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Ukraine News in Container

Talk Pages: News-Talk Page... Category Ukraine Talk Page... Minsk Protocol.... Ukraine War Casualties...Odessa massacre...... MH17 Crash

December 11, 2015: Oleg Barna, a Poroshenko block deputy, presents flowers to Prime Minister Yatseniuk (click on the picture for the linked video)
American and Canadian instructors prepare Ukrainian soldiers , Petr Sagaidachnyi center, Apr. 4, 2016, Ukraine. Also on this video from Lviv

Recent updates

News

18 Apr. US HR Ukrainian war sustainment bill

Yulia Navalnaya on the cover of TIME magazine

17 Apr. TIME magazine names Yulia Navalnaya the new puppet president of Russia.

12 Apr, Donetsk. Russel Bentley ("Texas"), a US volunteer and journalist who moved to DPR in 2014, is missing, search and reward announced. His car, a Ru-made "Niva" SUV is missing too, last seen Apr. 8 parked in front of a food stall in Donetsk.

Former SBU officer Prozorov, who defected to Russia before the start of SMO, survived an assassination attempt in Moscow. Explosion occurred under his car, soon after he started it. 1, 2

7 Apr. "The Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the dome of the 6th power unit of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. There were no critical injuries or casualties. There were no threats of violation of safety limits. The radiation background at the station and the surrounding area has not changed and is at a level corresponding to the normal operation of power units and does not exceed natural background values " -t.me/znppofficial, TASS.

22 Mar. Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Moscow. At least 144 concert goers were killed, in addition 165 required hospitalization. US and the West blamed it on ISIS; ISIS is reported in the Western media as claiming responsibility. Video: "ISIS or Ukraine?" --"Of course, Ukraine" --Nikolai Patrushev (same short videoclip @ 1, 2, & elsewhere). Noted, 4 directly involved terrorists (all ethnic Tajiks) were caught on their escape route towards Ukraine (and, FWIW, they made statements to interrogators that those were their instructions).

12-15 Mar. Intense fighting near Russian border in Kharkov and Sumy areas continues for the 3 day, with significant Ukrainian forces trying to penetrate Russian border on the eve of elections in Russia, and apparently taking heavy losses. RU MoD [estimated] Ukrainian losses: 1500, including about 550 irrevocable

12 Mar. Gladkov, governor of Belgorod region, mainland Russia: In Belgorod, an enemy UAV crashed into the city administration building. There are two victims: one woman received shrapnel wounds, the second a concussion. The victims are provided with all necessary medical care. As a result of the explosion, windows in the building were broken and the façade was damaged. All emergency services are on site.

In Belgorod, near the railway station, a drone fell on the roof of a shopping center. There were no casualties. According to preliminary data, one car was damaged. The area is cordoned off. All operational services are working on site

Quoting RU MoD : Ukrainian attempt at 3 am to invade Russian border area of Belgorod region was repelled-videos, details Eng., Ru.

11 Mar. Preparations for Ukrainian raid in the Belgorod region discovered, Ukrainian detachment and heavy weapons destroyed (report , video, posted around 7 pm)

French involvement of 1918: Even the most seasoned skeptics believed everything, even that Ukraine would be declared one of the departments of France and President Poincaré himself would go to Kyiv to solemnly proclaim this... Rumors under Petlyura acquired the character of a spontaneous, almost cosmic phenomenon, similar to a pestilence. It was general hypnosis. (+more, Tsarev/Podoliaka)

10 Mar. Another Abrams tank destroyed near Berdychi

France finds Baltic allies in building an alliance of countries open to potentially sending Western troops to Ukraine

Pope urges to negotiate (video) (AI reaction)

9 Mar. In one of many similar Ukrainian draft videos, 34 Ukrainians trying to escape draft in a van are brutally arrested, beaten near Romanian border (with sound, Musk comment mentioned, 2, 3, 4). Also, 5, 6, 7

"Patriot" air defense launchers destroyed near Krasnoarmeysk (2 or 3 nearby launchers claimed in various reports)

8 Mar. Czechs raise money to buy in third countries 800 000 artillery shells for Ukraine (or maybe for the first installment of this)

7 Mar. Tucker Carlson, VD Hanson (Hoover inst) comments on the US State of the Union address, heavy on maintaining the war in Ukraine.

