Ukraine news/Current

20 May. Zelenskii assumed his duties; announced disbanding of Rada; claimed he would 'do all for peace', with the first step, 'return of all Ukrainian prisoners', second step 'return of our lands', 'Crimea and Donbass are Ukrainian lands'.

Zelenski to Rada (to wild applause turned anxious silence) I very much ask you to adopt a law on the removal of parliamentary immunity, a law on criminal liability for illegal enrichment, a long-suffering electoral code, and please make open lists. And also I ask you to dismiss the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Prosecutor General, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. And this is not all that you can do, but for the beginning it is enough. You will have two months for this. Do it and give yourself the medals, and good points for early parliamentary elections. (As) I dissolve the Supreme Rada of the eighth convocation (video). Russell "Texas" Bentley publishes his interview with UK journalist Dean O'Brien who has been visiting the DPR for a week after he has reported from Kiev for years.

17 May. Ukraine shelled Pervomaisk, LPR. A male civilian is wounded. Roof of kindergarten no. 4 and a college building are damaged.

According to DPR head Alexandr Pushilin (RIA interview) DPR investigators has found who has organized, ordered, and executed the assassination of the previous DPR head Alexandr Zakharchenko. He did not named those, but indicated that they include 'very high ranking citizens of Ukraine' and 'citizens of other countries which provide support to Ukraine'. In Nov. 2018, Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated that 'there are no grounds not to trust' the DPR investigation.

16 May. After Rada vote, Zelenski's inauguration is set for 20 May.

Ukrainian representative in Minsk negotiations Irina Gerashenko (Wikipedia; not a physical family with Anton Gerashenko; kneeling-on-a-flight at the debates here) announced that she is resigning.

Kolomoiski returned to Ukraine from Israel

12 May .14:20-14:50. Ukraine fired two anti -tank missiles on Dokuchaevsk from their position in Novotroitskoe. This is continuation of shelling of Dokuchaevsk, Gorlovka, and other areas, in continued violations of Minsk agreements since those agreements were signed. See also Strelkov, 8 May

6 May. British ship, HMS "Echo", arrived to the port of Odessa for 3 days, "as a psychological safeguard" for the approaching V-Day, 9 May (the traditional Soviet date). The Hydrographic survey ship was deployed to the Black sea following a November 2018 meeting between UK and Ukranian defence ministers.

5 May. DPR MoD (rext/photo)(video): Ukrainian RSG group was discovered. In the ensuing firefight, one Ukrainian soldier was killed and up to 3 wounded, the rest fled, leaving one wounded soldier behind. That soldier received medical assistance but died of his wounds. Two Kalashnikov guns with silencer were discovered on the battlefield, their serial numbers are shown on photos and video.

2 May. On the anniversary of May 2, 2014 Odessa massacre, UNHR issued a report critical of the official Ukrainian investigation.

Zelensky responds to Putin comments that Russia and Ukraine have a lot in common and a common citizenship (following announced by both sides issuance of passports) is good. Zelensky: (Ukr. ), (Rus.) : "after annexation of Crimea and the aggression in Donbass", the only common thing we have is the border.

Oleg Tsarev: Odessa massacre (2 May, 2014) "organized by Kolomoiskii".

27 Apr. Putin comments on meeting Zelenski at a press conference following his visit to China (Eng., highlighted)

24 Apr. Putin signed a decree on simplified procedure of receiving Russian passports for Donbass residents 22 Apr. Zelensky promised to 'reset' Minsk process (despite that some of his recent comments raise doubt on whether he has read the agreement -Talk). He also said (Rus. text, video) that his number one task is return of the prisoners (indeed very pressing yet doable matter; treatment of pro-Russia prisoners has been very bad; and this is never a good situation to be in, in any case). He also said that he plans an info-offensive to stop the war in Donbass, and has some creative ideas, asking for journalists to help, and mentioning that his comedy show was once prevented from visiting Mariupol. It remains to be seen whether and how severe problems in Donbass can be resolved by talk-showmanship, but intentions/momentum are so far somewhat more promising than seen on the ground in the 5 years under Poroshenko.

