Ukraine news

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May 2015
19.05 "Kerry Helped Free U.S. 'Spies' Trapped in Ukraine"- bloombergview.com

19.05 LPR-Zolotoe and Katerinovka, near Popasanaia:  UAF troops crossed separation line and came under fire. It is reported that 6 UAF were killed and 6 wounded as a result. Firefight and/or explosions reported in Donetsk airport.

18.05 Two Russian citizens, serving as volunteers with peoples militia of LPR, were wounded and captured by SBU. ID of one of them, recently issued by LPR -peoples militia- was shown (Cassad). LPR militia commander demanded their release. Russian MOD stated confirmed that they were not active service members at the time of their arrest, although had military training; and that they, and Russian special forces veteran association, are "very much hoping" that they will be promptly released. It is hoped they they will be exchanged. Red Cross was allowed (and Nuland approved).
 * An interrogation by Ukrainian side of one of them, Alexandrov appeared on youtube, of a different flavor (stated that his group task was observation/reconnaissance; moving around on a truck-no armored vehicles; believes that he is under a contract).

18.05 Goncharenko, nowadays MP from the faction "Block Poroshenko," introduced draft Rada law on exemption from criminal responsibility of citizens - participants in the events of May 2, 2014 in Odessa. Text of the law was not published. (Here are some Alex Goncharenko photos from 2may.org).

17.05 Police separated pro-Kulikovo and Euromaidan supporters near Kulikovo field in Odessa. It is said that Pro-Kulikovo tried to restore a destroyed memorial to those who died at Kulikovo a year ago. A letter protesting memorial destruction, which happened on 11-12 May 2015 night, is seen on one of Dumskaya photos. Neither side said to gain entry as police and national guard were running exercises there. After verbal exchanges, crowds eventually dispersed (video),(rusvesna report), (Dumskaya report).

16.05 Second conference of 'People's Rada of Bessarabia' took place in Odessa (rusvesna) (112.ua). Among the foreign guests of the event: a political scientist, chairman of the movement "For Peace" Gojko Raichevich (Montenegro), a special representative of the party "Change" on National Minorities Bozena Gavorska, A. (Poland), journalist Ian Rishetsky (Czech Republic). During the conference, the leader of "People's Rada of Bessarabia" Vera Shevchenko presented a draft law on national (from 'nationality', =ethnicity) and cultural autonomy of Bessarabia. "The draft law declares Bessarabia as a single unique multi-ethnic and multicultural region. According to Shevchenko, this document is in compliance  with the constitution of Ukraine, and will be sent to the Rada of Ukraine and the President office.  Vera Shevchenko disappeared after the conference, and it is feared that SBU is to blame; she is followed for about 2 weeks, accused of separatism.
 * Here is a video with Vera making an appeal to release/not harm Dmitrii Zatuliveter-see below.

The first leader of People's Rada, Dmitrii Zatuliveter (video with him here), disappeared earlier and still is out of contact with his followers; he was leading the first meeting, 6 April 2015. Another organizer, Dmitrii Shsisman, disappeared the day before the conference. Bessarabia is bounded from the East by Dniester river--that would be about 40 km west from Odessa; it includes some territory in Ukraine and Moldova (and bordering Romania).

14 May. Ukrainian military do not allow vehicles to cross LPR or DPR border, only travel on foot or bicycle remains possible. Bus service between Donetsk and Mariupol not running. Deinego this is not even an economic blockade, it became physical blockade.

13 May. Gorlovka shelled, presumably 120 mm mortar or 152 mm howitzer,  school and a house was hit  (report, photos)

DPR, LPR sent to Kiev draft constitutional amendments on special status of Donbas 12 May. "Secretary of State John Kerry will travel on May 11 to Sochi, Russia, where he will meet with President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov, and other Russian officials on May 12 to discuss a full range of bilateral and regional issues, including Iran, Syria, and Ukraine. This trip is part of our ongoing effort to maintain direct lines of communication with senior Russian officials and to ensure U.S. views are clearly conveyed"- Press Statement
 * Lavrov-Kerry press conference clip by NTV (Russian). Lavrov: stresses joint position that Minsk agreements must be fulfilled in full (some passing comments that sanctions will be than lifted). Kerry: Poroshenko words on retaking airport are counterproductive, may undermine Minsk.

9 May. Celebrations in Donetsk, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, ... .

2 May. TASS photos-Odessa 2.5.14

2-3 May. UAF shelled Donetsk, and attacked Shirokino at the same time with 1.5 thousands infantry, using D30 howitzers, 152 mm mortars. Three streets sustained serious damage in the attack. Despite large numerical superiority, the attack failed. (rusvesna)

April 2015
29.4 "Kievan peoples republic" activists are said to be arrested by SBU (announced on SBU site); distributed pro-separatist materials over internet. 'Surrealism': -rusvesna 28.4 Big forest fire near Chernobyl. Some illegal settlers from exclusion zone were evacuated. Officially 400 hectares. Greenpeace (Russian branch) estimate is 10,000 hectares. Wind goes North, may turn West; may affect Belorussia map 27.4 Russia appoints Azamat Kul'muhametov as a new contact group special representative for Ukraine. In 2011-2014 he was leading Russian diplomatic mission in Syria. 25.4 Basurin-DPR: Humanitarian aid convoy of the "Novorossia" foundation was shot up at a checkpoint by Ukraine. It is unclear how it ended up there, investigation is launched.

Zakharchenko interview to Spiegel: not all heavy weapons were withdrawn, some returned back to answer continued shelling by Ukraine.

21.4 Peskov answers John Tefft on US joining negotiation process, - stresses the need to pressure Kiev to follow Minsk agreements.

OSCE reports renewed fighting in Donetsk Airport and Shirokino TASS.

It is reported in press that up to 70 soldiers from a private US military company Academi are moved to Volnovakha -TASS-English, Russian.

