Ukraine news/Current

21 Mar. Basurin report(Engl.): ''3 DPR soldiers were killed and 2 wounded. 12 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 14 wounded in failed Kominternovo attack, 2 BMP and 1 tank were damaged. DPR evacuated bodies of 1 killed and 1 wounded Ukrainian soldier (who later died of his wounds). Bodies were recovered near DPR positions, indicating Ukrainian attack. Ukraine shelled front lines after attack failed, hitting some of their own soldiers. To distract attention, UAF shelled Vodyanoe village nearby (map) with 'Grads', filmed the attack in such a way that determining direction is difficult, and blamed opolchenie.'' Apparently refers to this video, showing serious shelling of a village.

20 Mar. DPR sources: Ukrainian sabotage group loses ten fighters killed, five wounded in breakthrough attempt near Kominternovo; 3 DPR soldiers were wounded. Not in official news but here: (Engl)(Russ.) (soc. media).

Economy: Branches of Russian banks were sanctioned by Ukraine, prohibiting money transfers to Russia. Those banks started negotiating their sale. In February, Gazprom was imposed a fine of 172 bln hryvna (around   $6.4 blns USD) for 'violating Ukrainian anti-monopoly law'; appealing the decision. Meanwhile, Ukrainian PM Groysman announced plans to buy coal in USA, Australia or South Africa (despite Ukrainian power plants designed for anthracite coal, available in Donbass but not from just anywhere; some earlier purchases were wasted). There is anthracite in Pennsylvania; but likely not cheap delivered.

19 Mar. DPR: 74 incidents of ceasefire violations by Ukraine ; number of shots not provided. 1 civilian wounded, 4 houses damaged.

IMF postponed discussion of the next 1 bln USD disbursement to Ukraine following Ukrainian blockade of rebel areas. Kiev vowed to conclude negotiations quickly.

18 Mar. DPR: 88 incidents of ceasefire violations by Ukraine; number of shots not provided. 3 civilians wounded, 8 houses damaged.

DPR: provocation similar to the one on 16 Feb. was repeated by Ukraine: houses in Avdeevka were shelled from tanks, 4 houses were damaged; an attempt to blame DPR was made.

17 Mar. Russian JCCC representatives came under Ukrainian fire in the area of  Donetsk water filtering station where repair work was done (no word on injuries).

Plotniskii calls for a referendum on accession to Russia 'at an appropriate time', says if such referendum is held, results will be like in Crimea. (No indication of what time would be right was provided).

DPR weekly update(Engl.): 5,842 shots fired by Ukraine from banned under Minsk weapons (that will include heavy weapons but not small firearms; exact breakdown not given). 4 DPR soldiers and 1 civilian killed, 2 soldiers and 9 civilians wounded. 49 houses damaged. By official data, Ukrainian losses were 5 killed and 42 wounded, but DPR estimate is 24 killed and 79 wounded (based in part on information posted on social networks; details not really spelled out).

LPR weekly update(Engl). 121 ceasefire violations; total number of 'shells and mortar shells' is given as 'about 2600', however total on the graph is around 103 shots (possibly heavy weapons on the graph and all arms in the larger count, but not spelled out clearly). 1 LPR soldier wounded. According to LPR information, 10 known cases of UAF soldiers killed (including non-combat and 'Molot' mortar accident losses), and 30 wounded.

16 Mar. DPR 80 ceasefire violations (number of shots fired no longer given), 1 DPR soldier killed, 10 houses damaged.

Zakharchenko and Plotniskii attended celebrations of 3 year anniversary of Crimea reunification with Russia. In celebration speech, Zakharchenko vowed that Donbass will be 'Russian', and 'we by a land corridor will travel to Crimea' (to applause of those present and no clarification of how that is supposed to happen).

Ukrainian journalists arriving to Avdeevka came under shelling, and were invited to a hideout cellar by locals. Locals angrily told Ukrainian journalists that their reports misrepresent the events. 'Just live here for 3 years, and you will know who is shelling' (video).
 * Another video by Ukrainian TSN from Avdeevka; two locals interviewed blame Ukraine for shelling; while TSN plays a clip of high-rise house shelled (DPR called it a provocation staged by Ukraine).

15 Mar. Ukrainian national security and defense council announced that all roads and railroads leading to separation line will be blocked, and 'no provocations or sabotage will be allowed' -report + Turchinov on video. (Full blockade? Clearly goes directly against Minsk agreements. But according to MOI adviser Shkiryak, it is still possible to cross separation line on foot or in private vehicles after checks. So, monetizing border control?).