21 Apr. Poroshenko accepted elections loss, with exit polls 73 to 25 in favor of Zelenskii.

19 Apr. At 18:00, two Ukrainian RSG groups attempted to penetrate DPR defence lines near Oktaibrskoe. They were discovered. Part of the group detonated on a minefield, killing 3 and wounding two. It is said that (overall?) 4 Ukrainian soldiers killed and 5 wounded. DPR losses, 3 killed. A female medic, Lilia Egamberdieva, tried to rescue two heavily wounded DPR soldiers; eventually she called fire on herself firing from a machine gun at a distance from wounded soldiers. All 3 were killed after a massive Ukrainian strike.

Live stream presidential debates, Olimpiisky stadium, Kiev, starting at 19:00 in Kiev (video with Russ. transl.), (Rus. text). Another debate was scheduled at a TV station, 21:00; but Zelensky did not confirmed attendance, and eventually Poroshenko debated himself. 18 Apr. Zelensky interview to RBK Ukraine, discussed in Talk.

Court in Kiev ruled that nationalization of Kolomoiskyi's "PrivatBank" was illegal. Bank of Ukraine disagrees and will appeal.

17 Apr. Ukrainian MP Rybchinsky: "Poroshenko is preparing a coup."

Lutsenko provided details of the meeting with US Amb. Marie Yovanovitch, which he earlier described as receiving a 'do not prosecute list'. In his new detailed version, they had a heated verbal exchange with Yovanovitch, after her comments that prosecution of a certain anti-corruption activist undermines public trust in such activists. 15 Apr. Nadezhda Savchenko and respected Ukrainian negotiator Vladimir Ruban, accused of plotting against the Ukrainian authorities and arrested in March 2018, have been freed by a court decision in Kiev-reports + videos 1, 2, 3.

14 Apr. Poroshenko "debates" himself at the 'Olympiiskii" stadium, as he and Zelensky could not agree on the debate time + venue (stream).

9 Apr. DPR MoD: a soldier was killed by Ukrainian mortar fire. DPR returned fire using 'non-prohibited weapons', destroying firing positions of the adversary. Reportedly 4 UAF soldiers were killed and 3 wounded. It is said that 'Azov' regiment and 'Aidar' assault battalion arrived to Donbass, to the zone of responsibility of 53 mechanized brigade, UAF, near Gorlovka. Those nationalist forces are said to be responsible for the shelling of Golmovsky settlement from BMP which resulted in loss of electric power for 3000 civilians,  and damaged a house; a civilian woman was wounded earlier in Zaitsevo.

DPR returned fire and "destroyed the BMP"; it is said that one man called Mikola Nezhivyi is killed and 2 heavily wounded. In Ukrainian version of events (video, TSN.ua), Mikola Nezhivyi was killed near Avdeevka. They were firing on DPR positions from easel anti-tank grenade launcher; DPR responded with anti-tank missile, killing him and wounding two others. Also reported: near Zaitsevo, during de-mining of the area near the water supply of the pump station Seversky Donets - Donbass, one Ukrainian sapper was killed when a mine exploded, two others were wounded.

Poroshenko speaks Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Polish, trying to get reelected (but it is 'too little too late').

8 Apr. DPR MoD: as a result of Ukrainian forces shelling of Zaitsevo and Staromikhailovka, two civilian women are wounded. DPR returned fire using 'non-prohibited weapons'; reportedly 3 UAF soldiers were killed and 1 wounded. 7 Apr. DPR MoD accused Poroshenko and 79 separate paratroopers assault brigade, UAF, of an attempted provocation, aimed to raise Poroshenko's reelection chances. At 8:30, two reconnaissance and sabotage groups, 15-20 men each, advanced in the direction Pishevik-Oktaibr'. One group was tasked in provoking DPR to return fire, while the other group task was to 'ensure' civilian casualties at 'Oktiabr' check-point, with DPR blamed for those deaths. The RSG groups were discovered early and fired on. Losses are being verified.

5 Apr. Ukrainian forces shelled Donetsk, Volvo center area, "Trudovskaya" mine-pit, Veseloe settlement. Mortars, AGS, firearms were used. Donetsk city hospital 21 is damaged. A civilian man is wounded,

4 Apr. After floating several excuses not to do it, Poroshenko eventually responded in kind and accepted Zelensky's strongly-presented challenge to debate at a stadium, in a carefully staged video of his own. Drugs/substances test is expected, with details negotiated.

3 Apr. Yesterday Ukraine cut water supply to Dokuchaevsk and Yelenovka, affecting 25,00 people, despite the fact that targeting civilian infrastructure or utilities is a war crime.
 * Noted, according to a later report, water supply to Dokuchaevsk was restored, at 7 p.m.

