Ministry of Defense: Russian proxies use tanks and mortars in eastern Ukraine again

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The situation in ATO zone became even more complicated yesterday: Russia-backed militants conducted 33 aimed attacks at Ukrainian positions, reported Ukrainian Ministry of Defense spokesman on ATO Colonel Andriy Lysenko at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. “Russian proxies conducted one tank and 11 mortar attacks, firing over 100 rounds at our defenders,” he said. Ukrainian troops responded with fire to 24 of these attacks.

In Luhansk sector, Russia-backed militants conducted 17 aimed attacks. “The enemy fired three 82-mm mortar rounds at our strongholds near Katerynivka. Moreover, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions near Donets settlement with 82-mm mortars,” said col. Lysenko. Militants twice used grenade launchers and small arms near Krymske, and six times near Luhanske. They attacked Ukrainian positions near Zaiteseve three times with heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and small arms.

In Donetsk sector, Russian proxies committed 16 ceasefire violations. “The enemy used 120-mm and 82-mm mortars against ATO troops near Pisky during the day, firing over 70 rounds. The enemy was using IFV weapons, anti-aircraft systems ZU-23-2, and used tank cannon 12 times,” elaborated the spokesman.

In Pavlopil and Avdiivka areas, militants used 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, grenade launchers, and small arms. Moreover, Russia-backed groups attacked Vodiane area with IFV weapons, 120-mm mortars, grenade launchers, and small arms. “A hostile IFV supported by grenade fire was recorded near Berezove. Moreover, militants conducted an aimed attack involving grenade launchers and heavy machine guns near Hnutove. Ukrainian troops returned fire using weapons not banned under Minsk agreements in each case,” elaborated Col. Lysenko.

No Ukrainian serviceman was killed in action, but two troops were wounded near Shakhta Butovka and Vodiane.