DPR: 82 violation incidents in the past day, 3058 shots fired, including 1057 from heavy weapons. 1 DPR soldier was killed. 1 civilian was killed and 1 wounded while repairing house roof, when shots were fired from the Ukrainian side.

14 Mar. Ukraine and Turkey sign several bilateral agreements, among them about free trade and about passport-free travel of citizens to the other country.

Basurin: in the past day, Ukraine fired 1710 shots, including 851 from heavy weapons, in 72 violation incidents. 13 houses were damaged.

12 Mar. Basurin: 65 incidents in the past day; DPR was shot at 1444 times, most of it (1273) from heavy weapons. 1 DPR soldier was killed and 1 wounded, 4 houses were damaged.
 * Also: 2 Ukrainian boats attempted reconnaissance in force from the sea, near Bezymennoe (map), entering DPR territorial waters and firing on DPR positions. DPR opened return fire, damaging one of the boats. According to DPR information, 2 UAF soldiers were killed and 3 wounded.

11 Mar. Basurin: in the past day, 88 violation incidents; 1456 shots fired, including 729 from heavy weapons (10 of those is MLRS). 1 DPR soldier was killed, 2 civilians wounded, 7 houses damaged.

Video emerged of a civilian high-rise, said to be in Avdeevka, repeatedly shelled from a close distance (short time interval from firing sound to impact). Said to be done by Ukraine in front of the cameras of Ukrainian journalists. Address suggested is Vorobieva 15, Avdeevka (map). Appears to be coming from the south; there is also green/empty area to the east.

10 Mar. DPR was shelled 850 times (including 327 times from heavy weapons).

For the past week, the count is 13,192, including 4,556 from heavy weapons. 3 DPR soldiers were killed, 1 soldier and 2 civilians wounded.

It is said that Ukraine announced that 1 was killed, '9 wounded, and 10 injured' as a result of today's clashes- Rusvesna; 2 killed, 16 wounded or injured-- the official 'ATO' presentation.

LPR security services claimed to uncover organizers of assassinations of Givi and LPR police HQ chief Anashenko, blaming fighters, commander, and reconnaissance chief of Ukrainian 8th Special Purpose Regiment of the Special Operations Forces deployed in Khmelnytsky, Ukraine. It is said that training is provided by NATO instructors, and sabotage groups are formed to operate in L/DPR. (Independent confirmation of the claims is not available, and likely impossible). It is said that some Anashenko killing suspects were arrested. Further, interrogation video was posted where arrested suspect tells about attempted assassination of Bezler in Crimea, around Spring 2016, "by a soldier from our detachment with call name 'Odessa', who was "a right hand man" of the reconnaissance chief of the 8-th Regiment. Another suspect on a different video tells that he overheard the recon chief bragging about his role in Motorola murder. (So, Givi, Motorola, and an attempt on Bezler, all by the same Ukrainian assassins group? )
 * On longer videos same and additional suspects tell about their roles in Anashenko assassination, with detailed and fairly believable accounts given; also a car engulfed in flames is shown, said to be filmed by suspect after the assassination. No direct role of those in Givi/Motorola or Bezler attempt can be seen.
 * Anashenko assassination: 4 Feb'17 news; video.
 * Ukrainian HQ of special operations of UAF confirmed that on 11 February contact with a reconnaissance group operating in LPR was lost, and that LPR videos show them captured; however claimed that their task was reconnaissance only with no explosives or danger to population involved; and that admissions were forced.

8 Mar. In the past day, DPR was shelled 2,927 times, 2 civilians were wounded, in Krutaya Balka near Ysinovataya and in Kominternovo.

MH17 comments of a lawyer representing Russia in Hague court case brought by Ukraine were picked on in the West (though not much happened).

7 Mar. Gryzlov blames Kiev for failure of disengagement of forces in  Stanitsa Luganskaya, LPR -TASS.

Klimkin in US Congress: 'the only way to talk to Russia is from a position of force'-112.ua. 'No agreements with Russia until it fulfills all items of Minsk agreements'--with most of the items for Ukraine to implement and no progress or even intention to do so (softer Engl. version tells about US support of Ukrainian positions).

Separation of forces in Stanitsa Luganskaya, LPR planned; Deinego doubts it will materialize...

6 Mar. Ukraine shelled DPR 2015 times, no military casualties; 8 houses were damaged, Donetsk water filtering station lost power and stopped. (Engl. version).

LPR shelled 19 times, one LPR soldier was killed (Marochko briefing video -Rus.)