5 Mar. Russian patrol boat "Sergey Kotov" was attacked by multiple Ukrainian drones near Feodosia, and sunk after the battle. Sailors survived.

US-made HIMARS destroyed in the Donbass (video).

Victoria Nuland "retired"

Yelena Zelenskaya ("Olena Zelenska") "declines State of the Union invitation" in the USA, apparently because Yulia Navlnaya is also present (with a strange stock photo, WaPo).

Britain ‘prepared to loan Ukraine all frozen Russian central bank assets’

2 Mar. "Business Insider" on Israel supplying early warning system to Ukraine, and worsening relations between Israel and Russia, videos included. (Was Amir Weltmann asleep from 2014 to 2022?)

Another "Abrams" tank destroyed in the Donbass (photos), and its de-mining version is said to be destroyed.

28 Feb. Transnistria appealed to the Russian Federation Council and State Duma, international organizations, and UN with a request for protection from pressure from Moldova (text)

27 Feb. Shoigu: from the start of SMO, Ukrainian forces lost more than 444 thousand people, and since the beginning of 2024 they have been losing an average of over 800 people per day. (Zelensky: Ukrainian forces lost 31 thousand).

26 Feb. It is reported (with photovisuals) that Abrams tank was destroyed in the Donbass for the first time.

Also for the first time Ukrainian Swedish-made Archer self-propelled gun, "the most modern, rapid-firing and accurate" NATO gun, takes a Lancet direct hit.

Ukrainian NASAMS air defense system and S-300 radar are destroyed on the southern front

Hungarian Parliament approves Sweden joining NATO, further solidifying security fault lines.

25 Feb. NYT publishes The spy war: How the CIA secretly helps Ukraine fight Putin (Archive) - With details on CIA aid to the Ukrainian military since 2014. Including, a "network of spy bases constructed in the past eight years that includes 12 secret locations along the Russian border."

22 Feb. Tu-160M visuals in the news for the second day

21 Feb. Russian forces took control of Pobeda settlement --reports.

Governor of Transbaikal region, on the alleged Ukrainian (--US-supplied--) HIMARS strike on 36th Motorized Rifle Brigade (servicemen were allegedly standing in formation to meet a commander).

20 Feb. Tucker Carlson comments on requested by him interview with Boris Johnson (video, same video, full video, text), and how Ukrainian aid is a "shakedown."

19 Feb. Heavy fighting, reports of partial Russian forces advances in Rabotino and Pobeda.

Ru MoD briefing on chemical weapons violations includes mentions of "severe poisoning" on 5 Dec. 2023 of the head of LPR Leonid Pasechnik by "phenolic compounds" (not reported before), and of Vladimir Saldo, the head of Russian Kherson regional admin, on 9 Aug 2022 by ricin (mentioned in the news earlier). Also included are claims of Ukrainian forces usage of crowd control as well as banned CW on the battlefield.

"UK minister rules out swap for Briton Vladimir Kara-Murza jailed in Russia"

17 Feb. C.-in-C. Syrskii announced withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdeevka. (Photos of Russian forces in central areas of Avdeevka appeared earlier).

"Video tour of the main Ukrainian underground fortress near Avdeevka" . (Heavily fortified).

16 Feb. Death of Alexei Navalny in a Russian penal colony is followed by a massive propaganda campaign and infowar operation in Western mainstream media.

Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement on “security guarantees.” Germany is to give Ukraine 7 bln euros in 2024 and to continue funding and political and legal backing of the war by supporting Ukraine for the foreseeable future.

"In the area of the village of Pobeda (south of Maryinka), another Leopard tank drove in the wrong direction, turning into a crater from a FAB bomb. The crew abandoned the tank and fled. It's promised to tell what happened next a little later. Handsome driver. Probably one of those who was caught on the street".

("A lion-hearted Ukrainian patriot is rushing to the front to give his life near Avdeevka, and some Ru saboteurs do not allow him to do this" (video)).

France, another co-sponsor of Minsk agreements, who, like Germany, failed to have Ukraine follow the agreements even on the most basic and important item of stopping shelling and killing civilians in the Donbass, is now to "allocate up to €3 billion in military aid " to Ukraine, with further support for 10 years, including on joining NATO.