NATO sends ships on a visit to Odessa, discuss accompanying Ukrainian ships to stage another provocation in Kerch straights, which may be seen as a fruitless attempt to lift fortunes of the failing Poroshenko reelection campaign with this demonstrative Western backing.

2 Apr. Timoshenko says (1, 2, video) that "Poroshenko falsified elections regarding his result", but she will not challenge the results in courts, as she does not have trust in Ukrainian courts, as they are. With this, Zelensky and Poroshenko advance to the second round. Timoshenko won't back either of them (earlier Zelensky denied reports that negotiations giving Timoshenko a significant role in the government are on-going).

1 Apr. On April's fool day, Ukraine's decision not to renew friendship treaty with Russia comes into force.

31 Mar. Rusvesna quoting DPR MoD: on the day of elections, 18 ceasefire violations by Ukrainian forces, 11 settlements shelled. One DPR soldier was killed. DPR returned fire. As a result of Ukrainian mortar shelling of Zaitsevo, near Gorlovka, two civilians on Karbysheva st. are wounded. (The DPR has named the Ukrainian forces it says are responsible)

Election committee stream. Polls closed, with 45% voting participation figure at closing time (and big jump into mid-60% range for the final count). Right after closing, 'two sociological companies polls' were announced, with 20:01 on the clock (exit polls?), Zelenskii 30.4, Poroshenko 17.8, Timoshenko, 14.2. Another exit poll by 112.ua shows similar results. Two top candidates will advance to the second round.

Half a million of Ukrainian voters were placed on ballot lists abroad, and 101 polling stations were opened in 72 countries, including Congo and Kosovo (Ukrinform), but not Russia where almost 3 million Ukrainians live. At the end of last year, Kiev refused to open polling stations in Russia.

A former Aidar commander Melnichuk posted a list allegedly naming 'unprosecutable Ukrainians', said to be given by US Amb. Yovanovitch to Ukr. Prosescutor-Gen. Lutsenko. This list appears to emerge on social media. (Updated on 17 Apr. version, some pressure but not a list).

29 Mar. DPR ombudsman: in the past week, 4 DPR soldiers were killed, 1 soldier wounded.

DPR MoD: In the past week, 79 ceasefire violations by Ukrainian forces, 21 settlement shelled using 152 mm artillery, mortars, tank and BMP guns, grenade launchers, large caliber machine guns, amd small firearms. During OSCE inspections, heavy Ukrainian armaments, including 3 "Buks", 1 "Osa", 9 T-72 tanks, 2 "Konkurs" anti-tank complexes, were not at designated locations, in violation of the Minsk agreements.

"Quiet period" before the first round of elections in Ukraine. Past polls (summary). consistently show Zelenski in the lead, with Poroshenko and Timoshenko competing for the second spot. 24 Mar. DPR MoD: Ukrainian forces shelled Sakhanka. DPR returned fire. 2 DPR soldiers were killed; 2 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 3 wounded near Novomikhailovka settlement. 23 Mar. DPR MoD: Ukrainian forces shelled Kominternovo and Leninskoe, electric power line and 3 houses were damaged. DPR returned fire, suppressing Ukrainian firing positions, using weapons not banned by Minsk agreements. DPR MoD warns about Ukrainian provocation plans with elections approaching and Poroshenko on track to lose. According to DPR MoD, such plans include provocations against OSCE observers, or causing mass civilian casualties on Ukrainian-controlled territory, in particular at a check-point Zolotarevo, which is set to open, but is said to be mined.

Ukraine reports one killed and one wounded soldier on Mar. 22, and alleges that 3 DPR soldiers were killed and 5 wounded (not confirmed).

G7 writes to Avakov about extremists threatening elections (RFE/RL), (Rusvesna). Avakov claims that radical groups has been warned.

22 Mar. SBU claims that it "prevented a terrorist act" in Kharkov prepared by "Russian services"; with a video featuring a gas cylinder on hand truck and no-face no-voice arrest scene. (What possibly can go wrong here?)

21 Mar. DPR MoD. 7 ceasefire violations by Ukraine in the past day, one DPR soldier killed. As a result of shelling of middle school 116, 2 unexploded munitions were found, schoolchildren evacuated. DPR returned fire. It is said that 2 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and one wounded as a result.

Gallup: World-low 9% of Ukrainians confident in the government, low confidence in elections, high confidence in government corruption.