5 Mar. Ukraine shelled DPR 2,483 times, 2 DPR soldiers were killed, 1 wounded. 28 houses were damaged, 20 of them in Gorlovka, 4 in Donetsk, 3 in Yasinovataya, 1 in Dokuchaevsk. (Engl. version).

4 Mar. Ukrainian 'ATO volunteers' blocked railroad traffic on one of the major lines connecting Russia and Ukraine in Konotop. Meanwhile, railroad traffic resumed in LPR.

A civilian seriously wounded in LPR.

3 Mar. Zakharchenko announced trade blockade of Ukraine. (Anthracite coal mined in Donbass is widely used in Ukraine; other possible suppliers include Russia and Kazakhstan).

In the past week, Ukraine shelled DPR 11,480 times, 3,994 from heavy weapons. 1 DPR soldier was killed, 2 wounded.

1 Mar. Contact group reached agreements on disengagement of forces near Stanitsa Luganskaya (LPR) and on situation at the Donetsk filtering station.

Ukraine shelled DPR 1774 times in the past day. 1 DPR soldier was killed and 1 wounded. (Engl.)

28 Feb. Ukraine shelled DPR 2,373 times in the past day, a sharp increase; about half (1,116) is by heavy weapons. 2 houses were damaged in Kominternovo, 9 in Yasinovataya, one of them burned down.; civilian casualties are being verified. Banned heavy artillery presence near separation line is noted.

13 ceasefire violations in LPR.

Clashes reported between Ukrainian nats. battalions members blocking railway traffic with L/DPR and 'titushki' said to be hired by Akhmetov; first attacks said to be repelled, there are injured but nobody was killed.

EU negotiators agreed to grant visa-free regime to Ukraine (for visa free travel of up to 90 days per 1/2 year and without right to work (rules). Further formal approval steps are expected to be completed soon.

27 Feb. DPR adopted a law on de-facto nationalization of Ukrainian enterprises operating on their territory, including Akhmetov plants. It is said that it was done because of Ukrainian blockade, and steps will be taken to restore supplies, sales, and jobs.

26 Feb. Basurin: Ukraine forced radical nationalists away from Donetsk water filtering station (Engl.). Also in the report: Ukraine shelled DPR 761 times in the past day, one civilian was wounded (Engl.)

25 Feb. Security situation sharply deteriorated, Ukraine shelled DPR 2161 times in the past day, 846 from heavy weapons. One DPR soldier was wounded. (This coincides with Savchenko and Ruban visiting DPR on the issue of prisoners exchange).

Basurin:Ukrainian militants captured Donetsk filtering station overnight, and used it to shell DPR territory, knowing that DPR will not return fire. (Full report talks about activization of nationalists in particular- Engl. ; (video). Cassad posts announcement of filtering station personnel deciding to stop work and evacuate, and photos of damage at the station.
 * It is said that filtering station was earlier left by DPR forces, to prevent shelling. The result was, more shelling, followed by capture by Ukrainian militants (said to be 'Azov' in Cassad post).

24 Feb. Donetsk filtering station received 6 hits in Ukrainian shelling overnight, buildings, including the one housing chlorine, were damaged (DAN News -Engl)

In the past week, Ukraine shelled DPR 9,360 times, including 3,354 times from heavy weapons. Two DPR soldiers were killed and five were wounded.

23 Feb. On traditional Red Army holiday, little change on the ground. Ukraine shelled DPR 706 times, including by heavy weapons. 11 ceasefire violations in LPR.

Notorious MP Alexey Goncharenko (Poroshenko block) is said to be 'kidnapped' in Odessa by unknowns; Ukraine blamed 'separatists'. (Remembered for photographing defender corpse after Odessa Massacre, 2014).
 * But soon after, 'saved', and Kushnarenko father blamed for 'ordering kidnapping' (possibly staged; they say it's not).
 * Timer-Odessa confirms that kidnapping was staged by law enforcement; but keeps accusing Kucherenko father of plotting to do it with a group of accomplices.

22 Feb. DPR shelled by Ukraine 674 times in the past day (supposed ceasefire), 2 DPR soldiers were wounded.

According to DPR, Ukraine does not plan in the near future to withdraw heavy weapons.

Ukrainian minister of Defense Poltorak: reports on combat readiness, 37,000 UAF soldiers are deployed 'on the contact line'. (Noted: tomorrow is the Soviet 'Red Army' holiday).

21 Feb. Scheduled for today heavy weapons withdrawal did not materialize; DPR blamed Ukraine. Firefights resumed in the evening (Yasinovataya checkpoint, +Novoazov region).