15 Feb. 7 people are killed, including a year-old girl, 18 are injured in Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod, mainland Russia. It is said that RM 70 Vamprire MLRS was used, 14 rockets intercepted.

14 Feb. President Macron of France cancels his planned trip to Kiev because of "security reasons". Social media speculates it was because of a planned assassination plot by Ukrainian GUR.

Russian forces continue slow advance and gradually encircle Avdeevka, cutting some important supply roads. Heavily fortified Avdeevka has been used to shell Donetsk throughout the conflict.

Ukrainian sea drone hit Russian big landing ship Caesar Kunikov. Reports, based on Ukrainian videos, photos suggest that the ship may be lost. See also: 1, 2)

8 Feb. (Ukrainian commander-in-chief) Zaluzhnyi is out, Syrskii is in.

Feb 6. Carlson Tucker visits Moscow, to watch "Spartacus" ballet in Bolshoi Theater, and also aiming to interview the President of Russia (explaining why and how).

Feb 4. Ukrainian strike on a bakery in Lisichansk had at least 28 people killed (18 men, 9 women--one said to be pregnant , and 1 child). It became known later that one of those killed was LPR minister of emergency situations col. Poteleshchenko, who was at a birthday party for LPR MP Zhushma, held at a cafe by the bakery.

Feb 1. Orban caves in to EU pressure (which involved 20 billion of frozen money to Hungary) to have new 50 billion euros package over 5 years to Ukraine authorized. Slovakia caved in earlier.

Ukrainian military sinks a Russian missile boat "Ivanovets" in a headline grabbing drone boat swarm attack (with a video supplied). Some analysts consider such capability likely to come from NATO and its contractors e.g. L3 Harris. Russia did not acknowledge loss of the ship officially. But Russian social media posts suggest that the ship was indeed lost, while the crew apparently survived.

Jan 31. President Zelensky had apparently planned to remove his Commander of Armed forces General Zaluzhny. But he found himself unable to replace him in post, so far.

25 Jan. Strelkov was sentenced to 4 years of colony, general regime, on charges of "calls for extremist activity" (his defense will appeal).

24 Jan. Ukraine shot down Russian transport IL -76 plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners transported for prisoners exchange, 3 Russian guards, and 6 crew members. All on board were killed.

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approves by 20-1 REPO Act to use confiscated Russian Central Bank assets for 'Ukraine assistance'. Despite campaigning by Bill Browder, the proposal has been criticized for being likely to undermine the US dollar.

21 Jan. At least 25 killed, 25 wounded, including 2 children in Ukrainian shelling of the area of "Mercury" market, Kirovsky district of Donetsk (photos, video from the scene).

Lavrov in NY for UNSC meeting, Ukraine and Middle East. Donetsk market attack said to be included.

Continuing Ukrainian attempts to attack regions in mainland Russia (Bryansk, Belgorod), and in Crimea.

Zelensky "I have not yet seen enough clear details to say that half a million must be mobilized" (as part of messaging promoting mobilization).

20 Jan. Fire at Novatek plant processing gas condensate for export in Ust'-Lug, Leningrad region, near Estonian border, attributed to a drone attack, with Ukrainian sources competing for responsibility.

12 Jan. American-Chilean journalist Gonzalo Lira died while in Ukrainian custody 1, 2

Golmovskii settlement, near Gorlovka. Ukrainian militants using a drone attacked an ambulance which was evacuating wounded by Ukrainian fire earlier power/utilities engineers. In total, 2 people were killed, including a medic, 4 were wounded.

UK-Ukraine security cooperation agreement is published (PDF). Some Ukrainian concerns over wording of UK commitments.

7 Jan. Former Ukrainian attorney general Lutsenko: Ukraine lost 500 thousand in killed and gravely wounded since the start of the war, 30 thousand lost every month.

RU MoD Shoigu: Ukraine lost 215 thousand in 2023

1 Jan. Ukraine shelled central Donetsk, including "Donbass Palace" 5 star hotel (1, 2), 4 killed and 12 wounded.

Disclaimer

Note on sources. At present, pro -Ukrainian and pro-Russian sources more often than not offer opposing claims on events, and a choice needs to be made. Currently factual part of reporting by pro-Russian sources appear more accurate, complete, and closer to truth, out of the two available alternatives. It is also less known, as the other side has greater support by the Western mass media. For that reason, a lot of reporting here is based on Russian sources. It is not done for the sake of supporting any pre-determined narrative. If and when Ukrainian sources appear more accurate, they will be used without a reservation.