20 Mar. The Ukrainian prosecutor general Yuriy Lutsenko tells US media that at their first meeting after he took office (in 2016), he received a "do not prosecute" list from US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. He also complained about his office not receiving 4 mln $ in US assistance. His claims and the response ("assistance redirected") are here. (Updated on 17 Apr, some pressure, but no list).
 * Ukrainian media: it is strange that the case of Sytnik and Leshenko interference in the US presidential elections (leaking pre-trial information on Manafort) only came to light now.

19 Mar. DPR ombudsman. In the period of 1-14 March, 6 people were killed (4 of them soldiers), 5 people were wounded (4 soldiers and a civilian man).

11 Mar. Six settlements in Novoazov region, DPR lost electric power on Mar. 7 due to Ukrainian shelling. Ukraine still did not respond to requests of ceasefire regime to conduct the repair work.

10 Mar. DPR MoD: despite the agreed Spring ceasefire, DPR soldier was killed by Ukrainian sniper fire. DPR appeals to international human rights and humanitarian organizations 'to record the murder and to assist in bringing those responsible to justice'. Also, Ukraine fired but missed 'Fagot' anti tank missile on control rooms of Vasilievka water pumping station. This water pumping station is a very important one, and its destruction or stoppage will cut water supply to over 40 settlements with a population of 1.8 million people and will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. DPR appeals to OSCE to record the incident and to pressure Ukrainian military to observe agreed ceasefire. 9 Mar. Group of nationalists clashed with police at a meeting in Cherkassy where Poroshenko spoke; 15 policemen were injured. Nationalists were trying to question Poroshenko (on thefts of military supplies, etc), however Poroshenko hurriedly left when clashes started.

Russian and Ukrainian sources report details of Merkel refusal to follow US request to deploy ships to support Ukrainian passage to Kerch straights. Israeli Solomon Mann in a Facebook post in Russian (apparently) gives those details from a restricted account of a German politician: Merkel to Ursula von der Leyen: '' You talk like children!", " you assume that Putin will not undertake anything and will watch how we defile in the strait. And if he does with our ships the same thing that he had already done once with the Ukrainian ones? What are you suggesting, for Germany to fight, Madam Minister? Why should we neglect the interests of Germany for the sake of the interests of the United States? ... ". Frau Chancellor also referred to a letter from France, where Macron warns Merkel against "rash steps" on "incitement from the USA." 8 Mar. Another ceasefire has been agreed from Mar. 8 ('international women's day'), however 5 ceasefire violations are reported overnight and in the morning hours.

More reports (amplified by Russian media) of Poroshenko's erratic behavior with elections approaching.

4 Mar. DPR MoD: A civilian man is killed by UAF shelling of Sakhanka. DPR returned fire, suppressing UAF firing position "with weapons not banned." 2 UAF soldiers reportedly killed, 3 wounded. One DPR soldier is killed and one wounded.

Niura N. Berg in a Russian RIA article: Zelenskii is leading but his upward potential is limited. Poroshenko is gaining (and has unmatched admin resources). Timoshenko is fading. (Recent poll here).

3 Mar. It is said that Ukraine is deploying considerable forces and equipment to an area near Avdeevka, north of Donetsk; serious security deterioration is feared. Some shelling is reported by DPR's JCCC representatives on all the separation line in the evening

2 Mar. Ukrainian forces fired 6 mortar shells on Kominternovo, a residential home (Akhmatova 47 St.) was destroyed.

25 Feb. Car explosion is reported in Makeevka, said to target DPR commander, who is said to survive.

24 Feb. DPR MoD announces new intelligence information on planned Ukrainian provocation targeting 'residential infrastructure'.

23 Feb. 3 DPR soldiers are killed by Ukrainian shelling in the past day (23 Feb. is the traditional Soviet Army day).

Opolchenie war correspondent Mag report for the week of 8-14 Feb. notes  increased warfare by Ukrainian forces, stating that in the past week, 7 DPR soldiers were killed, 4 soldiers and 3 civilians wounded; 15 DPR soldiers killed from 1 Jan. to 14 Feb. DPR ombudsman report: 2 DPR soldiers killed and 3 civilians wounded from 15 to 21 Feb; 17 soldiers killed and 14 people (8 soldiers, 5 civilian men, and a civilian woman) wounded from 1 Jan to 21 Feb.