Yelenovka checkpoint came under Ukrainian fire (despite the ceasefire).

20 Feb. The latest ceasefire started at midnight. As of this afternoon, it was observed, according to Basurin. Ukraine resumed shelling in the evening, Yasinovataya- Gorlokvka-Svetdlodarsk.

Withdrawal of heavy weapons is planned for 21 Feb.

19 Feb. Some clashes on Maidan, police and national guard in control, Semen Semchenko (now MP) present and makes some commotion (report, photos, video). Arrests, injuries reported, including 'OUN' battalion commander Kohanovskii.

DPR reports worsening security situation for the past day, shelling count is 2453, with about half from heavy weapons. Donetsk water filtering station lost power, DPR says as a result of intentional shelling. (Russ.)(Engl)

18 Feb. Putin signs an executive order recognizing documents and vehicle registration plates issued by the DPR and LPR. The move was cheered in L/DPR, and criticized by Ukraine and by US Embassy in Kiev.

17 Feb. DPR was shelled 1048 times in the past day. Two DPR soldiers were killed (Russ.)(Engl.)

Two years and a bit after Minsk-2 agreements, Zakharchenko and Plotniskii scheduled a joint press conference in Lugansk, with the topic not revealed in advance.
 * 'DPR, LPR announce start of humanitarian programme for occupied Donbass', DAN news (Engl.) (Russ.)
 * ДНР и ЛНР готовы освободить подконтрольные Киеву районы Донбасса военным путём (+ВИДЕО), Rusvesna (if peaceful means will not work than ...) - Zakharchenko and Plotniskii

16 Feb. 'Kiev plans bloody provocation involving Finnish journalists'-DPR.

Ukraine shelled Yasinovataya outskirts with Grads.

Energy blockade was started by Ukrainian nats bats (Semchenko et al) at the end of January, 2017, preventing shipments of anthracites coal from L/DPR republics to Ukraine. That blockade led to energy crisis and energy emergency situation in Ukraine, as power stations were designed to use anthracites type of coal. Blockade was criticized by Poroshenko.

15 Feb. Protesters prompt OSCE observers to carry out reinspection in western Donetsk (not commented on OSCE site yet).

14 Feb. One DPR soldier was killed in the past day.

Big explosion at at Donetsk state chemical plant is reported, as a result of Ukrainian shelling (video). Plant is producing explosives for mining and military. Blast is similar to earlier ones (here). There are casualties; 1 civilian is reported killed. Windows in a hospital and 11 houses nearby were shattered. DPR video shows big crater and quick chemical weapons tests (iprit test shown) they decided to run after seeing unusual cloud; they came back negative.

DPR: Failed UAF attacked on Kominternovo, 5 UAF soldiers were killed.

Opolchenie report on continued shelling, including heavy weapons, MLRS. Donetsk water treatment plant containing 4 tonnes of chlorine is in the area of Ukrainian shelling in particular.

13 Feb. 1 DPR soldier was killed in the past day, DPR shelled 509 times  (sit-rep).

12 Feb. In the past day, DPR was shelled 1302 times (431 by heavy weapons: mortars + BMP guns), 2 DPR soldiers were killed, 1 seriously wounded, at least 4 houses damaged (Engl.).

OSCE, Hug: number of ceasefire violations is "unacceptably high" (+earlier in Kiev.)

11 Feb. DPR was shelled 438 times, at least 2 houses damaged, banned weapons used and more spotted, 1 DPR soldier wounded.

OSCE calls for withdrawal of heavy weapons from separation line; DPR already agreed (TASS).

10 Feb. DPR and LPR (finally) are preparing laws requiring operating there 'non-resident' companies, like Akhmetov plants, to pay them taxes. Currently taxes are paid to Ukraine, and as LPR public council chairman Zaporoztsev put it, 'some of that profit returns to us, but in the form of artillery and mortar shells and other means of destruction. Those plants have been built by our fathers and grandfathers, but now not only they do not receive their pensions, but have to suffer from shelling and destruction of their homes'.

9 Feb. Givi funeral photo, video stream report, many thousands, and Zakharchenko attending in central Donetsk.

"DPR offers truce, Ukraine answers with shells and OSCE just don't care" -DoNi (Engl.) report and Engl. -captioned video.

DPR, LPR people's councils chairmen issued joint appeal to world leaders, Russia, USA, Germany, to stop genocide in Donbass. At present the appeal was signed by over 62 thousand people in DPR, 56.6 thousand in LPR (Regular shelling, targeting water supplines, industrial objects with potentially catastrophic consequences described in the appeal).

