During the past 24 hours, Russian-terrorist troops fired more than 30 times onto the positions of ATO [anti-terrorism operation] forces.
Special enemy activity was observed in the Debaltseve, Luhansk and Donetsk directions – 12, 9 and 8 fire strikes each respectively.
In particular, the situation in the ATO zone remains the most intense in the areas of Debaltseve (6 attacks), Krymske (4 [artillery] bombardments), Zolote, Berezove (3 bombardments each), Chernukhyne, Donetsk Airport, Stanytsia Luhanska (2 bombardments each).
The process of “centralization” of the so-called militia “Army of New Russia” is ongoing. The process is formally led by representatives of the “DNR” and “LNR” [Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics], in reality – specialists from several departments of the General Staff of the RF and the FSB. All activities of the “centralization” are supplied not only with material-technical logistics, but also “organizationally” (including pressure, intimidation, and physical measures to “unruly” fighters), with the support of militant groups of special purpose law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation.
Further measures to strengthen Russian-terrorist forces strike groups are being implemented. In particular, in the area east of Chornukhyne (the left flank of the Debaltseve bridgehead) a new artillery group has been deployed. By Stanytsia Luhansk, the south elevation at Mykolaivka, artillery is also being pulled up. To the north of this area armored vehicles are being transferred (during the past 24 hours, the movement of up to 20 units, including tanks, has been recorded).
Tactical groups south of Donetsk continue to be strengthened. Delivery of provisions from Russia, mainly go through the settlements of Snizhne and Amvrosiivka (2-3 daily supply convoys). Between Olenivka and Telmanovo, the concentration of combat units, and the accumulation of stocks of material and technical equipment (fuel, ammunition, other resources) continues.
In the district of Novoazovsk, the enemy equips the fortified area, under cover from the air. In the direction of Mariupol, they concluded the formation of the Second Battalion Tactical Group (BTG) in north Kominternovo. The main forces of the enemy are in the depth of the second tier, small mobile groups have been moved forward, mostly made up of local militants.
Among the local fighters are rumors that in occupied Crimea large-scale mobilization activities to resupply the so-called “Army of New Russia” will be carried out by Russian command.
Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group
