Ukraine news/Current

2 Dec. DPR forces started intensive training to repel large scale attack by UAF

1 Dec. Basurin/DPR: according to DPR intelligence, UAF plans a large scale attack in December, evidenced by three elite brigades (79 airborne assault, 36 Marine and 128 mountain assault) deployed in Mariupol direction.

Bezsonov/DPR: Kiev deployed near Donetsk a paratroopers battalion trained in city warfare, + military equipment and ammunition.

Poroshenko: troops training and redeplyment will be conducted, in martial law regions, reservists and territorial defense will be called up for training, defense industry enterprises are switching to a special regime of operation -Ukrinform. Ukrainian MoD: starting from December 3, a series of large-scale events with reservists and soldiers will begin (Ukr)(Robo-Eng).

Noted: I rate chances of a major provocation or renewed fighting from now until the date of Ukrainian presidential elections as high. Everything needs to be done to prevent it. Otherwise, things may go into a negative spiral with dire global consequences and no good ways out. --Resup (talk) 15:13, 1 December 2018 (UTC)

30 Nov. SBU performs searches in the residence of the rector of the Holy Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed) and apparently in the Lavra itself (1, 2), under the pretext of the criminal article code, Part 2 of Art. 161 (Violation of the equality of citizens according to their race, nationality, religious beliefs, etc).

29 Nov. LPR/Marochko. It is said that Ukrainian reconnaissance group trying to penetrate LPR defenses walked into a minefield. Reportedly, 5 soldiers were killed and 8 wounded. (One body is seen by a journalist, on video).

28 Nov. DPR. Preliminary round of a beauty contest in Donetsk, with a new Head in town (finals of a similar 2017 contest here). - Compare with developments and rhetoric on the other side of the front-line.

27 Nov. Audio of Ukrainian and Russian sailors negotiations published by journalist Shari. In the beginning, Ukrainian crew is told that passage through Kerch passage is temporary closed, they are told to leave territorial waters and wait outside. Later they are told that they are in violation of Russian border and ordered to stop (signal Lima). Later events audio is published by News Front: Ukrainian crew ask their side for help and is not answering repeated orders by the Russian border guards who point out that Ukrainian ship has large caliber machine gun on board.

26 Nov. Rada adopted martial law for 30 days and in selected regions only, Vinnytsa, Lugansk, Nikolaev, Odessa, Sumy, Kharkov, Chernigov, Donetsk, Zaporozhye, Kherson regions and the inland waters of Ukraine in the Azov-Kerch water area.

Russia at the UN submitted that on board of captured Ukrainian ships there were two SBU officers, who confessed that they were tasked with provoking the Russian side (TASS; 112.ua).

Poroshenko signed a decree establishing martial rule from 14:00 today (Kiev time), for 60 days -full text. Then, in a televised appeal, 30 days martial law was proposed. (Apparently, Rada to vote on this later).

Neonazi-led disturbances near Russian consulate in Kharkov, firework devices and eggs thrown, a tree inside the consulate compound set on fire -report and videos. Poroshenko made a phone call to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. An extraordinary meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission was announced; more details here. Prognosis from blogger Donetsky, nothing spectacular straight away, more of the same, but dire long term with new generation taking over.

Early morning detailed report from the front lines in Donbass: fire exchanges reported using small firearms and large caliber machine guns, occasional automatic grenade launchers and sniper rifles. From 8:40 firearms and mortars firefight is heard near Gorlovka. Movement of Ukrainian armored vehicles observed. 20 ceasefire violations, 99 ammunition units used by Ukrainian forces in total in the past day, according to JCCC report.