19.4 Zakharchenko interview. Says none of the items of Minsk agreement are fulfilled by Ukraine. He would prefer political methods to save lives, but dialogue with Kiev is not there. Discusses economic recovery. 17.4 US Army Brigade arrives in Ukraine for Fearless Guardian -Ambassador
 * "Putin's nightmare", Radio Liberty

On 20 April, American instructors were expected to start training Ukrainian Army (British went their earlier ).
 * George Fridman, -Stratfor: (the goal of the American policy for the last 100 years is to prevent the union on Russia and Germany ... Europe is a (small) continent (EU is roast) ...Russia will disintegrate by 2020... when Russians are hungrier they fight better... )

16.4 Journalis Oles'Buzina killed in Kiev; there were eyewitnesses. Gave an interview 2 days prior to this. Supported good relations with Russia. Oleg Kalashnikov, pro-Russia party of regions deputy, killed on 15. 4; his brother died in a car crash a day earlier. Olga Moroz, a journal editor, from Khmelnitskii region of Ukraine, killed
 * "Once you realize that Ukrainian - it's just a Russian, --- there is some holy grace descending on youI will not be afraid be afraid of the word, . You calm down and bear your cross. That's all ... "- Oles Buzina.
 * Reactions: in Kiev;
 * in Moscow;
 * Sharii comment (blames Ukraine, describes congratulatory comments seen on pro government site);
 * elsewhere: TASS (English) Russian Embassy in London, Bryan MacDonald from Ireland.

14.4 Normandy format FM meeting ended after 4 hours; importance of full compliance with Minsk agreement was stressed including the political part. It is reported that peacekeepers requested by Ukraine were discussed as well, but not agreed (peacekeepers were not agreed in Minsk). Opolchenie is opposed to peacekeepers, in part because of the border control issues (also no common position on who those peacekeepers may be).

Rusvesna Many violations of ceasfire by UAF. Donetsk suburbs, Peski, Spartak, Oktiabrskii settlement are the flashpoints. Ukrainian shelled Peski and the airport, opolchenie returned fire. Mortars and 'light armaments' were used. Occasional reports of  artillery, self-propelled artillery,   tanks used, so far not in a sustained manner, more like reconnaissance by fire. (Earlier reports suggest there was a clash between regular UAF and territorial battalions at Peski, with UAF intending to have Peski surrounded; it seems that in the end this did not happen). Mariupol suburbs were shelled, cannonade and fire between Vinogradnoe and further towards Shirokino, Primorskoe, Pionerskoe. Some opolchenie casualties reported.

7.4 Opolchenie: Ukraine keeps 1378 pro-DPR prisoners, cannot release them as their no amnesty law. Exchange being negotiated.

6.4 Mozgovoi talks with residents about resuming farming, producing food locally and not counting on humanitarian aid-- starting ASAP and not counting for much external help. Also about repairing buildings, themselves.

6.4 It is reported, quoting Putin meeting with Russian industrialists and entrepreneurs, that Poroshenko suggested to Putin to annex Donbas ('take into Russia'); with a response that Poroshenko must have gone mad suggesting this; if Ukraine does not need Donbas, should make it independent; pay the bills in the meantime. Forbes.ru, 6.4.15

4.4. Donetsk Airport reported to be under Ukrainian fire (again)--russvesna. Ukraine shells DPR positions 27 times in one day -russvesna, 4.4.15

Ex-Aidar commander and Rada deputy Melnichuk: families of volunteers, and of those drafted away from their place of residence, will not be compensated.

Workers at an airplane factory in Khrakov started a protest, unpaid for 8 months.

Tsarev: Kolomoiskii battalions fighters do not receive their salary for the second month, may end up making their inquiries on a tank top. Also states that after meeting Geoffrey Pyatt, Kolomoiskii was required to cease control of the battalions to the state. In the meantime, Zakharchenko is playing nicer and offered Kolomoiskii to create DRK, "Dnepropetrovsk Republic of Kolomoiskii", as a de-factor master anyway.
 * (reported to be in USA -russvesna)

2.4. 15 Azov battalion flies the US flag in Shirokino

2.4.15 Further to the war of oligarchs and Kolomoiskii resignation, many other leaders in Dnepropetrovsk were replaced- Filatov laments

1.4. 15 A warning, and than a big explosion in Kharkov reported

March 2015
31.3 Shirokino controlled by opolchenie--quoting OSCE. No significant change --Cassad

28.03 Opoolchenie in Shirokino report frequent shelling which stops only when OSCE mission arrives. They also report that a [new modern tank is apparently used by Ukraine. It has powerful gun, and also very quickly targets them, without spotters or drones seen. Opolchenie claims it is foreign tank, believed to be South Korean 'black panther', advanced/prototype design. They say they suspect it's 'black panther' based on brief news reports by Ukraine   and intercepts of Ukrainian communications, as well as unusual battle performance.

20.03 Reports say that NATO planes continue to deliver weapons/'non-lethal aid' to Ukraine. It is said that in Dnepopetrovsk, 4 planes land daily. Currently said to deliver armed Humvees. The article argues they may be used to launch a quick surprise attack on an area freed from heavy weapons.

19.03 Unknowns shot at Givi car in Makeevka; he jumped out of the car and reurned fire. Not injured, the car was hit 12 times. Rusvesna report, video=English subs

18.03 Warning on UAF provocation in Stanitsa Luganskaia. Dressed up in DPR uniform, fired on a bridge and set a building on fire. Filming crews in tow with them  Cassad

17.03 Zakharchenko and Plotnsiskii are saying that Kiev torpedoed Minsk 2 agreement by modifying special status law and requiring new elections first. Those measures were not discussed or agreed with them. They say that Kiev aims at destroying them by economic blockade and violence, and that until they got special status they cannot negotiate with Kiev  (Vesti),  Zakharchenko goes further to say that they may have to liberate the rest of the region which supported self-rule in a  referendum, and negotiate with Kiev as equal partners thereafter (Cassad).

Rada consideres parts of Donbas 'temporary occupied (motion 2396, with 280 deputies in favor). This is in addition to special status law, heavily criticized by DPR/LPR and Russia as not following Minsk 2 agreements.