Some Ukrainian source reporting is very good, for example Tatyana Montyan numerous videos, some of them translated, are spot-on and at times appear closer to reality than any pro-this or that narratives. However the bulk of Ukrainian media is unreliable, and often just unbelievable, not passing cross checks (e.g. as was illustrated numerous times by well-read on both sides Ukrainian journalist Anatoly Sharii); or else, is filled with hate and may cheer more people harmed or killed (any of such sort, from any side, is totally unsupported here).

Archive

Archive 2023
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2022
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2021
9 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2020
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2019
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2018
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2017
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2016
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2015
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
02 03 04
Archive 2016
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
01 02 03 04
Archive 2015
09 10 11 12
05 06 07 08
02 03 04

Documenting Incidents, Human Rights violations

Analysis

Blaming Ukraine

Gennady Korban (Kolomoiskii team) "ATO operation handling was a failure" ru.tsn.ua 'Korban made statements about corruption [...] and failed ATO handling' . Previously, criticized using heavy weapons in Donbass and suggested that at most police action is appropriate.

Blaming Russia

  • '(...) Lies about Ukraine', -Boris Nemtsov, Leonid Martyniuk-blames Russian Government (based on inaccurate or later reversed statements made at the official level).

Blaming the USA

  • Paul Craig Roberts ’ Address to the International Conference on the European/Russian Crisis Created by Washington', June 19, 2015. ...' Wolfowitz Doctrine...The gullibility of the public has enabled Washington to establish the foundation for a new Cold War...' ' "Washington doesn’t want partners. Washington wants vassals" ' 'European governments and, of course, the lapdog UK government, are complicit in this implicit declaration of war against Russia and China. If it comes to war, Europeans will pay the ultimate price for the treason of their leaders [...] as Europe will cease to exist'.

Odessa news

26.4.2016 'Maidan' activists protesting against city mayor Trukhanov, erecting light barricades at the city administration building, were dispersed by unknown activists armed with wooden sticks and pepper spray, several protesters were injured (photos, videos in the report).

With May 2 anniversary approaching, situation remain tense. Nationalists are making threats aimed at city administration. Regional governor Saakashvilli asked Poroshenko to deploy national guards to the city for the early days in May, explaining that those were tragic events which still resonate with many people, while those responsible were not brought to justice; and that he feels extra guards are really needed. It appeared that the request was granted, but than contradicting reports appeared.


15.1.2016 Maria Gaidar became assistant head of Odessa regional administration (Saakashvilli is the head)

6.1.2016 The subsistence minimum (this is known as poverty level in the West) per odessite in 2016 is as follows: from January 1 - 1330 hryvnia per month (that is 55 USD at this time) , from May 1 - 1399 hryvnia, from December 1 - 1496 hryvnia 1 TV, Odessa.

27.8 DPR all-for all prisoners exchange list includes 63 anti-maidan activists arrested or charged after May 2 events.

19.7 Saakasvilli clashed with Filatov, Kolomoiskii ally. Clash has to do with elections in Chernigov where another Kolomoiskii ally Korban is running. Saakashvilli is said to come to support opposing candidate Berezenko, his main opponent, but gave a different reason for the visit; that ended in verbal and almost physical clash with Filatov (video), and a court case threatened by Filatov.

17.7.2015 Maria Gaidar appointed vice-governor responsible for social policy. She is a daughter of late Yegor Gaidar (a reformer, acting prime minister of Russia in the second half of 1992). Indicated that her priority will be to show residents that regional authorities care about them. tAfter showing reluctance to persistent journalist questions on who Ukraine is fighting with, eventually provided] politically correct answer telling that Russia attacked Georgia and Ukraine (on her 4th attempt).

30.5.2015 Mikheil Saakashvili appointed governor of Odessa region. Poroshenko stated that knows Saakashvilli for a long time and trusts him. Control of Odessa port which may be used for military aid, Transnistria border, and creating positive image abroad, are seen as some of the reasons behind the appointment. Port control and other economic matters placed Saakashvilli on collision course with Kolomoiskii, whose ally was a previous Odessa governor.