25 Nov. (11:51) It is said, quoting Russian FSB border guards that three Ukrainian Navy ships violated Russian sea border and are moving towards Kerch straights, while Ukrainian + western media claims that ships were on a planned per-announced trip from Odessa to Mariupol. Posted earlier (11:26) report, quoting Ukrainian sources, claimed that Russian border ship “Don” rammed Ukrainian raid tug, and as a result the hull, the guard rails and the main engine of the ship were damaged, and the life raft was lost (Ukrainian Navy claim +unclear photo here; video of ramming video with lots of cursing here; ramming tactics is used to prevent worse violence). Subsequently (13:43) Kerch straights has been closed for security reasons. (14:51) Two armored ships of 'Giurza' class are reported to be en-route at full speed from the Ukrainian port of Berdyansk to assist the Ukrainian ships. (15:17) Ukrainian Navy reports that Russian helicopter strike group is en-route to the scene (a video later posted).(15:39) Passage through Kerch straights is closed, with a cargo ship placed under the bridge (report/photo). (16:53) SU-25 planes fly-by reported (video).(Times are times of reports as they were posted; Moscow and Kerch, Crimea are in the same time zone. With time savings on, Kiev time is an hour behind. Events on the ground apparently start to unfold at about 7 am). Noted, sea of Azov tensions were previously pre-advertised in international/Western media.

(Updated 20:28, Kiev time). According to Ukrainian armed forces site, Russian FSB border guards opened fire that damaged small armored artillery boat "Berdyansk". The boat has lost its course, there are injured on board. It is further said that two armored vehicles "Berdyansk" and "Nikopol" and raiding tug "Yana Kapu" are captured and tugged by Russian forces (UAF AF, 22:20-Kiev; Rusvesna 22:02 -Msk). Russian FSB confirmed that 3 Ukrainian ships were captured, after they performed further maneuvers and not followed orders. Three Ukrainian sailors were injured and received medical help, their lives are not in danger. According to Ukrainian sources, 6 injured, 2 of those seriously. Photos and video of captured Ukrainian ships here.

Ukraine published audio of what it claims to be conversations between Russian command and Russian patrol boats crew (unverified, nothing particularly striking in the recordings; times and coordinates of ramming given, or possibly faked. Pretty clean recordings). Claims collision among Russian ships, their serious damage, and shoot-to-kill performed (those details are unconfirmed).

Russian embassy car was burned in Kiev, about 1 km from the Russian Embassy where some protests took place.

Ukrainian Security and Defense council indicated plans to declare martial law, with follow-up meeting scheduled.

(0:50 26 Nov. in Kiev) Poroshenko supported introduction of the martial law, which is to be voted on by Rada, in a closed session. He stated that "the introduction of a martial law will in no way envisage actions outside the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Martial law does not mean declaration of war. It is introduced exclusively for the defense of Ukraine". It is said (including comments on Poroshenko's twitter, Cassad, etc) that it may postpone/cancel the elections which at present Poroshenko is set to loose, with Timoshenko a steady front-runner. It is felt in those comments that provocation could have been arranged with such an outcome in view.

(4:30 26 Nov Msk) Urgent UN meeting is called for 11 am EST 26 Nov, requested by both Ukraine and Russia.

21 Nov. A civilian, 1956 DOB, received a gunshot wound when Ukrainian forces fired on Yelenovka, near Donetsk.

DPR MoD renewed warning on (1) preparations of Ukrainian chemical attack or provocation (as they detected detachments with chemical defense kits), while (2) claiming that British military specialists arrived to Ukrainian 72 brigade HQ in Artemovsk. MoD presented these two events as related.

The Independent:'British troop deployment to Ukraine likely to play into Kremlin’s hands'.

18 Nov. According to DPR MoD, Ukrainian forces plan a major sabotage operation at 'Stirol' chemical plant, 'to cause ecological catastrophe and force evacuation of residents nearby', distracting DPR forces and creating conditions to capture more territory near Gorlovka. It is said that 72 brigade of UAF received chemical defense kits, and orders received to start preparations for an attack after the onset of frost and sabotage operation completion. (Noted, planned sabotage claims has been made in the past. 'Stirol' was owned by Firtash, DPR took control over the plant in March 2017, and attempted to restart operations. There has been security and technological difficulties to do so).