16.03 About 10 Ukrainian tanks, some with "DPR" insignia painted, attacked DPR positions at Shirokino

Donetsk briefly shelled from heavy artillery. Also Spartak, a place near Donetsk, was attacked by UAF

Riots against UAF in Ukrainian-held Konstantinovka, after a woman was hit by UAF armored vehicle. More photos, videos, also here on Cassad. UAF barracks surrounded, crowd attempted to set it on fire. Ukraine brings troops, national guard and infantry.

12.03 OSCE: mass withdrawal of military equipment from contact line in east Ukraine. Ukraine starts military exercises near the separation line. DPR announced military exercises as well, said to be outside of 50 km zone from the separation line.

11.03 Poroshenko thanked for additional "non-lethal" U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, particularly drones, radios, counter-mortar radars, night vision devices and other equipment worth $75 million, as well as 230 Humvees.

New US sanctions announced -(Dugin, Gubareva sanctioned in particular).

Video/text: UAF shells Shirokino, --soldiers comments show that they enjoy that a civilian house is destroyed, anticipate they can do some marauding.

Ukraine artillery shelled LPR town Zolotoe and coalmine "Pervomaiskoe"

09.03 Fighting reported in Shirokino near Mariupol -rusvesna quoting Semchenko, ex-combat of Donbas.

08.03 Ukraine reported that withdrawal of heavy weapons, including Uragan, was completed. Later Basurin raised doubts saying that heavy weapons are moved by just 20-30 km and this can be undone in a couple of hours time.

Mozgovoi wounded (shrapnel wounds to head) by MON 50 mine or IED blast hitting his car, near checkpoint at Mikhailovka. His condition is described as "satisfactory". He is quoted saying that he "will live". Provocation by National guard, possibly dressed in opolchenie or Russian army uniforms was suggested/blames/hinted. He already gave an interview himself addressing the matter, looking quite OK. Talked mostly about building Novorossia. Said to "forgive" (which sounded a bit like ignore) the perpetrators.

03.03 Opolchenie reported that Donetsk airport area was shelled by Ukraine. OSCE report give details of shelling by Grad and artillery or mortars; also notes that there was small arms fire fire coming from the North West

Poroshenko decree creates constitutional committee. (In Russia, it is hoped that constitutional reform will give some autonomy to Donbas)

LPR completed withdrawal of heavy weapons

DPR completed as well.

It is hoped that Ukraine will complete withdrawal of heavy weapons by March 7.

02.03 Kiev recalled its Ambassador from Moscow for consultations

According to rusvesna, there is an agreement for the whole Ukrainian government to resign (hryvna collapse is blamed)

February,2015
27.02 Zakharchenko question-answers session -English captions. Economic matters-economic blockade by Ukraine, Minsk agreement-political part will take Ukraine a long time to implement, etc. Once again confirms that water to Mariupol is supplied by Ukraine. 26.02 Zakharchenko gives an "ultimatum": if by 18:00 on 27.02 Ukraine will not start moving heavy weapons, DPR will move its heavy weapons back. Currently according to Zakharchenko DPR moved 90% of heavy equipment.
 * Neither side is willing to provide information on where heavy equipment is moved to. OSCE, 24.02:The Ukrainian CoS said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would not initiate weapons withdrawal until a comprehensive 48-hour ceasefire had been observed along the line of contact, as foreseen by the Minsk agreements of September 2014. In the meantime, none of the signatories to the package of measures had provided the baseline information requested by the Chief Monitor that would enable the SMM to monitor and verify that all weapons had been withdrawn.

Near settlement Vodianoe, controlled by UAF, DPR fighters discovered 4 MLRS "Smerch" and one "Uragan". According to Basurin, after the discovery UAF announced that the terriotry is not controlled by them, and MLRS belongs to a "third side".

Columns of UAF heavy equipment spotted in Odessa, including S 300 anti-aircraft batteries

As if before Minsk 2, firefights in Peski reported, and Ukraine shells airport and Donetsk using artillery- (jccc report-rusvesna)

Gorlovka shelled overnight by "illegal pro-Kiev Ukrainian armed formations" from mortars and artillery; 2-3 salvos said to occur daily.

25.02 Poroshenko shopping for weapons in UAE (photos), said to be tens of millions $ in weapons purchase contracts

Evgenii Deidei, commander of Kiev 1 "punishers" battalion of MoI, Ukraine  disappeared near Marinka with 2 other fighters, their burned car was found near Marinka, nobody inside.

24.02 UK will start a "joint infantry program" with Ukraine, to improve durability of its forces. Guardian-David Cameron’s evidence to the Commons liaison committee: "We are not at the stage of supplying lethal equipment. We have announced a whole series of non-lethal equipment, night-vision goggles, body armour, which we have already said that we will give to Ukraine. Over the course of the next month we are going to be deploying British service personnel to provide advice and a range of training, from tactical intelligence to logistics to medical care, which is something else they have asked for. We will also be developing an infantry training programme with Ukraine to improve the durability of their forces. This will involve a number of British service personnel, they will be away from the area of conflict but I think this is the sort of thing we should be helping with". "Up to 75 personnel will begin to deploy to Ukraine from next month as part of the training mission, the Ministry of Defence said. There will be four separate areas covered by the deployment - medical, intelligence, logistics and infantry training. Personnel involved in the training elements could spend one or two months in Ukraine, with a command and control deployment lasting up to six months".
 * Assisting with peace is not part of that mission.
 * Earlier, Cameron said "Russia must be in no doubt that any attempts by the separatists to expand their territory — whether towards Mariupol or elsewhere — will be met with further significant EU and U.S. sanctions," 23.02.15

Asked during U.S. congressional testimony if Russia was lying when it says it has no troops or equipment in Ukraine, Kerry replied: "Yes." Reuters.
 * Details/evidence of "lying" was not presented. -That was budget hearing

23.02 Zakharchenko back from hospital, gives a press conference. Considers peacekeeper and weapons requests by Poroshenko a de-facto admission of defeat. Says that DPR started pulling out heavy weapons, to show goodwill; while Ukraine moving weapons towards Donbas, from Kharkov, Zaporozhie, Dnepropetrovsk. Fears that Ukraine, after arranging some provocation, will abandon Minsk agreements, and restart hostilities; that may occur by the end of March-early April, when back roads will become passable. Says that US already sends weapons, captured items include small firearms (he has a trophy M4 himself), counter-battery radars; radiointerference equipment, ammunition (including 155 mm shells).

