Ministry of Defense: Russia-backed militants use 120-mm mortars for the first time since the latest ceasefire

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Over the last day, Russia-backed militants attacked Ukrainian troops five times and used 120-mm mortars for the first time since March 5. “The enemy fired a total of about twenty 82-mm and 120-mm mortar rounds,” reported Ukrainian Ministry of Defense spokesman on ATO Dmytro Hutsulyak at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.In Luhansk sector, Russian proxies violated the ceasefire twice. Starting 12:00, militants were attacking Ukrainian troops near Novhorodske with heavy machine guns and small arms. After 22:20 militants delivered another attack in Luhanske area using grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns,” Colonel Hutsulyak added.

In Donetsk sector, Russia-backed militants attacked Ukrainian troops’ positions three times. At about 06:00, militants shelled Pavlopil area with 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers. At 17:30, militants used 82-mm mortars and IFV mounted weapons against Ukrainian troops outside Vodiane. “Another hostile attack was recorded near Avdiivka between 23:00 and midnight. The enemy used 82-mm mortars and small arms there,” the ATO spokesperson added.

Ukrainian troops did not return fire.

Unfortunately, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in action yesterday.

Report on the military developments as of March 12 is available here. Interactive data on the shelling: chronology shelling chart and the interactive map.