ATO Press Center informs that Russian terrorists move to the active use of artillery tactics.
“The situation in the ATO area is difficult, but controlled by Ukrainian forces. There are signs of deterioration of the situation because illegal pro-Russian armed gangs intensified shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops during the last week and was detected intensification of sabotage and reconnaissance groups of enemy across the boundary line,” reported Deputy Chief of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Serhiy Halushko during a press conference.
Only for the last day were recorded 79 violations of the ceasefire by Russia-backed militants, including 76 attacks and 3 military clashes. The enemy seeks weak spots in Ukrainian defense, trying to wear down Ukrainian servicemen and to provoke the response, then to blame the Ukrainian side in violation of the Minsk agreements.
PHOTO:ATO Press Center
“According to our information, military leadership of ‘LPR’ ordered its units and detachments to lift restrictions on use of heavy weapons. It is known that the terrorists have planned additional deployment of artillery units at the demarcation line. Given possible increase in losses in case of resumed combat activities near Horlivka, the leadership of illegal armed gangs ordered to enhance medical care system and increase the number of beds in hospitals and sanatoria,” announced Deputy Chief of the ATO.
During the briefing Serhiy Halushko has demonstrated next irrefutable evidence of the Kremlin’s involvement in the conflict in Donbas – the weapon of Russian Oboronprom. The new trophy – a Kalashnykov gun with serial number LN 483, which was manufactured in Russia and is in service with the Russian army. According to the military, the weapon got on the occupied territory of Ukraine, about six months ago. Each unit trophy weapons is counted and sent to a special warehouse.
PHOTO:ATO Press Center
PHOTO:ATO Press Center
PHOTO:ATO Press Center
According to Halushko, it is possible that in order to deceive about intentions and real assault directions, the following information is spread among the terrorists: combat activities will be increased between June 17 and 22 at directions of Stanychno-Luhanske, Artemivsk, Dzerzhynsk, and Hranitne (the Volnovakha district).
Deputy Chief of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Serhiy Halushko reports the number of Russian enemy groups, which are on the uncontrolled by Ukraine areas in Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
“Directly in Ukraine is registered the presence of Russian troops group consisting of nearly 9000 people who are armed with 532 units of armored vehicles, 153 artillery units, 190 tanks, 89 units of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), air defense – 66 and 4 “Tochka-U” – said Serhiy Halushko.
A big group of Russian troops also is concentrated on the border with Ukraine.
“Illegal armed formations have about 33 thousand people armed with more than 368 tanks, more than 940 armored vehicles, 375 artillery units of the receiver – continued Serhiy Halushko.”
“The enemy continues to shift units and carry out their rotation. For the past day at the station “Matviiv Kurhan” and the railway station “Pokrovska” are prepared for shipment in our country from the Russian Federation two trains of military equipment of the enemy, which will go into service for illegal armed formations “- said Serhiy Halushko.
According to Deputy Chief of the ATO, from “Matviiv Kurhan” are prepared to be sent about 30 tanks, 12 armored gun system and artillery system “Acacia”. Are prepared to be sent new weapons and military equipment and the militants from the station “Pokrovska”. There on railway platforms are 11 tanks, 7 armored combat vehicles, 18 units, automotive vehicles, including seven 122-mm MLRS BM-21 “Grad”.