Poroshenko makes a tour for visiting dignitaries to show some equipment and documents; twitters that this is proof of Russian aggression in Ukraine. (One of ID tags said to be not use for 11 years; passports not too hard to acquire and too few to have much meaning, even if this is genuine. Equipment included a widely used, in particular by both sides in the conflict, T 72 tank and a Grad launcher; Shmel flamethrower (not really new and in use by a number of post Soviet Union states including Ukraine); a drone -which would be nonlethal, and a firearm,  Dragunov sniper rifle, good one but introduced in 1963 and quite widespread. This shows that Poroshenko continues to misrepresent  a civil war as Russian aggression; and continues to ignore or label as terrorists the other side in that war, appealing to foreigners instead and asking them for weapons. This is very dangerous and irresponsible path where foreign involvement claims may end up becoming self-fulfilling. He could stop that war by directly negotiating with the other side, which he persistently refused to do throughout the conflict. 22.02 Kharkov . An explosion occurred during a pro-Ukrainian march in Khrakov, 2 or 3 peeople said to be killed (BBC). Right after that, 4 people were arrested by SBU, and an ATO regime was established in Khrakov, according (rusvesna, quoting Turchinov). Lubkivskyi announced suspects arrest, apparently at 4:45 AM Pacific Time, 14:45 in Kharkov. Details that 4 were arrested and a "grenade- launcher" found appeared on korrespondent.net by 15:58, before dark. An after -dark video showing "arrest" of several suspects, and a "discovery" of "Shmel flamethrower (or RPG 22)
 * Philip Ekoziants reads a message from Khrarkov partisans: explosion was not done by them, they will not target civilians no matter what political beliefs they have. Partisans blame Avakov for organizing this, in order to introduce ATO in Khrarkov. "Dear residents of Kharkov ! A year ago, the power in Ukraine was taken by moral deviants, sadists and killers. In order to achieve their goals, they sacrifice common folks, the Ukrainian people. We are just a small change in their horrible game. But we will win!"-that was an urgent message from Kharkov partisans --Philip Ekoziants.

"Armed Research" Kharkiv Bombing Raises Questions on Ukrainian SBU's Credibility offers a detailed analysis of the different claims, video evidence, and suspicious arrest video of supposed Russian agents, who say their next task was to be an RPG attack on a shopping center in Odessa, with a launcher provided by the Russians, safely confiscated now.


 * OSCE spot report. They were watching the march, they watch as many marches as they can, on Kiev side anyway. 100 meters away, they heard it, and got ehre in a few minutes. 2 dead right away, one died later, including one policeman. The blast was near the head of the line, injured several Kharkiv policemen, didn't damage any buildings. They hear the bomb was inside a plastic bag and is being called terrorism. There were no craters or directions to study, and no explicit blame.

Shelling of Donetsk still continues, despite the ceasefire. Many incidents reported, heavy MLRS (Uragan) said to be used. It is said that Ukraine still tries to take back the Airport (despite that going against Minsk agreements, and having no rational reason behind)

Gorlovka was also shelled Report blames territorial battalions (as well as the National guard), which are not under control of MoD. OSCE reports Feb. 3 on shelling against Lugansk, January 27, that hit a 1.5 sq km area of the city with munitions including cluster bombs. Only one man was killed, another person died of heart attack, two serious injuries. Fire came from the north-northwest. No explicit blame.

Maidan commemorations and interviews
 * March of Dignity in Kiev. Foreign dignitaries including Baltic republics, Georgia, Moldova, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, EU (BH Levy also there). Talk about Russian aggression heard from presenter--blamed for Maidan as well as Donbas warfare.


 * On the previous day, Poroshenko gave a commemorating speech ; was separated from people (going against Maidan spirit despite claiming otherwise), well guarded, and booed on his way (video)  „Ганьба!" (ukr)  = (shame!). In the meantime, Nalivaichenko blamed Surkov for being in charge of Maidan snipers (Surkov expertise is political  technologies; he also has some experience as writer, director, and actor; soft power advisor to Putin; in attendance of Minsk 2 meeting. No experience with special operations though).


 * Former Ukrainian prime minister Nikolai Azarov gave an interview to Russian NTV, claimed that change of power a year ago was foreign -scripted. Claims that when signing of association agreement with the EU was delayed, reasons were explained, but there was a lot of Western pressure on his government, including perceived veiled threats (was told that in that case it will be signed by a different government).   In an earlier interview, November 2013,  he did try to  explain why EU association agreement was problematic (insufficient funding commitment by IMF coupled with severe austerity measures pressed; and undermining trade with Russia, the largest partner).  After the coup a year ago, Azarov escaped to Austria. He was subsequently included in the Western sanctions; moved to Russia prior to that. Currently, he is on Ukraine and Interpol  wanted list (as well as Yanukovich). His arrest in  absentia was ordered by a court in Kiev on  20.01.2015.

21.02 Prisoner exchange took place, 35 prisoners on DPR side for 37 on Kiev side. One Ukrainian prisoner refused to be exchanged and stayed on DPR territory. More exchanges planned.
 * Final prisoners swap count for today: Novorossia released 139 prisoners (over hundred from Debaltsvo; 5 kiborgs). Kiev released 52 "separatists" ; it is said that as previously, only about 50% of released are soldiers, others are randomly held civilians; many of those released were in poor condition and there were signs of ill treatment and torture.