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

Ukrainian Agony

December 20, 2015: German freelance journalist Mark Batalmai, who has lived in Donetsk since mid-2014 and worked embedded with the opolchenie, releases his crowdfunded full-length documentary "Ukrainian Agony" in an English-language version (German-language original).

Minsk Agreements

Safety zone (no heavy weapons) agreed at Normandy format meeting in Minsk, 12.02.2015. Black: current front line; red-19 September line. At the bottom it says: source: the web site of the President of Russia

Agreements

Resurgent Events?

Since now, December 23 2015, for the (n+1) time unconditional ceasefire is announced, although I do hope that one is the last, there is no warranty. So I'll just keep labels and dates for important but so far resurgent events here.

February 23 update: by the end of January, 2016, lots of shelling incidents are again reported daily. Once again, promises of ceasefire did not materialize.

  • Unconditional Ceasefire in Donbas.
23.12.15 (starting 0:00, Dec 23, 2015, as announced-TASS
(22.7.15)
(12.2.15)
  • Donetsk Airport, Donetsk suburbs shelled by Ukraine
13.2.16;9.2.16; 26.1.16(tank fire);25.1.16;21.1.16; 20.1.16;15.1.16; 13.1.16;31.12.15 (Staromikhailovka); 29.12; 28.12.15 (Zhabichevo); 27.12.15(Petrovskyi) ; 26.12.15(Spartak); 24.12.15 ; 13.12.15 (Dokuchaevsk) .
(Every other day, up until now)
13.2.16;21.1.16; 11/12.1.16 (Engl).; 10.1.16 (1 DPR killed) 9.1.2016; 27.12.15; 24.12.15.
(Similar to the above)
  • Villages near Mariupol shelled by Ukraine
25.1.16 (artillery, from Mariupol);Kominternovo: 21.1.16;31.12.15 29.12.15 ; 24.12.15 + Basurin & OSCE came under sniper fire, 27.12

....

Updates

28.4.16 Detailed discussion of Nuland visit and Minsk progress by a Ukrainian source. Renewed push, with a deadline of having laws in place by the end of May, implementation by the end of summer is noted. IMF loan to Ukraine may be linked to Minsk implementation, as well as adoption of a packet of other required laws. However, so far Poroshenko tactics was to delay implementation hoping that time is on the side of Ukraine, and such an approach may last forever.

25.3.16 Foreign Minister Steinmeier in Moscow: "We need Russia to help resolve conflicts". Highlights insufficient progress implementing Minsk-2.

27.1.16 Constitutional amendments: Russia's position in Minsk talks:

  • the vote on the Constitution of Ukraine should be tightly linked to the simultaneous adoption of the amendments to Articles 1 and 10 of the law on the special status of Donbass by giving special status of a permanent framework according to "Steinmeier formula";
  • revision of the amendments to the law on the special status should be agreed in the contact group;
  • A legal formula has to be found that guarantees that paragraph 18 of the transitional provisions of the Constitution will refer to the current wording of articles 2-9 of the law on the special status and to new, agreed by the contact group, wording of Articles 1 and 10;
  • This formula should be fixed (закрепить (Rus) = lit. 'fix, make firm'; here 'used'/'entered') in the Constitution of Ukraine;
  • it is also necessary to legislate in the Constitution of Ukraine, that the powers of those representatives elected in Donbass elections under a separate law will not be discontinued in 2017, as is envisaged in the constitutional reform for the rest of Ukraine

Ukraine Contact Group notes "good exchange of views" — OSCE official, TASS-English

11.1. 2016 Boris Gryzlov visited Kiev. Next trilateral group meeting is on 13.1.2016 in Minsk.

Normandy four agreed to extend Minsk agreements into the year of 2016, TASS, Dec. 30, 2015

24.12.2015 Kuchma fools around trying to reinterpret Minsk agreements, demanding border control and in effect DPR/LPR disarmament prior to elections. This is not what was agreed (and could not possibly be agreed the way he tries to put it now, with Novorossia advancing militarily at the time of the agreement). Dirty games now, and so not surprisingly no progress...

