The situation in the area of Debaltseve exacerbated rapidly. Over the last three days, Russian-terrorist troops managed to rapidly increase the offensive power of their flank tactical groups and, starting from yesterday morning (02.09.2015), initiated an active offensive. Strikes by Ukrainian artillery delivered on the areas of concentration and advance routes of the enemy offensive tactical groups were only partially effective and delayed the beginning of the offensive. Despite the losses incurred (approximately 11 units of combat equipment and several dozen destroyed terrorists), insurgents and Russian troops attempted to assume fire control of the Artemivsk – Debaltseve motorway on two sections at once. Then, when the main forces arrived, the enemy attempted to cut off the supply routes to Debaltseve.
As a result of the above, the enemy succeeded in forcing Ukrainian forces back in several directions, in particular, by occupying positions in the area of Lohvynove. Ukrainian artillery delivered two consecutive massive fire strikes on insurgent positions in this area, which achieved only a partial retreat of disjointed terrorist groups. Ukrainian forces also made a number of strikes on insurgent positions near Vuhlehirsk and Novohryhorivka, which were, similarly, partially effective.
East of Debaltseve, Ukrainian ‘Grad’ BM-21 multiple rocket launcher systems brought fire down on a company from the so-called “Prizrak” [“Ghost”] brigade (commanded byAleksey Mozgovoy) that was on the march in the direction of the positions of Ukrainian troops. Two Ural trucks, one BMP-2 (combat infantry vehicle), and some insurgent personnel were destroyed as a result. Ukrainian artillery also delivered massive fire strikes on insurgent artillery positions discovered in the area of Alchevsk (hitting the enemy MRLS positions), east of Luhansk (hitting the firing position of a self-propelled howitzer battery), and near Donetsk (fire strikes on enemy 120-mm mortar positions).
In the positions on the left flank of the Debaltseve springboard, the so-called “Cossack” units are being replaced by composite tactical groups manned by mercenaries arriving from Russia and Russian military servicemen. The “Cossacks” are being withdrawn deeper into ‘LNR’ [Luhansk People’s Republic]-controlled territory.
Units of Russian-terrorist forces continue arriving in the area of Bryanka – Pervomaisk, transporting through Alchevsk and Perevalsk. Over the last 24 hours, we have reports of 2 convoys (approximately 20 tented trucks carrying personnel and ammunition) and approximately 10 armored vehicles (including 4 tanks).
Additional Russian-terrorist units are also being transferred to the area of Donetsk. We have reports of a convoy consisting of 26 armored vehicles (up to 10 tanks, ACVs, trucks, and specialized motor vehicles). According to our preliminary data, a battalion tactical group (BTG) of Russian troops is being deployed to Donetsk.
The so-called ‘DNR [Donetsk People’s Republic] ministry of state security’ and the ‘DNR military police’ started an “investigation” into the explosions at the Donetsk State-Owned Chemical Product Plant, which took place on the evening of February 8, 2015. “Evidence” is being collected at the scene. Russian military specialists were spotted arriving at the explosion site, travelling on two jeeps and escorted by a BTR-80 [armored personnel carrier].
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine
