Russian-terrorist forces continue to regroup their forces, most of which are concentrated in several directions – the seaside stretch (along the axis of Novoazovsk – Mariupol), south of Donetsk (Dokuchajevsk – Telmanove), and along the Alchevsk – Stakhanov stretch (including the units blocking the Debaltseve bridgehead from the south and east). The accumulation of the majority of material and technical resources (ammunition, fuel, spare parts) at “centralized” depots and bases continues in these areas. Separate enemy formations operate in the western and northwestern parts of Donetsk, at the Horlivka – Yenakiieve junction, and are also fighting in the area north of Luhansk, carrying out “local” assignments.
In the western and northwestern districts of Donetsk that are directly adjacent to the advanced positions of the Ukrainian troops, the activity of the Russian-terrorist forces continue to be observed. The activity of at least three maneuverable enemy fire groups (that consist of armored vehicles, including tanks and anti-aircraft guns and mortars mounted on vehicles) has been observed. These maneuverable groups periodically launch fire strikes at the positions of Ukrainian troops, and then change their positions. During the attacks, these groups serve as fire support for the insurgent infantry units.
In addition, in the stretch from Mariinka to Yasynuvata, at least two artillery groups of Russian-terrorist forces provide fire support for the acting formations of Russian troops (6 firing batteries, including cannon artillery, anti-tank guns, MLRS). Periodically, these artillery groups are reinforced with men and weapons for specific tasks (mostly mortars and MLRS), from among the units concentrated in the southeast of Donetsk (Shakhtarsk – Starobesheve).
In the area of Chornukhyne (Debaltseve bridgehead), units of Russian-terrorist forces are shelling the advanced positions of Ukrainian troops with heavy infantry weapons. A reinforcement of these enemy units with armored vehicles has been observed (for the last 2 days, the arrival of up to 10 armored vehicles was recorded). The insurgent units operating in this area are assisted by a consolidated artillery group (up to 20 cannon artillery guns, mostly 122-mm D-30 howitzers and 6 units of MLRS BM-21 “Grad”). Spotters and artillery scouts have also been observed at work.
On the stretch of Dokuchajevsk – Telmanove, the tension continues to grow – insurgents are increasing their combat activity (primarily in the form of reconnaissance and sabotage operations). Also, combat formations of Russian-terrorist forces at this site are reinforcing their battle formations – powerful weapons systems (artillery and armored vehicles) are being pulled forward into the front line, in the second echelon, tactical reserves disguised as Russian Armed Forces “militia” units are being created, and a full-scale supply and logistics system is unfolding.
In the area of Novoazovsk – Shyrokyne, as well as to the north of it, enemy battalion tactical groups (BTGs) carry out a partial rearrangement to improve their system of defense.
Gangs operating on the territory of the “LNR” [Luhansk People’s Republic] have dramatically increased their anti-tank capabilities. As such, Stakhanov “Cossacks” and A. Mozgovoy “brigades” have been observed to be armed with numerous MT-12 “Rapira” 100-mm anti-tank guns, which arrived from the territory of the Russian Federation. In addition, these gangs receive deliveries of anti-tank guided missiles (a transfer of about 20 ATGM “Fagot” and several Russian ATGM “Kornet” have been recorded).