20.02 Control on heavy weapons withdrawal was agreed. UAF forces Kiev forces and Donbas leadership seek to withdraw weapons from the contact line as soon as possible, Russia's envoy at Joint Center for Ceasefire Control and Coordination says. Joint groups consist of representatives of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russia’s Armed Forces and also the representatives of Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics in the joint center for ceasefire control and coordination (jccc)

Situation in Debaltsevo stabilized, almost no firefights; it is said that UAF withdraw.

19.02 Donetsk shelled overnight from 3 directions by Ukraine, using MLRS, mortars, artillery, firearms. There are wounded civilians. Not something which should be happening during ceasefire. Opolchenie considers revenge for Debaltsevo as the motive. (rusvesna).

Gazprom started direct deliveries of gas to Novorossia. The day before, Ukrainian Naftogaz stopped their gas deliveries to Novorossia, blaming damage to pipeline infrastructure as a result of warfare. According to LPR/DPR, only gas vents on Ukrainian side are irreversibly damaged (irony indicating sabotage suspicion). Gazprom presented direct deliveries as fulfilling the contract with Ukraine. That likely means that they may reduce gas deliveries to the rest of Ukraine, in effect billing Ukraine for the direct deliveries.
 * Naftogas refused to pay for deliveries made by Gazprom to Donbas. Putin says Gazprom breached no contract terms with gas supplies to east Ukraine (TASS-English), calls stoppiang gas deliveries "smelling of genocide" ;  calls for Ukraine to decide and  bear  responsibility or openly give up on Donbas.

Zakharchenko: Debaltsevo mp-up is finished. Alexander Afendikov is appointed new mayor of Debaltsevo; reconstruction work will start at once. 18.02 Withdrawal of heavy weapons began. Photos show opolchenie moving MLRS, artillery from Elenovka, Telmanovo.

Up to 40 armored vehicles managed to break throw (exact number disputed), while many vehicles were destroyed and soldiers killed in a nighttime escape attempt. According to Poroshenko, "80 % " of soldiers managed to leave the cauldron; this is probably a gross exaggeration. Dragon-first count gives 6 tanks, 28 BMP/BTR/MTLB, 5 BRDM, one Grad, 5 self-propelled artillery escaping; with an estimate that true number may be up to 25% higher. This would be an infantry battalion and few extra companies; while details are a bit sketchy, considerably more was supposed to be there initially.

Unusually, a NYT report about escape attempts, not fully negative on opolchenie.

153 soldiers Ukrainian, including 12 officers, surrendered (rusvesna)

There was a big tank battle in the night of 18.02 near Debaltsevo, lots of tanks destroyed (photo, video)

17.02 Most of Debaltsevo controlled by opolchenie. UAF said to receive orders to exit in small groups on their own, destroy weapons. Many taken prisoners (report). But there are also reports on Ukrainian rearguards opening fire on their own, to prevent surrendering.

Putin in RT interview, in answering question on possible US weapons deliveries to Ukraine: foreign weapons are already being delivered to Ukraine. However that will not change the situation, since Ukrainian military does not want to participate in fratricidal war, while opolchenie is highly motivated to  protect their families.

Zakharchenko was at Debaltsevo, got lightly wounded (ankle), now at the hospital and doing alright.

Heavy weapons pull-out have not started yet, due to continued fighting in isolated areas

16.02 DPR raised issues with heavy weapons withdrawal from the airport, which is too close to the city of Donetsk; withdrawing heavy weapons from the airport will open up the city. Also, cannot withdraw where it can open the cauldron. Need ceasefire to hold and simultaneous moves by Ukraine and DPR for heavy weapons withdrawal to happen

Canada has plans to send military instructors -rusvesna quoting Global News

15.02 In Debaltsevo, NAF seized 4 Ukrainian Grad launchers and large quantities of Grad munitions Basurin at 2:01. All were moved away from the city.

Novorossia evening report notes that Ukraine is using ceasefire to reinforce troops trying to break cauldron at Debaltsevo, and positions nearby Donetsk and Luhansk. 16 violations of the ceasefire listed, not just at Debaltsevo. Some violations include heavy weapons use -artillery, tank fire.

The Normandy Four discussed implementation of the ceasefire on the phone; a lot was about Debaltsevo. Also OSCE role was discussed -TASS

OSCE briefing: in the past 12 hours, ceasefire mostly observed -TASS. According to Basurin, ceasefire mostly observed with some violations by UAF at Debaltsevo.

14.02 Both sides gave ceasefire orders. It is said to be getting mostly quiet in Donetsk and Debaltsevo at night past ceasefire deadline (rusvesna). However later reports tell about fire by UAF in Gorlovka, Enakievo, and Donetsk Airport (rusvesna). Report on Cassad say that fire started in Debaltsevo. Opolchenie responds to fire.

Massive random shelling of Donetsk reported. Fighting rages in Mar'inka nearby. Donetsk shelling by Ukraine goes past the midnight deadline; said to calm down some 7 minutes after that (rusvesna)

13.02 In the morning, UAF ammunition storage was destroyed in Debaltsevo, with dramatic photos emerging. In the evening, LPR entered Debaltsevo- Life News video report. Intensive fighting continues, casualties on both sides. An opolchenie member is telling that they will not stop until Debaltsevo is mopped up; that may go past ceasefire deadline. Four attempts by UAF to break the siege at Logvinovo, all of them failed. Heavy shelling of opolchenie positions near Mariupol from heavy weapons. For the day, UAF lost 4 tanks, 15 BMP/BTR, up to 100 killed in total Basurin, DPR. Donetsk, Gorlovka were shelled, 2 civilians killed and 8 wounded in Donetsk. In Gorlovka, 2 civilians killed, 1 wounded.

