Ministry of Defense: Militants shell Vodiane with grenade launchers and IFVs

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Militants violated the ceasefire in all sectors in the ATO zone yesterday.  The situation was the most restless in Vodiane in Mariupol sector.  Militants opened grenade fire and IFV weapons in the morning there. “The ceasefire held along the entire frontline during the day.  Militants conducted three armed provocations in Maryinka, Shyrokyne and Hnutove.  The enemy shot from IFV in the latter,” said Ukrainian Ministry of Defense spokesman on ATO- related issues Colonel Andriy Lysenko at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

In Luhansk sector hostilities started around 17:00. Militants conducted two armed provocations with small arms in Lopaskyne and Novozvanivka.  “Following this, the enemy conducted two more attacks at Krymske. Militants used grenade launchers in one attack,” said Col. Lysenko.

In Donetsk sector militants violated the ceasefire only in Kamianka – Avdiivka – Shakhta Butovka position. “Russia-backed militants conducted seven armed provocations during which they fired from various grenade launchers and machine guns.  Ukrainian troops responded with fire almost to all hostile provocations,” elaborated the spokesman.

No Ukrainian troops were killed in action, but one was wounded in hostile attack near Avdiivka.

According to Col. Lysenko, Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense informed that command of militants’ so-called “7th brigade” allowed his militants to down OSCE UAVs. “They will use snipers in covered positions to do it. These action result from the enemy’s desire to conceal systematic violations in Minsk agreements,” he said.

Col.Lysenko commented on the situation with the fire in ammunition depot in Kalynivka in Vinnytsia. He said that the fire is being extinguished. “Law enforcement officers, special and emergency services, volunteers and special machinery (fire trucks, tanks and train) take part in the operation. Civil population and families of the military residing in the threat area were evacuated.  Military prosecution of Central region started investigation of the crime envisaged by the Art.113 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – subversive act,” he said.  The President tasked the Minister of Defense and Head of the Security Service of Ukraine will visit the place of the incident.  “Following their trip, meeting of Military Cabinet of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine will take place,” added Col. Lysenko.

Report on the military developments as of September 26 is available here. Interactive data on the shelling: chronology shelling chart and the interactive map.