18.11.2015 Ukraine did not show up for a contact group meeting where a law on special elections in Donbas was to be discussed. Previously, it was reported that sides could not reach an agreement. According to Pushilin, agenda included a ban for Ukrainian political parties to participate in local elections in Donbas, mechanism of participation for temporary displaced persons, and amnesty law.

15.3 Minsk 3 ? It is rumored that part of Ukrainian leadership is seeking a compromise and another Minsk meeting. Maybe an info release merely testing waters; but the essence of compromise is said to be a special mode to local government which covers the entire territory of the Lugansk and Donetsk regions (including those controlled by Ukraine), but these areas will be led by the people agreed as Kiev and Moscow, and the other members of the Minsk process (Germany and France). It is said that a similar proposal was made a year ago after a meeting involving Kuchma, Medvedchuk, and DPR, but Poroshenko refused to consider it and started the ATO instead. Ukrainian media claim that the plan is actually coming from "representatives of Moscow".

Kremlin 'melancholically denied' (Cassad) re-interpretations/free interpretations of Minsk TASS

12.6.15 Poroshenko expects to submit de-centralization bill to Rada by the end of parliamentary session in July

other constitutional changes proposed by the sides: see news entry for 9.6.15 above

10.6.15 Kuchma: Russia insists on including Novorosiia representatives into tripartite liaison group, Normandy format ; but his is not acceptable to us; they are included as consultants.

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:

  • 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.

10.02 Contact Group agrees (a plan of) heavy troops withdrawal, ceasefire regime -TASS

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. Also, Gennady Korban, assistant Governor, Dnepropetrovsk, proposes to choose between war and an agreement.

Maps

20.02.2015 Front line, and heavy weapons withdrawal zones, black 25 km (artillery), green 35 km (MLRS), pink 70 km (heavy MLRS and Tochka U). Zones were agreed by Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC). As of 24.02, only DPR and LPR pulling heavy weapons. (source)
18.02 Debaltsevo Cauldron. Debaltsevo is controlled by NAF. Blue arrows: Ukrainian armored vehicles escape route. (Click image for earlier versions)
02.02.2015 ATO map (Ukraine) .

Dragon-First maps; Kot Ivanov .

Casualties

Total

8.7.15 Zakharchenko, at a a joint LPR/DPR press conference: "In 2015, 1212 people were killed, including 25 children under the age of 18 years ". During the conflict in 2014, 3864 DPR peeople died , including 522 women and 65 children. "That is more than 5000 of our people were killed just because they are residents of Donbass." (unclear is this civilian deaths or total deaths--probably total). More than 6,200 people, including women, children and the elderly were seriously injured and became disabled for life were . More than two thousand DPR inhabitants are missing.

14.8.15 From the start of hostilities, 5061 people were killed, among them 4295 men and 766 women, according to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in DPR; and according to the Center for Emergency Medical Aid, 6100 were wounded Dan-news, 14.8.15. The figure is close to the one given by Zakharchenko in July (he had a higher number of 5076, so a small discrepancy here)

Children killed

3.12.15 DPR ombudsman: during the conflict, almost 80 children were killed in Donbass, Rossiiskaia Gazeta, 3.12.2015. According to DPR ombudsman Yana Chepikova, uring the hostilities, 78 children were killed in DPR, 313 were injured, 35 of them seriously injured. In LPR, 30 children were killed according to data available.

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

According to the Head of the DNI, the year the war seriously injured for life became disabled more than 6,200 people, including women, children and the elderly. More than two thousand inhabitants DNI missing. 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).

Gorlovka

In 6 months ending July 2015, 164 civilians were killed, including 16 children; 501 were wounded, including 42 are children DAN news, quoting city administration data,31 July 2015.