17 Nov. Krivoy Rog, Ukraine. A few dozen strong Ukrainian-speaking group, alternatively described as 'outraged citizen', 'provocateurs', or 'autocephaly supporters' arrive at the residence of Metropolitan of Krivoy Rog and Nikopol Ephraim, to bang on his doors, and to display posters for the cameras ('we need our church, not Putin's', 'leave Moscow, return to Ukraine', etc; video here). Earlier Ephraim has been added to the 'Mirotvorets' list and asked to leave Ukraine, 'before it is too late'.

A civilian man, 1990 DOB, is wounded by Ukrainian shelling of Trudovskaya mine-pit settlement, Donetsk.

16 Nov. DPR ombudsman: in the past week, 5 people (4 soldiers and a civilian woman) were wounded; no deaths reported. 4716 killed in DPR since the start of the conflict, according to the ombudsman.

15 Nov. Ukraine shelled Golmovskii settlment near Gorlovka, a civilian woman (1999 DOB) was wounded. DPR issued an appeal to OSCE after the incident.

13 Nov. The Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) decided to stop the Eucharistic communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. They adopted a 12 point document (full text), which supports 'in principle' independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, but rejects recent changes announced by the Patriarchate of Constantinople and describe them as being against church rules (non-canonical), and politically driven. The church will use legal means to defend its rights. An appeal to other christian orthodox churches will be prepared.

Poroshenko meeting with bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) was scheduled, but did not occur. (It appears that the place of the meeting, church grounds or 'Ukrainian House' center was not agreed.)

12 Nov. In Krivoy Rog, Ukraine, people captured the building of heating gas provider "Krivorozhgaz", forced open the valves, started five out of six city's central heating boiler plants. Earlier, Naftogaz of Ukraine refused to supply gas to the Krivoy Rog Heating Plant due to non-payments.

11 Nov. DPR elections: over 80% (1.6 mln. people) reportedly voted, Pushilin wins over the other 4 candidates with 60.85% of the vote. Coming second (14.2%) is Roman Hramenkov, dentist, chief doctor, ex acting head of Enakievo, Gorlovka, and current MP. (Notes in talk).

LPR elections: 77% attendance, 68.3% for the acting head Pasechnik.

On the eve of elections, Ukrainian forces shelled DPR, including suburbs of Donetsk and Gorlovka.

10 Nov. Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and two wounded by a landmine explosion. Also according to Ukrainian spokesman 2 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the past day in Lugansk direction 'by shelling'. Both LPR and Ukrainian sources give the number of shelling incidents as four. They do not fully agree on time and place, making those not reliable.

9 Nov. DPR ombudsman: in the past week, one DPR soldier was killed, 2 wounded. According to the ombudsman, 4716 killed since the start of the conflict. DPR: Ukraine is preparing provocation, shelling during a visit of 'EU Parliament Assembly representative' Rasa Juknevičienė (Wikipedia) + Parubiy (Wikipedia) of the checkpoint Gnutovo (map) today at 13:00 (now).

8 Nov. LPR. As a result of Ukrainian shelling, a civilian man (Valerii Azarenkov, 1955 DOB) was killed. Report includes photo of the body and of the weapon -mortar shell DIY-modified for RPG launch, details on time, place, and the map. It is said that shelling happened during negotiated by JCCC cessation of fire to perform repair work, and it is said that OSCE SMM patrol was present.

Volker -Surkov want to have another meeting (with no signs of change of approach). Volker announced new US sanctions, Donbass-Crimea linked, in the same conference call.

5 Nov. DPR warns that with approaching elections in L/DPR Ukraine is preparing provocations, which may include staged chemical attacks (it is said that CBR protection suits were distributed), or 'photos claiming to show weapons supplied by Russia', possibly 'a drone recently lost by Russian Emergencies Ministry and fished-out by Ukraine' or other equipment, 'as Russian weapons are widely bought internationally.

4 Nov. On the day of a Christian orthodox holiday, UAF is shelling DPR position using firearms, mortars, BMP guns. Firefights in hot-spots (Bakhmutka and others) reported. DPR shot down two 'strike (ударный) drones' near Sakhanka.