12.02 Ukraine throws reserves, said to be up to 3 battalion groups and 40 tanks, to retake Logvinovo. Opolchenie controls hills overlooking the area and so can inflict a lot of damage with artillery. From military perspective, Ukrainian attack is essentially suicidal, and taken for (wrongly interpreted) political and reputation reasons. First attack was repelled at a closed range near the village; the last two tanks were destroyed about a 100 meters from opolchenie positions (if a tank reaches trenches, its machine gun can kill those in the trench, otherwise chances are not very high). Second attack was repelled by NAF tanks counter-attacking; advancing UAF infantry had high losses. After this, fighting became an artillery duel (opolchenie member Shurygin battle account). According to evening report by Basurin (DPR), UAF lost 127 killed,   200 wounded,   7 tanks, 11 BMP and BTR. Further 42 UAF were killed in  night battles. Elsewhere, intense shelling of Lugansk from Grads, at least 4 civilians killed and 7 wounded. 3 children killed in Gorlovka. There is a word that plans of a "black night" for Novorossia was discussed on Ukrainian sites (severe shelling of Novorossia cities from all weapons), before the ceasefire deadline. That discussion was than deleted by Ukrainian sites administrators (noted at the end of Shurygin report)

Heavy clashes in Logvinovo (closing of Debaltsevo cauldron). Ukraine uses all weapons, including "Pions" and heavy MLRS; says Logvinovo it is retaken; NAF says they still control it. Video appears to show NAF is still in control in Logvinovo.

Putin and Poroshenko could not agree on whether there is cauldron at Debaltsevo, according to Putin press conference statement. So now many attacks may happen to figure this out. (Putin called for calm to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. But reports from Debaltsevo appear to show different actual development).

Novorossia intelligence warned about a possible provocation against civilians in Stanitsa Luganskaia, to disrupt Minsk agreements.

11-12.02 at night, Luhansk was shelled with Smerch MLRS. Video shows un-exploded missile removal; OSCE on the scene

10.02 US President calls Russian President (WH readout) (Kremlin readout) and President of Ukraine (WH readout) (President of Ukraine readout)

Russia's OSCE representative Andrei Kelin confirmed that a demilitarized zone in Eastern Ukraine is discussed (extending Minsk, where only heavy weapons were supposed to be moved). It will be either totally free from weapons and controlled by police, or personal firearms allowed. No definite decision yet.

09.02 Village of Logvinovo taken by NAF. This fully closes the cauldron at Debaltsevo. NAF entered parts of Debaltsevo, took the railway sorting station.

08.02 Turchinov reviewed new military equipment given to UAF. That included BTR 80 and Ukrainian BTR Spartan armed with rockets "Stugna" and 12 mm machine gun. Turchinov said that new equipment is needed to stop aggressor ("Russian terrorist group") and liberate ceased territory.

Respected Cossack commander "Plastun", said to be now in charge of "Batman" RSG gave an audio interview. UAF at Debaltsevo is in cauldron; there are two escape points still not closed but they are controlled by NAF artillery. A ceasefire was agreed with UAF to evacuate civilians, however UAF broke it and shelled NAF positions with Uragan; NAF had casualties. In response to question that ceasefire may be asked to evacuate foreign equipment, Plastun stated that UAF use "a  lot" of foreign made weapons, and "yesterday, we were even shelled from Apache helicopter, operated by highly professional crew". (Apache is US made, and operated by some Asian and Middle Eastern countries in addition to NATO). There is no visual confirmation, just the verbal claim of Plastun.

Redkodub taken by NAF. A big column of UAF military equipment is moving from Dnepopetrovsk to Donetsk (Basurin)

07.02 "President Petro Poroshenko has held trilateral negotiations with Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden.The parties have discussed the development of negotiations on the peaceful resolution in the Ukrainian Donbas in the context of joint proposals on the fulfillment of the Minsk agreements elaborated in the course of the meeting between President Poroshenko, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande in Kyiv. President Poroshenko, Chancellor Merkel and Vice President Biden have coordinated future steps and emphasized the need for immediate ceasefire and continuation of dialogue on the implementation of all items of the Minsk agreements. The interlocutors have underlined the necessity of compliance with joint transatlantic position on the situation in Ukraine"- (Poroshenko web site).

06.02 Debaltsevo evacuation "disrupted" by Ukraine, civilians not notified, only 40 showed up to board buses to Donetsk. Some shelling still occurred despite agreed ceasefire. 3 civilians were wounded in Chernukhino. Ukrainian news give brighter picture; but people interviewed appear confused where they are going, and not aware there have a choice. (Donetsk is often shelled, this may be a practical consideration; but none of that is discussed in interviews). Another report on evacuations from Debaltsevo. Ukraine is said to evacuate 296 people from Debaltsevo in one day,  05-06.02 (including 30 wounded, 2 children)

Humanitarian corridor in Debaltsevo agreed starting at 9 am. In Chernukhino, it is reported that UAF is not allowing civilians to leave (mines roads, said to pour gasoline into water wells to make them not usable). Lots of shelling on the previous day throughout Novorossia; nother UAF plane is reportedly shot down. Heavy shelling of Starobeshevo at night, UAF attack in that direction feared.

05.02 Opolchenie tanks defeated Ukrainian fortified position at Debaltsevo. Earlier, Ukraine, OSCE, UN proposed a local ceasefire to evacuate civilians at Debaltsevo (dire civilian situation at Chernukino and Gorlovka not mentioned); while opolchenie proposed a different ceasefire plan. An agreement was not reached. Opolchenie warned about a planned provocation against civilians at Debaltsevo, which they learned from interrogation of UAF prisoner.

Hollande, Merkel will travel to Kiev  with a new peace solution proposal; on 06.02 they will visit Putin. Hollande stated that NATO membership for Ukraine is not desirable, and sale of weapons not planned (TASS)

Kerry visited Kiev today (report, video). Russia is blamed; so far, weapon sales not announced.

03.02.15 Opolchenie entered Debaltsevo from the West. Fighting continues in Chernukhino for the 4 day; many civilian casualties feared; the number can increase if there is no rescue operation as many are injured. Civilian convoy trying to escape Chernukhino was fired on from BTR and small arms fire; 5 civilians killed, the rest had to turn back.