UNHCHR

  • Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, "Accountability for killings in Ukraine from January 2014 to May 2016" -report. Blames both sides, but Western media mostly highlightes alleged crimes by rebels. While large number of civilian shelling victims are reported as if it is not known who is predominantly to blame. Significant number of other cases are likely not fully investigated or included in the report.
"Ukraine crisis: Impunity 'pervasive' in east, says UN" , BBC, 14 July 2016 (highlights one case in rebel controlled Luhansk, where some Cossacks were accused of a crime)

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

Ukrainian tanks in residential area, Spartak-Peski, Spring-Summer 2015. Supposed to be free from heavy weapons (according to weapons withdrawal maps); but a long-running flash point in the conflict

There were numerous reports on phosphorus bomb use, with consistent photo and video footage, witness reports, burns consistent with such weapons use, etc. Many articles on Rusvesna on this topic. One of them here, for example, contain a photo of an explosion, and video, allegedly of nationalist battalion fighters, based on colors/regalia, discussing and accepting that such munitions were used by Ukraine (dated 13.02.2015 ). There were numerous other such incidents. The latest phosphorous munition report is by DoNI press, [1], translated at Fort Russ, Apr. 24, 2016, from Zaitsevo.

02.02.15 Report on phosphorous ammunition used against civilians by Ukraine-burns can be seen.

More photos, sky alight in Marinka (Donetsk suburb), Aug. 1, 2014

Cluster munitions

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.

28.01.15 OSCE confirms (03.02.15 report) that cluster Smerch munitions were used against Artemivskyi district of Luhansk, shelling was from NNW. (Shelling done by Ukraine).

Economy

  • Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten: "The IMF has pumped billions in recent months into the Ukrainian financial system to stabilize the country's banks. Approximately $ 1.8 billion were going to the largest financial institution Private Bank, which is controlled by the oligarch Igor Kolomoiski. But instead of investing the money into the Ukrainian economy, Kolomoiski has managed to channel the emergency loans through a network of offshore companies abroad". [1] Ukrainian anti-corruption project "Our Money" ('Наші гроші' (ukr) = "Nashi Groshi") is quoted as offering an explanation of the scheme, involving a 'purchase' of foreign goods which were never delivered, using a credit from Private Bank, and the payment deposited to accounts in off-shore branches of the Privat Bank. [2]
  • Ukrainian $18 bln debt (held in bonds) will receive a 20% 'haircut'. However, between 2021 and 2040 investors will receive up to 40 per cent of the value of Ukraine’s annual economic growth above 4 per cent, although total payments will be capped at 1 per cent for the first four years. [3] [4] Ukrainian GDP is 177.4 billion USD ‎(2013) -by google search. It went down quite a lot in 2014; but the IMF projection is 134 bln USD in 2020. One percent of that in growth is 1.3 bln; such amount may be paid to investors for 20 years bringing 26 bln USD. Write-off amount is about 3.6 bln USD. This wonderful deal is called a 'win-win' by Ukrainian finance minister and the Guardian [5]. Franklin Templeton is one of the largest investors involved. Russia has 3 bln USD in Ukrainian debt and is not participating in the deal.(Vasili Muravitskii/Cassad brought up this matter).

Sources

News Sources

Official Donetsk People Republic (DPR) news dan-news.info.
Oplot TV-Donetsk Live now , youtube channel vk Oplot TV
First Republican Channel-DPR youtube vk ('official channel of DPR', created in April 2014, and unofficially broadcasting some material online; possibly re-broadcasting Russia 24 in their vacant slots.
Lugansk People Republic (LPR) news: LPR Sovet (legislature) site, news, luganskallnews.ru, news, lug-info.com
Rada; President.

English-language sources

Documentaries

Opinion Polls

13,3% would vote for the party "Block of Petro Poroshenko"
12,8% - for the All-Ukrainian Union "Fatherland" (Yulia Timosenko)
6,8% - for the party "Union Samopomich" (Sadovyi)
5,8% - for the Radical Party of Oleg Lyashko,
4,1% - for the party "Opposition block" (Boyko) --formerly 'Party of Regions'-Yanukovich
3,1% - for the party "Civil position"
3,0% - for the party "Right Sector"
----
3,2% - have crossed all the parties /spoiled bulletin
14,3% - chose not to vote,
23,5% - hard to choose,
2,6% - refusal
Source: Socio-Political Situation In Ukraine: July 2015. Report also have opinions on various peace/Russia issues, by region (English).
How Do The Attitude Of Ukrainians To Russia And Russians To Ukraine Has Changed
  • In DPR/LPR, polling is done by Center for Sociological Study 'Special Status' (Центр социологических исследований «Особый статус» -russ.) Here is their opening presentation. Poll results are published by news sources.
DPR poll conducted in the beginning of August in 19 DPR towns, 5900 people took part, 5% statistical error
43 % for DPR to join the Russian Federation (33.8% 3 months ago)
17 % for DPR to be independent ('sovereign') (42.8 % 3 months ago)
18 % for the 'creation of a joint state' (unclear what that would be exactly- some sort of autonomy aligned with Russia)
11 % ('not more than') for DPR as a part of Ukraine. 14.9 % see some future with Ukraine following Minsk agreements (18.8 % 3 months ago)