3 Nov. DPR. Ukrainian drone dropped incendiary munitions on a residential house in Staromikhailovka, the roof burned. Another drone strike reported while the crew was on the scene for the first incident. It is said that AGS-17, RPG 7, and DIY tennis ball munitions used in such drone strikes. (Report and video from the scene).

Poroshenko wants Turkey to take part in UN peacekeeping mission in Donbass (almost surely a non-starter for Russia, as Turkey is a NATO member, + vocal in non-recognizing Crimea).

1 Nov. UAF shelled Donetsk suburbs, several houses on the same street were damaged; Ukrainian use of tanks, artillery, snipers, drones reported in the south.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko calls for peace in Donbass, talks about responsibility, especially of the 3 Slavic nations, to end the conflict, offers to contribute peacekeepers.

Documentary [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpOquL5p1ig ''Donbass Post-charismatic period. Special report''], post-Zakharchenko assassination, highlights frozen conflict, human suffering, lack of perspective, one sided compliance with Minsk by the pro-Russian side while Ukraine after recent 'all means fair' statements by Poroshenko frequently violates ceasefire, in order to pressure and harass civilian population.

30 Oct. Volunteers from DPR, Russia, and Germany delivered humanitarian aid to residents of Naberezhnoe settlement, DPR, located on the separation line. On the German side, the aide is coming from Bridge for Peace charity. Its president, Liane Kilinc (Facebook), was present and is interviewed at the end of the video. She has a youtube channel with more videos (unfortunately, with low viewership). Getting volunteer help for Donbass is getting harder even in Russia, and very few volunteers internationally. (Noted, in the linked video Liane Kilinc is presented as MP-Brandenburg; it appears that she is not currently a MP ).

Situation in L/DPR, in particular Nov. 11 elections, is to be discussed at the UN, proposed by Ukraine, and supported by FUKUS + Poland, Netherlands and Sweden. Russia objected to the discussion to be closed, insisted on an open discussion, and proposed to invite L/DPR representatives. The UN voted on the proposal to invite Yelena Kravhcenko, LPR elections committee chairwoman. This proposal was rejected as the above Western countries voted against. Russia's UN representative Nebenzya: There are strong reasons to believe that the Ukrainian side has to do with the murder of the head of the DPR, Alexander Zakharchenko.

26 Oct. DPR ombudsman: in the past week, 4 DPR soldiers were killed, 5 people (4 soldiers and a civilian man) were wounded. According to ombudsman data, since the start of the conflict 4713 people were killed, among them 614 women, 4099 men, including 81 children.

22 Oct. Four DPR soldiers were killed by Ukrainian fire in the past day, three of them from shelling of Leninskoe settlement in the south. One more soldier was killed in Kominternovo by sniper fire.

20 Oct. Yulia 'Gas Princess' Timoshenko records political-populism-drama filled video following Poroshenko- approved 23.5 % heating gas prices hikes, says that this and subsides slashed will cause severe hardship, tells that in 7 months Poroshenko will be gone following elections, for her to reduce gas prices 2-2.5 times (video, emotional enough to stand without translation).

DPR media has many articles on small economic miracles to be accomplished by Pushilin once he is elected DPR head. His early-days opolchenie-backed opponent Gubarev was refused registration to run in the elections, attributed to some nit-picking about voters signatures on his nomination papers.

A civilian man, a resident of Donetsk, was wounded by a land mine explosion near Trudovskaya mine pit, lost both legs.

17 Oct. In an event at Kerch Polytechnic College on Crimea, involving explosives and shooting, at least 19 people are killed. CCTV shows an armed 18 year old student of the institute (witness reports).

16 Oct. Unconfirmed reports say that a Ukrainian and a US pilot were killed in a crash of Ukrainian SU-27 plane. The flight was part of training exercises involving Ukrainian and NATO soldiers. It was reported that training program was altered to allow for study of Ukrainian S-300 air defense systems and Ukrainian air force operations, as those have similarities with the Russian forces (albeit incomplete, and based on shared Soviet past).

15 Oct. Russian Orthodox Church breaks all ties with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, over the latter moves to establish autocephalous church of Ukraine.

Russian and US politicians, businessmen gather for Fort Ross Dialogue forum in San Francisco.