DPR deputy commander Basurin: DPR was shelled 711 times in the past day, 3 DPR soldiers were killed and 1 wounded.

Poroshenko rejected 'holding elections under presence of foreign troops', in response to comments by German ambassador. This is despite Minsk agreements to have elections before Ukraine gains border control.

8 Feb. Prominent commander of DPR "Somali" batallion Mikhail "Givi" Tolstykh is assassinated in his office, said to be by a shot from "Shmel' portable thermobaric rocket. DPR blamed Ukraine for the assassination. Givi supported DPR leadership; had ascetic lifestyle.
 * Photo gallery-MK.
 * Life news interview with Givi on 3 Feb, after Ukrainian attack on Avdeevka was repelled, including by "Sparta" (Motorola) and "Somali" (Givi). 'Somali' lost several fighters and Givi was lightly wounded, but was back the next day. Givi says that Ukrainian side had higher losses and was resorting to shelling civilian areas; and that his side did not extend a counter-attack further as he was following Minsk agreements.
 * Interview with 'Somali' HQ chief (refutes fakes, like 'opolchenie member claiming responsibility', earlier one on Givi planning to leave, etc)
 * DPR investigators confirmed that IED is considered as a possibility (while some outsiders say, definitely not Shmel).

DPR was shelled by Ukraine 775 times in the past day. DPR accused Ukraine of preparing to mine and prepare to explode Avdeevka coke plant; such explosion can lead to ecological catastrophe.

Report and video from the south, near Mariupol, Shirokino. Regular shelling at night, Ukraine deploying more forces, Ukrainian attack plans rumored.

7 Feb. Basurin sitrep, Eng; video, Russ.. Situation remains to be difficult, little change. 2 DPR soldiers killed and 1 wounded in the past day.


 * Weather. In the last 2 weeks, night temperatures were hitting near -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit). Heating in large residential areas is central, one boiler plant per several multi-storey houses; those heating plants were often knocked off by damaged electric power supply and by direct hits. This created difficult conditions for civilian population. There were reports on interrupted supply; a recent report that a DPR soldier guarding repair workers fixing power grid was killed by Ukrainian sniper, repairs had to stop; etc.

6 Feb. Radical Party leader Oleg Lyashko has his 10-year US visa issued in December 2016 revoked.

4 Feb. President Poroshenko has his first phone call with Trump.

LPR. Chief of the People's Militia Department Oleg Anashenko killed in a car explosion. Ukraine is blamed, an Ukrainian officer later said to be arrested (Russian sources here, quoting LPR ministry of security sources).

3 Feb. DPR ombudsman (press conference video--Russ., on civilian casualties and damage)(text, Russ.).
 * From 1 Jan. 2017 to 2 Feb, 31 people killed (27 soldiers, 4 civilians), 87 wounded (40 soldiers, 47 civilians, including 2 children under 18)
 * Last week (27 Jan-2 Feb.): 19 killed (15 soldiers; + 4 civilians killed in shelling of Donetsk and Makeevka); 59 wounded (17 soldiers and 42 civilians, including 2 children).

Lot of destruction after Ukrainian shelling near 'Motel' station, near eastern exit from Donetsk (report and photos). Uragan MLRS said to be used.

2 Feb. DPR was shelled 1617 times in the past day (including 374 times by heavy artillery, 40 by MLRS). 38 houses were damaged. One DPR soldier was killed and one injured. A civilian man in Makeevka had his arm severed (DAN news).

Opposition figure and ex-PM Yulia Tymoshenko meets with Trump.

1 Feb. Ukrainian forces attempted 2 attacks near Kominternovo and 4 near Avdeeevka. Attacks were repelled. High casualty count suggested by Basurin (93 UAF killed and several hundred wounded).

In the past day, Ukraine shelled DPR 3016 times (including heavy artillery, 839 times, and MRLS, 490 times). There are destroyed houses and civilian casualties, it is reported that 2 civilians were killed and 2 wounded (some intersection possible with previous day report, and more casualty reports are coming in).

Water supply to Donetsk and parts of Makeevka is completely interrupted as filtering station lost power.

Tail part of Buk missile fell on Makeevka, according to report with photos. It is said that Ukraine tried to shoot down an OSCE drone with it, firing Buk from a vicinity of Avdeevka.

Ambulance was hit in Donetsk by Ukrainian fire, 3 civilians were wounded (report and photos).

Videos
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
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).
 * 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).