Basurin shows NATO -type shells used by Ukraine in Gorlovka, 155 mm from M109 A1 (US made;-- Switzerland and Middle Eastern states are known as current operators), and a 75 mm MLRS missile fragment. Both shells are not in use by Ukraine or Russia. video

Gorlovka was shelled from heavy MLRS (Uragan). New 2 meter deep craters appeared. Donetsk shelled with Smerch.

02.02.2015.opolchenie map (also File:MapDragon010215.jpg ) (1): Ukrainian Tochka U downed.

01.02.15 opolchenie map. (1): Nikishino  taken by NAF ;  (9): Uglegorsk fully controlled by NAF.

Mobilization planned by Novorossia in some 10 days, up to 100 thousand may be called for duty (Cassad)
 * Strelkov applied to be mobilized based on wife's Donetsk residency, listing military skills.

Opolchenie repeats that they are ready for a ceasefire, based on the actual front line. Ukraine insists on the line from 19 September memorandum. (That line was never implemented-Airport has to go to Novorossia, for example, and shelling of cities did not stop.)

Minsk Agreements
17-19.03 Russia called for a UNSC closed door meeting to discuss Ukraine breaking Minsk 2 agreements. Later Lavrov criticized the US position, and indicated further diplomatic moves and planned meetings in in Normandy format 16.03 Special status law requires elections based on laws of Ukraine prior to such special status. LPR/DPR were not consulted about this (although that is required in Minsk 2 agreements). With leaders of LPR/DPR and Soviets recently elected already, another elections will be problematic. There were no local elections though, may be local elections can be arranged in a way acceptable to both sides.

14.03 Poroshenko introduced special status law for Rada consideration -TASS quoting Rada site.

13.03 Zakharchenko and Plotniskii write to Hollande and Merkel about Ukraine not fulfilling its obligations: not following schedule on heavy weapons withdrawal; (most importantly) Rada has not started discussing special status for Donetsk, Lugansk regions--that work is supposed to finish by 14 March; continued economic blockade.

27.02 UNSC meeting on Ukraine started with OSCE report, highlighting state of affairs and challenges OSCE faces. Overall partial calming of warfare in the past several days noted. Neither side was willing to provide details of heavy weapons they posses, or their exact destination after proposed withdrawal. Technology (e.g. satellite), experts, and procedures need to be upgraded for OSCE to fulfill its required mission (video of OSCE presentation in Russian translation is here, other languages not found at this time)
 * abc news report dailystar SBS
 * Churkin gives a brief account of the UNSC closed door meeting TASS-English

24.02 FM meeting in Normandy format ended in Paris; heavy weapons withdrawal, verification, Debaltsevo were discussed, nothing new signed. Germany has concerns with implementation.

19.02 Poroshenko has held a phone conversation in the Normandy format, told them "not to pretend that the events in Debaltseve meet the Minsk agreements". He has also urged to elaborate clear guarantees for the possible attempts of violating the given agreements in the future. (Debaltsevo situation was known in Minsk--indeed he should not be pretending).

18.02 Poroshenko plans to ask for UN peacekeepers

17.02 UN SC unanimously approved a resolution supporting Minsk agreements. (Yet, testy rhetoric noted by Churkin)

14.02 Russia introduced UN SC resolution approving Minsk agreements of February 12. So far, English speaking world, UK and USA, did not clearly expressed their positions, and it may give an indication. So far, it was along the lines that Russia has to deliver, and may be further sanctioned otherwise, while Ukraine has nothing to deliver, and will not be sanctioned for failures. Russian officials called for a change of such approach, taking a position that the conflict is internally Ukrainian and Russia is not a participant (example). While Russian media are making presentations indicating that it is the USA who is a participant, in Kiev overlord capacity (example).

12.02 Two documents were agreed: 10.02 Contact Group agrees (a plan of)  heavy troops withdrawal, ceasefire regime -TASS
 * on measures on implementing Minsk protocol (English language PDF here). Ceasefire starting on February 15; separation of heavy weapons (from actual line for Ukraine, and from September 19 line for Novorossia; this enlarges separation), starting in 2 days from ceasefire, finishing in 14 days. All for all prisoners exchange, to finish in 5 days from separation begins. Time limits are given for all major steps. Return of border control to Ukraine is agreed to occur after local elections and constitutional reform (taking interests of breakaway regions into account)
 * declaration of support of Ukrainian peace settlement. This includes support and control of implementation.
 * It may be the case that sides do not make binding obligations, but approve and support listed measures (language is a bit vague, if something is broken later, or sides do not agree whether later vague steps actually occurred, not clear exactly what will follow)

Plotniskii, Zakharchenko press statement (English subs)

Still no direct contact between official Kiev and Novorossia. -(Mentioned by Putin in his press statement as one of the reasons negotiations took so long, had to go back and forth with Trilateral Group).

08.02 After telephone conference today, it is said that Normandy four to meet in Minsk on 11.02 if some positions will be resolved prior to that. Details of positions not explained. (Lukashenko talked to both Putin and Poroshenko about this and is happy and keen for them to come to Minsk)

06.02 Hollande-Merkel-Putin talks are finished in Moscow, it is said that a Normandy format document is being prepared based on meetings in Kiev and Moscow. Phone conference call in Normandy format expected on Sunday. (--Putin spokesman Peskov, TASS).) Putin off to Sochi, meets Lukashenko and rests; Hollande and Merkel also departing Moscow.

Petro Poroshenko, Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande insist on the immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Donbas

Plotniskii and Zakharchenko press conference -explains Republics position why it is not their fault that latest Minsk meeting did not succeed (English subs).

Victor Baloga, Governor of trans-Carpathian region of Ukraine, proposes a referendum on whether to continue war or separate from the rebel regions. Gennady Korban, assistant Governor, Dnepropetrovsk, proposes to choose between war and an agreement.

Chronicle: Sources
TASS Chronicle-link to daily updates, (Russian),  TASS  - Ukraine (English) (easiest to search).