13 Oct. LPR. A woman and a teenage girl (said to be mother and daughter) are killed by Ukrainian mortar fire.

Ukrainian journo Dmitry Gordon: 'the revolution of dignity' (Maidan'14) is a hoax (наебалово, giant mindfuck), it would be better if it did not happen at all. (video)

12 Oct. DPR ombudsman: in the past week, 5 soldiers were killed, 10 people (9 soldiers and a civilian man) were wounded. DPR people's militia weekly report, here.

9 Oct. Ukraine fired 45 mortar shells on DPR in the morning -JCCC.

According to Ukrainian sources, the fire and explosions at the ammunition depot near the town of Ichnya in the Chernihiv region began with a 122 mm Grad missile storage, and then spread to mortar mines, tank and howitzer large-caliber shells -Rusvesna 8 Oct. In the evening Ukrainian forces fired on Petrovsky district of Donetsk, a school and 3 residential houses were damaged.

1 Oct. DPR ombudsman: in the period 21-27 Sept, 4 DPR soldiers were killed, 10 civilians were wounded. According to DPR data, since the start of the conflict 4,693 people were killed, including 614 women and 78 children.

27 Sep. DPR: Ukraine fired on marked ambulance car, killing two DPR soldiers (call names Sirena and Skif; photos) and wounding another soldier. A DPR soldier was wounded in Ukrainian shelling of Kominternovo in the south earlier, the ambulance was evacuating that soldier.

26 Sep. Alexander Hug is set to leave his post of assistant head of OSCE SMM on 31 Oct. (interview). The name of his successor was not released.

25 Sep. Pavel Gubarev is among those running for Head of DPR in 11 Nov.'18 elections. His campaign page is here.

24 Sep. Ukrainian media quoting Ukrainian volunteers: UAF forward position and equipment including infrared vision was destroyed by 120 mm mortar fire (this apparently it occurred near Svobodnoe, which according to Ukrainian sources was freshly captured by Ukraine; LPR responded to the news saying that this village was under Ukrainian control since 2014). 6 Ukrainian soldiers are said to be wounded.

23 Sep. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, today, on Sunday, September 23, by the Church of St. Fokas Meshhorus in the City, in the presence of the Consul General of Ukraine, sent the message in every direction that Ukraine would receive Autocephaly shortly because it is its right.

DPR forces by return fire destroyed Ukrainian military position from which 'disordered fire' was conducted by Ukrainian forces

Two civilians wounded by Ukrainian fire in Sakhanka, south of DPR.

Two Ukrainian Navy ships passed under Crimea bridge, accompanied by Russian border patrol ships (and reportedly an American reconnaissance plane). Their entry in Russian exclusive territorial waters a day earlier was seen as provocative; later a formal request to pass was reported.

20 Sep. The US-American opolchenie fighter Russell "Texas" Bentley publishes his war memories as an eBook.

17 Sep. Poroshenko signed a law on the termination of the "Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and Russia". The bill will be submitted to Rada which has the final word. (Poroshenko: There is a very high level of trust between Kyiv and Washington...)

15 Sep. Acting DPR head Pushilin: our investigators found that Zakharchenko assassination was carried out "with participation of the 5th department of SBU"; one man was arrested and is providing information; analysis of explosive device revealed high technologies not previously used by SBU, which led us to believe that Western special services were involved (report and statement on video).

14 Sep. Ukraine shelled Staromikahilovka in western Donetsk, houses were damaged (details provided). It is recalled that on 14 Sep. 2014 Ukraine intensely shelled Putilovka district of Donetsk for many hours, a market was destroyed where civilians were present; a schoolboy was killed when school 58 was hit (report and video from the scene, 2014).

10 Sep. DPR MOD: Ukraine continues to violate ceasefire agreements, fires 16 120-mm mortar shells in the evening. Detailed today's record of those and other violations is provided.

According to Russian FSB, they arrested in Smolensk region of Russia a man from Dagestan who was a member of ISIS, and was recruited by SBU to assassinate one of DPR opolchenie leaders (Cassad-videos). (SBU denied the charge).