A civilian car was hit by an explosion at Yelenovka checkpoint, the driver and his mother were killed, another man wounded. In updated report it is said that driver lost control prior to that (and apparently hit a landmine).

21 Feb. Lavrov: Kiev is preparing another provocation in the Kerch straights. Separately, it is reported 1, 2, 3 with photos and official video, that 2 Ukrainian "Gurza" armored boats and one "Centaur" assault boat with Marines on board departed on 20 Feb, said to be 'for training'.

Former Ukrainian Rada deputy Oleg Tsarev: "The first killings on the Maidan were committed by the security service of Klitschko"

17 Feb. Ukrainian 'joint forces' (ATO-2) claim that they discovered and repelled DPR RSG group attack and captured one DPR fighter. Russian sources reported two such similar-sounding claims, 1, 2, expressing doubt that this happened at all, and are those reports describe separate incidents. No photos/videos or further proofs are known to appear in Ukrainian or Russian sources. It is possible that this is propaganda timed with approaching presidential elections in Ukraine. Separately, there has been recent reports of prisoners captured by DPR, some with photos and videos.

16 Feb. JCCC: an elderly woman (1949 DOB) is wounded in Ukrainian shelling of Dokuchaevsk.

15 Feb. DPR ombudsman: in the past week, 7 DPR soldiers were killed, 4 soldiers wounded.

12 Feb. UN meeting on Ukraine, initiated by Russia. It is noted that (obviously) Minsk agreements are not implemented, with Russia blaming Ukraine, and the West + Ukraine blatantly blaming Russia. No apparent breakthroughs.

8 Feb. DPR MOD: 4 DPR soldiers were killed when Ukraine fired illuminating munitions used as incendiary devices, setting fire to a residential house. DPR soldiers were putting out the fire. Ukrainian forces then shelled the area using drone for fire correction, killing 3 soldiers; one more soldier was killed trying to recover the bodies. Also, marked vehicle carrying 'Water of Donbass' crew was shelled with mortars, SPG, large caliber machine guns and firearms; the crew managed to escape.

7 Feb. Water pumping station near Yasinovataya came under fire, with personnel having to take cover in a shelter, when Ukraine fired SPG from Novoselovka-2 in the direction of Vasilevka. Ukrainian representatives at JCCC were unable to ensure ceasefire to evacuate personnel.

6 Feb. DPR- Basurin: UAF intensified shelling, with elections approaching. DPR JCCC representatives: Ukraine resumed shelling of Donetsk, mortar shells fired in the direction of Avdeevka, Spartak (map).

Victor Yanukovich, ex-president of Ukraine, who was sentenced to 13 years in absentia by Ukrainian court under state treason charges, gives a long press conference in Russia. His legal team launched a legal challenge to the events of 2014 ('who is to blame for the loss of Crimea', for the 'military coup', and for the killing of innocent protesters and police on Maidan). Continues to talk about wrongful interference of authorities in church affairs, and approaching elections.

5 Feb. Politico runs a story on Vladimir Zelenskiy who is leading some recent polls for the upcoming presidential elections.


 * [Zelenskiy is] the star of the satirical TV show, “Servant of the People,” in which he plays a rural teacher who ends up getting elected president of Ukraine after an anti-corruption rant goes viral. [...] [Oligarch Ihor] Kolomoyskyi [...] owns 1+1, the popular TV channel that broadcasts Zelenskiy’s show and is rumored to be backing him

4 Feb. Ukrainian ATO participant, call sign 'Oleksa', calls for end of the conflict, resistance to provocations, peace with Russia; published on channel of Alexander Medinsky, who emigrated from Ukraine to Finland. Another ATO participant interviewed earlier, who is also for peace and says that one people in Russia and Ukraine.

3 Feb. DPR MOD claims that Ukrainian army is under instructions to support Poroshenko campaign (hard evidence not presented; response not seen). Ukrainian MoD confirms that 2 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

2 Feb. DPR MOD: in the past day, a DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian shelling, 9 houses in Staromikhilovka are damaged. It is claimed that a western-trained Ukrainian RSG and two sniper pairs arrived to the front lines, possibly for use in provocations near Mariupol.

1 Feb. DPR ombudsman: in the past month, 4 DPR soldiers were killed, 7 people (4 soldiers and 3 civilian men) were wounded. 4733 people were killed according to ombudsman data from the start of the conflict.

