Russia-backed militants refused to let pass 23 trucks with UN humanitarian aid through their checkpoints. The trucks were carrying 430 tons of food and medicine destined for residents of the territories in Luhansk and Donetsk regions that Ukraine temporarily does not control. Russian militants stopped the trucks near Olenivka village, Luhansk region and sent them back without any explanation.
Situation in the ATO’s Donetsk sector remained tense over the last day. Ceasefire was violated on the outskirts of Horlivka – in Zaitseve, Mayorsk and Novhorodske over the last day. One attack with the use of an 82-mm mortar and militant sniper fire were also registered in this area yesterday. Krasnohorivka was the combat epicenter on the western outskirts of Donetsk yesterday. There was a series of attacks with the use of 82-mm mortars, at least 30 mines were fired. Russian militant attacks were also registered along the entire contact line between Avdiivka and Maryinka. At the same time few provocations were registered at the Svitlodarsk salient. In the Mariupol sector one militant provocation was registered near Shyrokyne – a series of attacks from a grenade launcher. Calm situation was holding in the Luhansk sector over the last day.
Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reports that militants’ discipline and morale keep worsening. Due to the decreasing inflow of Russian mercenaries and increasing number of militants intending to leave the Russian militant groups occupational administration plans to hold forced military recruitment. Low morale is explained by militant losses incurred not only in combat but also in course of internal clashes. Conflicts between Russian militants and local residents of the occupied territories are regular. He told about a recent incident in Horlivka. After drinking alcohol a militant blew a grenade, as a result 56 year old female resident of Horlivka was killed, her son was wounded. The situation becomes even more complicated because of the food quality, medicine deficit and low-quality alcohol on sale that has been causing poisoning and even deaths.