9 Sep. Car of the pro-Russian president of Moldova Igor Dodon was involved in an accident and overturned (collision video), it is reported that 3 people were injured and some hospitalized; according to TASS Dodon 'was not hurt'.

MLRS 'Uragan' on show on the Russian side near Donbass border crossing -report

8 Sep. At Saur Mogila, the DPR celebrates the 75th anniversary of Donbass liberation from Nazi occupation.

Prime Minister of Abkhazia died in a traffic accident

7 Sep. DPR acting attorney general sent an opinion to DPR People's council pointing out that automatic appointment of Trapeznikov does not follow the law, and asked People's Council to appoint the acting head of the republic. At a session of People's Council, it was decided to appoint Denis Pushilin (Wikipedia) the acting Head of the republic. It was also decided to hold elections of the republic Head and the People's council deputies on 11 November, 2018. Pushilin interviews after his appointment, video, text.
 * Noted, Denis Pushilin is the leader of Ukrainian party MMM (video) which took part in Ukrainian local elections, 2015. Same MMM as the financial pyramid of Mavrodi. Those facts were highlighted by Russian patriotic opposition discussing the new appointment.

Simultaneously, LPR Council of People's Deputies decided to have elections of the Head of republic and council deputies on 11 November, 2018.

3 Sep. In DPR MoD daily briefing, more evidence of Ukrainian attack preparations in the south were presented, including drone photos, claims of psychological warfare, Ukrainian joint forces document which appeared on social media, intelligence report, etc.

Despite the 'school ceasefire' Ukraine shelled Zaitsevo near Gorlovka with incendiary munitions, destroying 5 houses on Yesenina street.

2 Sep. DPR MoD continues to warn about (allegedly) Ukrainian preparations to attack near Mariupol, (allegedly) with foreign help. Recent video from Kominternovo clearly shows a lot of shelling damage. DPR serviceman is telling on video that there are more drones flights, and noise from heavy equipment arriving and ammunition delivered.

1 Sep. Basurin: ''Our reconnaissance revealed the deployment of a strike group of Ukrainian invaders in the Mariupol direction under the cover of the "Storm-2018" exercises ...Sept. 14 a possible date of an attack..'' (Ukraine has quite small Navy, conducting "Storm-2018" exercises).

Highlights from the past
30 Apr. U.S. Confirms Delivery Of Javelin Antitank Missiles To Ukraine

Poroshenko announced end of ATO and start of 'joint operation of armed forces', which is aimed at 'defending territorial integrity' and will only end 'when the last piece of Ukrainian land is liberated, including Crimea', which is somehow supposed to happen by 'political-diplomatic means'.

Videos

 * Family of 7 home hit by shelling in Donetsk, published 11 May 2017
 * DPR Sakhanka: life goes on under shelling, 11 Oct. 2016
 * 'Suburbia of life', about the effect of the war on life in small villages and towns. Shelling, destruction, economic hardship. Slow running, in Russian. Sept. 29, 2016.

More videos on talk page

Photos

 * Recent history in a nutshell in those photos to the right:


 * Aftermaths of Ukrainian shelling of the village Zheltoe (Yellow), LPR, 29 Nov. 2016 lug-info.

OSCE

 * SMM Ukraine

Official Ukrainian sources

 * ATO press releases and maps
 * Official website of Ukrainian president
 * National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
 * Verhovna Rada

Ukrainian media

 * TSN
 * 112.ua
 * inter.ua
 * kyivpost.com
 * dumskaya.net (Odessa, pro goverment)

DPR and LPR

 * DPR: DAN news (Eng).; DPR MOD, Russ.; DPR ombudsman, Russ.
 * LPR: lug-info (Eng).
 * Donbass international news agency, DoNi news (Eng.)

Agreements

 * 22.7.15 Under-100 mm weapons withdrawal was agreed Poroshenko statement: ' I hope it will be the real beginning of the ceasefire'.
 * 12.2.15 Two documents were agreed: on measures on implementing Minsk protocol (English language PDF here).