31 Jan. Vladimir Zelenskiy is leading in Ukrainian presidential election polls conducted by Ukraine’s Rating Group on Jan. 16-24 and by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology on Jan. 31.

28 Jan. OSCE special representative Martin Sajdik floats a new peace plan, where some things (specifically, the local elections) are run by UN and OSCE on the ground, including 'police and military components'. DPR FM states that it is 'categorically opposed' to the plan, as it does not follow Minsk agreements and does not give DPR enough say in the process.

Arrival of CBRN commission of the HQ of the Ukrainian armed forces grouping "North" to positions of 58 and 30 brigades deployed near Gorlovka causes renewed fears of a chemical provocation or attack

CONIFA announces draw results for 2019 European Football Cup of unrecognized states, including Donetsk, Lugansk, Abhazia, South Osettia, Nagornyi Karabach (12 teams in total).

21 Jan. British instructors started a training course for Ukrainian Navy in Odessa region as part of a British program "Orbital". That program, supposed to deliver 'defensive training' was 'expanded' in 2018 to include anti-armour, counter-sniping and mortar planning.

19 Jan. On the day of the (Christian Orthodox) celebration of Epiphany, Ukrainian forces fired 20 BMP-1 shells and 29 AGS grenades on the village of Zhabichevo, north of Donetsk, and Donetsk airport area. 19 ceasefire violations in the past day in total, 532 munitions fired by Ukraine, including mortars, grenade launchers, tank/BMP guns and large caliber firearms

18 Jan. DPR Ombudsman: in the past week, 2 soldiers were wounded. From the start of the year, 3 soldiers and 3 civilian men were wounded. In 2018, 162 people were killed, including 5 children, 310 were wounded. From the start of the conflict, 4729 people (4114 men, 615 women) were killed, including 81 children.

17 Jan. First contact group meeting of the year in Minsk.

Ukrainian forces fired mortars on Krutaya Balka village, 2 civilian cars were damaged. JCCC representatives showed a photo of one of the cars.

13 Jan. DPR MoD: Ukrainian forces fired small firearms on Zaitsevo, near Gorlovka. Also reporteadly there was a firefight between two Ukrainian brigades, 79 and 80, caused by alcoholic intoxication; one soldier said to be killed.

It is said that an Orthodox church of UOC-Moscow Patriarchate in the village of Krasnovolia, Manevichsky district, Volyn region, Ukraine was seized by supporters of the new Ukrainian Orthodox church (subordinate to Constantinople patriarchate).

12 Jan. Archimandrite Michael (Anischenko) is appointed head of the Stavropigiya in Kiev by the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew (romfea.gr), (fakty.ua).

10 Jan. Donetsk News Agency reports shelling from Ukrainians at Northern Golovka and Yasinovataya with 3 'Water of Donbass' workers arriving to clean snow injured, their vehicle   burned.

5 Jan. Patriarch Bartholomew signed  Tomos (full text) on establishing autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine (ПЦУ), subordinate to the Ecumenical  Patriarch (lit. 'recognizes as its head the Holy Apostolic and Patriarchal Ecumenical Sea". Declares rights of the Ecumenical  Throne to the "Exarchate in Ukraine and sacred Stavropygia").

DPR MoD reports on two failed Ukrainian RSG attempts which resulted in Ukrainian casualties (Rus.)(robo-Eng.).

2 Jan. It is reported that Ukraine is secretly preparing civil lawsuits on ending leases at the two main sites, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and Kremenets-Pochayevsk Reserve, to Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate.

Victor Kovalskii, 81, one of designers of 'Mria' aircraft, is beaten up in Kiev in a mistaken identity incident.

1 Jan. Attempted sabotage of a railway bridge in Donetsk reported, a pile was damaged but the bridge is still standing. Repair crews installed temporary supports.

31 Dec. 11.59 pm on the New Year eve, showman Vladimir Zelenskii announces that he is running for the president of Ukraine.

29 Dec. Russia extended the list of banned agricultural and industrial goods from Ukraine. (Back in 2016, with Ukraine signing the EU association agreement, Russia and Ukraine sanctioned each other).

27 Dec. LPR chips in saying they too discovered Ukrainian attack plans. Meanwhile the contact group tries to have a ceasefire for the Orthodox Xmas, from Dec. 29.

Russell "Texas" Bentley reports from the frontlines and a shop destroyed (Dec. 14) by Ukrainian artillery in the village of Kominternovo.