Rusvesna-news (Russian),   rusvesna (English). ---  Opolchenie version of events.

TSN (Ukraine) (Ukrainian or Russian). Ukrainian version of events.

Photos/Videos
Debaltsevo Damage to houses, big craters. It is said in the article that sometime UAF intentionally damaged houses by a direct fire.

Uglegorsk: NAF arranged a corridor for civilians (English sub.) Donetsk children Enakievo Gorlovka Nikishino Nikishino (center) Uglegorsk

Maps


Dragon-First maps; Kot Ivanov.

Military Casualties
19.02 Zakharchenko: Ukrainian losses in Debaltsevo cauldron may be up to 3 -3.5 thousand killed. There are plans to release or exchange those taken prisoners.

16.02 UAF: estimated 60 killed; NAF 2 killed, 21 wounded (source).

14.02 for the day and up to the ceasefire started: UAF lost 111 killed, NAF lost 8 killed, 28 wounded -Basurn

13.02 up to 100 UAF killed  Basurin, DPR

12.02 Day + night, UAF lost 169 killed (links in the news section)

08.02 LPR commander Maxim Martakov, a military policeman, and 6 fighters were killed under Chernukhino. They provided corridor for civilians. 11 UAF soldiers were killed, 29 wounded (Basurin)

04.02.15 UAF losses: 21 killed

03.02.15 UAF losses estimated at 79 killed.

02.02.15 UAF losses estimated at 130 killed.
 * Totals. In 29 days, up to ceasefire starting, 2760 UAF killed, 60 taken prisoners -Basurn
 * In 22 days since fighting restarted, 2056 UAF killed (Basurin)
 * 17 Jan.-3 Feb. UAF losses estimated at 1738 killed, 52 taken prisoners (Basurin, DPR).

Civilian Casualties
08.02 Many instances of shelling of Donetsk with MLRS (including Uragans), and artillery. One very powerful explosion (videos available) was reported as well. Later it was said that a chemical plant producing paints and dry mixes in Donetsk was hit by a heavy artillery shell (DPR did not confirm that it was ammunition plant); preliminary information is that nobody was killed in that explosion.

07.02 After ceasefire ended on 6.02, Ukraine attempted an attack on the whole front line; the attack was repelled. 6 civilians were killed, 15 wounded in Donetsk due to shelling by Ukraine from the North-West.

05.02. Shelling by Ukraine had 7 civilians killed, 44 wounded, most of them in Donetsk. Schools, hospitals, kindergartens hit. Ukraine is using Smerch MLRS; range is 80 km; a full salvo covers an area of 8 football fields.

04.02 Donetsk hospital shelled, 5 killed, 5 wounded. Civilian objects destroyed: Donetsk 17, Makeevka 28, Gorlovka 2

02.02.15 16 killed, 34 wounded in DPR and LPR combined. Civilian areas hit by MLRS, Makeevka and Donetsk, (13), (14) on opolchenie map, 02.02.2015

22.01 Donetsk bus shelled at least 8 killed, 13 injured
 * Residents react abusively to UAF 'cyborg' officer captured earlier at the Airport and brought to the scene

13.01 Volnovakha bus: 12 killed, 18 wounded (talk). 24.01 Mariupol market shelling: 30 killed, 83 injured (talk).
 * Totals. Latest official UN figure: 224 civilians killed and 545 wounded in the three weeks leading up to 1 February. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the overall death toll now exceeds 5,358 people, with another 12,235 wounded since mid-April last year (Deaths here are likely certified, and mostly civilian).

Military Hardware Lost
23.02 Zakharchenko: 'Poroshenko is our main ally'. In 5 days at Debaltsevo, 170 UAF tanks were captured or destroyed; most of them can be repaired. Also, 50 artillery pieces; they did not even count mortars. Ammunition, still move it out by railroad wagon-loads.

19.02 In Debaltsevo, opolchenie captured 265 pieces of UAF military equipment. 28 tanks, 63 BMP/BTR, 145 vehicles, 16 anti-aircraft guns, 13 artillery and mortar pieces were found in good condition and have been adopted by the DPR army. Also captured: about 1000 firearms, 39 ammunition storages and 2 railroad card with ammunition -Basurin

14.02 4 Grads launchers and ammunition seized by NAF near Debaltsevo -Basurn

03.02.15 Two UAF SU 25 were shot down (near Commisarovka and Chernukhino; one pilot bailed out). Also a drone shot down near Irvino

02-03.02.15 UAF lost 5 tanks, 1 BMP, 11 artillery pieces, one plane (and/or one Tochka U)
 * Totals: for 29 days, up to ceasefire: UAF lost 3 airplanes, 1 helicopter, 205 tanks, 182 BMP, BTR, MTLB, 208 field artillery guns, 124 vehicles  -Basurn
 * for 22 days since fighting restarted: UAF lost 3 planes, 1 helicopter, 168 tanks, 133 BMP/BTR, 124 artillery pieces, 94 vehicles
 * 17 Jan.-3 Feb. UAF lost 3 planes, 1 helicopter, 146 tanks, 114 BMP/BTR, 91 artillery pieces, 64 vehicles

Banned Weapons Use
04.02.15 UAF shelled Telmanovo from Mirnoe by Smerch MLRS, civilian houses destroyed

03.02.15 Luhansk and Donetsk: Smerch, heavy MLSRS with cluster munitions used by Ukraine.

02.02. Report on phosphorous ammunition used against civilians by Ukraine.

28.01. OSCE confirms (03.02 report) that cluster Smerch munitions were used against Artemivskyi district of Luhansk, shelling was from NNW. (Shelling done by Ukraine).

Abbreviations Used
MLRS: Multiple Launch Rocket System, Grad/Uragan/Smerch. Uragan or Smerch typically have cluster munitions

UAF (=AFU): Ukrainian Armed Forces

NAF (=AFN): Opolchenie, Novorossia Armed Forces

RSG: recon and subversion group