Colonel Motuzyanyk: Number of hostile armed provocations decreased by half

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Militants violated the truce in the Mariupol. All single provocations happen at the “usual” flashpoints.

Kyiv, September 26, 2016. Ukrainian forces observe a significant reduction of armed provocation by militants along the entire contact line. This was reported by Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, spokesman of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on ATO related issues at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. A number of hostile armed provocations decreased by half comparing to the day before. “Nonetheless, fire from heavy weapons continues in the main areas of the conflict, particularly in Avdiyivka. Armed Forces of Ukraine strictly follow the Minsk and political agreements, although they are ready to open fire in response in case of militants’ intent to escalate the conflict,” noted Col.  Motuzyanyk.

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In the Lugansk sectror militants opened fire only in the area of Popasna and Novozvanivka. “The enemy used small weapons only, but at 6 a.m. they started firing only anti-tank weapons in Popasna,” Col. Motuzyanyk said.

In the Donetsk sector cities of Avdiyivka and Verhnotoretske remain the “hot spots”. While at last spot the militants fired from small arms, the Ukrainian positions near Avdiyivka was fired by 51 mortar shells 82 caliber and 120-mm systems. “Militants also used rocket launchers and machine guns there. In all other “usual hot spots”, where the enemy’s provocations take place – Gorlivka area, Svitlodarsk bulge and other positions at Donetsk airport yesterday truce was kept,” added the MoD spokesperson on ATO related issues.

In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian troops incurred no losses. Two troops were wounded near Avdiyivka in the course of the battle.

 

In the Mariupol sector militants violated the truce only three times. All of those were single provocations near Marinka, Pavlopol and Novotroitske took place with the use of small arms.

According to the spokesperson, Command of the Russian Federation Armed Forces continues to supply weapons and military equipment for the needs of Russian-backed militants. “Six tanks with fuel and lubrication materials, three T-80 tanks, two armored cars “Tiger” and two vehicles of communication have been moved to Khartsyzk. In the direction of Donetsk and Amvrosiyivka moving columns of mixed military vehicles numbered up to 50 units, including three units of reactive systems of volley fire were observed,” said the MoD spokesman on ATO related issues.