26 Dec. Martial law in Ukraine ended (this is not too significant as either renewal or imposition at a later date, if so decided, would require Rada vote).

25 Dec. Basurin: intelligence reports on arrival and unloading at Krasnogorovka railway station railcars filled with blue barrels with a potent chemical poisonous substance, chemical provocation feared (Rus.)(robo-Eng). OSCE: six BMP-1 at Krasnogorovka, SMM cameras not operational, repair work at Krasnogorovka gas distribution station. Other repairs nearby. Normally blue color in Russia, Ukraine is for oxygen, chlorine/phosgene are dirty-greenish; but in the report unloading done by military in protective suits. Updates: (1) Red Cross to arrive to Zaitsevo, gov-held; but DPR fears provocations against Red Cross. (2) Donetsk water filtering station lost power, weather blamed. (3) Russia extends economic sanctions on Ukraine

17 Dec. Shelling, quest for provocations continues. DPR MoD updates, Rus. 1, 2, robo-Eng 1, 2. Basurin: ''Ukrainian propaganda even named the exact start date of our offensive - Dec. 24-25, which is not surprising. Poroshenko's plans are absolutely transparent. He needs a reason to extend the martial law ending on Dec. 26 in Ukraine. And he is actively looking for it. It is possible that on Dec. 24-25, UAF themselves will attempt to attack.''
 * Updates. (1) Turchinov to BBC: we are preparing a new passage through the Kerch Strait, and invite OSCE and NATO observers. (2) Russian sources: OSCE restricted report, Dec 6: a small military group arrived to the port of Mariupol, to stay till the end of Dec, to meet several Ukr. Navy ships, to arrive from Odessa Dec. 24 (not in regular OSCE report) (3)MGB DPR: Ukraine has munitions made to look like DPR's "Snezhinka" MLRS; chemical provocation feared, bad foreign visitors of White Helmets ilk alleged. (4)22 Dec, Russian Embassy on UK warship visit to Odessa

15 Dec. Unification congress in Kiev.

10 Dec. Urgent, passionate, and very detailed new appeal by Basurin telling that there is Ukrainian plan of a provocation followed by an attack, aimed to be completed by scheduled for Dec 15 unification meeting of breakaway Ukrainian churches. Requires immediate and sustained attention. (Rus), (robo-eng), (humans' Eng.). Noted: text is pronounced in strong/determined/passionate/straight in the eye manner, unlike regular conferences.
 * Updates. 1.DPR MoD: UAF mined several roads, possibly preparing a provocation targeting public transport. Several carts with chemical protective kits delivered to UAF-guarded location.
 * 2.SBU accused the governor of the main Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the preparation of 'pro-Russian provocations', interrogated him, prior to the approaching 'unification gathering' (Rus)/ (robo-Eng), (SBU-Ukr).
 * (3) 00:10 14 Dec, UAF fired 5 20 mortar shells + AGS, RPG and large caliber machine guns on Shirokino and Sakhanka, 29 AGS shots a day earlier on Gnutovo.
 * (4) Basurin: UAF formed first echelon for an offensive operation, stretching 50 km Vinogradnoe (Mariupol) to Staroignativka (Volnovkha). DPR forces are on high alert.

7 Dec. Regular DPR MOD update provides a detailed account of their available evidence of Ukrainian forces preparations for a provocation or warfare. We discuss similar material on talk page. While we cannot certify provided information, this release requires immediate attention and study. Full robo-translation +video linked.

Unmarked tank convoy in Slovakia said to be headed to Ukraine.

6 Dec. Ukrainian Rada voted to terminate treaty of friendship with Russia (277 for, 20 against, 34 not voted, video), effective Apr.1, 2019, after a draft resolution was introduced by Poroshenko. The treaty included respect of territorial integrity, in particular.

5 Dec. Putin on reasons why he presently does not want to discuss recent crisis with Poroshenko: does not want to take part in his reelection campaign; Poroshenko 'skillfully creates crisis, then blames Russia, then demonstrates how he solves the crisis, pretending it's not him to blame' (video).

Presidential front-runner Yulia Timoshenko is in USA to present herself for photographing at the Atlantic Council meeting and with Kurt Volker (in addition to unworkable video presentations featuring herself over dramatic musical background).

3 Dec. Volunteer: Ukrainian tank company arrived to the port of Mariupol (report and photo).

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)

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).