Abbreviations Used

DPR: Donetsk People Republic (prime minister: Alexander Zakharchenko)

LPR: Lugansk People Republic (head: Igor Plotniskii)

JCCC Joint Center for Control and Co-ordination, consists of Ukrainian and Russian military officers,- tries to mediate to have ceasefire implemented.

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

OSCE: Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe

RSG: recon and subversion group

SMM: Special Monitoring Mission-OSCE

===References===

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The central roundabout with clock tower and checkpointAl Shohada mosque"Revolution square" with improvised clock tower and mass graveThe National HospitalDam
An overview of Taldou. Hover the mouse over the areas to see the descriptions and click on them for more. (for the moment we have a linkless Dam, the National Hospital, the Roundabout, Main mosque and "Revolution square").

Very cool! Should be fun to work with, but no promises I'll figure it out just yet. --Caustic Logic 07:35, 4 October 2012 (EST)

Front Page

Houla (May 25, 2012)

Main article: The Houla massacre

The murder of around 108 civilians, among them up to 49 children, in the town of Taldou belonging to Houla in Homs province, is maybe the most famous event that happened in Syria in 2012. It was immediately blamed on the government and led to several countries expelling their Syrian ambassadors. Initially attributed to the use of heavy weapons, it quickly turned out that most of the victims were killed by short-distance violence. This led to the blaming of Alawite "Shabiha" militias loyal to Assad. While the UNHRC closed their investigation in mid August stating to be reasonably certain that indeed government loyalists were the perpetrators, a lot of the conflicting evidence collected in our research was either washed away or not considered at all, while contradictions in the testimonies of witnesses backing their conclusion were ignored. Further investigation needed.

Daraya (August 25, 2012)

Main article: Daraya massacre
Daraya truck 1.jpg

During the army's attempts to re-conquer suburbs of Damascus, reports of massacres in the town of Daraya just outside Damascus started to surface, with a huge number of dead going up to 600 civilians. Several scenes seen in videos of both anti-government and pro-government sources, with one said to show around 150 killed civilians alone, suggest that this was not a single event but the product of several days of struggle over the control of the town. Investigation ongoing.

Featured Article

Article 4 <--- this is random!

Tremseh (July 12, 2012)

Main article: Tremseh massacre
Confiscated tunisian passports.jpg

When news of this alleged massacre reached the media, it came with alarming numbers of up to 300 civilians murdered in the small village of Tremseh northeast of Hama. In the following hours and days, both pro- and anti-government sources helped to clear the picture of what is now mostly called the "Battle of Tremseh" between the army and anti-government fighters who had used the village as their base for operations in the region. The real death toll seems to be some civilians caught in the crossfire and a couple of dozen killed anti-government fighters. In addition, many including foreigners were arrested and their arms and equipment confiscated.

Sari Saoud (November 26, 2011)

Main article: The Killing of Sari Saoud

An investigation into the death of a young boy killed in broad daylight by sniper fire in Homs. While videos made by anti-government fighters suggested that the murderer was an army sniper, detailed accounts by his mother blame the fighters themselves, accuse them of taking her dead son away from her to make the videos, and suggest that there was no army presence in this part of Homs at that time.

Other research...

  1. Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten, "Ukrainischer Oligarch bereichert sich an IWF-Krediten", 27.08.15
  2. RT (Russian), "DWN: Коломойский «оприходовал» транш МВФ и скрылся в Америке", 28.08.2015
  3. Financial Times, "Ukraine secures debt deal for war-ravaged economy", 27.8.2015
  4. Finance Ministry of Ukraine, Ukraine and the Ad Hoc Creditors' Committee agree on Indicative Heads of Terms for restructuring of sovereign and sovereign guaranteed Eurobonds, 27.8.2015
  5. The Guardian, Ukraine agrees 'win-win' debt restructuring deal, 27.8.2015