OSCE: “DPR” and “LPR” use “Grad-P” portable rocket systems prohibited by Minsk II

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Kyiv, May 15, 2015. Russia-backed militants of the so-called “DPR” and “LPR” have used “Grad-P”, 122-mm portable rocket systems prohibited by Minsk agreements. “Number of ceasefire exceeded hundreds on the daily basis,” said Alexander Hug, Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, during the press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

Alecander Hug reported on the emergence of new hotspots, such as the outskirts of Horlivka. Fighting continues around Avdiivka and Pisky. “Luhansk region is relatively calm compared with Donetsk. But minor armed incidents have occurred in the area of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge,” Mr. Hug said.

International monitors continue to observe stipulations of Minsk II regarding the heavy arms withdrawal. Pro-Russian militants exhibited “Grad” multiple rocket launchers, tanks and self-propelled howitzers in Donetsk and Luhansk during the military parade on May 9.

Alexander Hug told about the recent incident involving the Ukrainian soldier who mistakenly confused the OSCE patrol with the enemy forces close to the village of Krymske. “Commander of the unit apologized for the incident and promised to ensure security for the observers,” Mr. Hug said.

Alexander Hug reminded that the second meeting of the security group of the Joint Center of Control and Coordination on May 19, specifying: “Two documents are going to be finalized – one on the withdrawal of tanks and weapons of less than 100-mm caliber from the contact line and another dealing with the disengagement in Shyrokyne.”