Andriy Lysenko: Militants launched over 50 mortar shells at Ukrainian positions in Donetsk and Mariupol sectors

WATCH IN ENGLISH

Kyiv, February 20, 2016. The armistice fully held in the Luhansk sector in the ATO zone. Low intensity combat activity continues in the Donetsk sector, militants sporadically use heavy armor. Luhanske, Novhorodske, Opytne and Avdiivka are the hotspots. Four Ukrainian troops were wounded in Avdiivka. The situation is the most difficult near Mariinka and Krasnohorivka. Russia-backed militant groups use armored personnel carriers and mortar launchers. Snipers opened fire twice. Mortar shelling took place near Hnutove. Militants violated the ceasefire in Shyrokyne three times. Three flights of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were observed. In total, militants launched over 50 mortar shells at Ukrainian positions in Donetsk and Mariupol sectors. Ukrainian Armed Forces incur no losses in combat yesterday, said Colonel Andriy Lysenko, spokesman of Presidential Administration on ATO-related issues at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

20-02_eng

“Militants’ UAVs attacked a military supply depot of Ukrainian Armed Forces near Hrodivka settlement in Donetsk region, dropping phosphorous shells on the night of February 14-15. Fire hazards resulting from the explosions were localized in time with the help of a reserve group,” said Col. Lysenko.

The spokesman also said that the President of Ukraine signed a law envisaging intensified social protection for family members of the heroes killed during the ATO and the Revolution of Dignity. The law guarantees the following welfare: receiving drugs, pharmaceutical products, immunobiological preparations and medical devices on prescription, as well as 50% discount for paying utility services regardless of the joint income of the family.