ukrainian positions near Krymske, Katerynivka, Luhanske, Pivdenne, Zalizne, Zaitseve, Novoselivka Druha, Hnutove, Pavlopil, Lebedynske, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne with grenade launchers, heavy machineguns, and small arms. The enemy also shelled the positions near Katerynivka with BMP.

Today, militants have shelled the Ukrainian positions for 3 times near Shyrokyne and Lebedynske with grenade launchers and small arms. There are no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours.

The enemy’s casualties are two wounded.

The detailed information about situation in the region will be provided during a daily briefing of a representative of the Joint Forces.

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