Anti-Ukrainian printed materials, “DPR”-issued awards discovered with representatives of Russian side to JCCC during check on exit from Ukraine – Colonel Motuzyanyk

Kyiv, February 9, 2016. Ukraine’s Security Service released materials that compromise activities of representatives of the Russian side to the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC). “On February 2, 2016 when Russian officers – JCCC members were checked on exit from Ukraine, insignia of militant groups that are active in eastern Ukraine, two books of separatist and anti-Ukrainian nature written by ideologists of the “Russian world” who also took part in seizure of administrative buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized from them,” said Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, spokesman of Presidential Administration on ATO-related issues at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. ATO spokesman added that some of the Russian servicemen were carrying “Internationalist” medals issued by the self-proclaimed “Donestk People’s Republic” (“DPR”) and with documents issued in their names.

Other items discovered with the Russian officers include handbooks on military science with marking “For official use only” covering the use of tank units under special conditions; the use of hand grenades, mines and demolition charges to blast bridges and buildings; the use of multiple rocket launcher systems and a notepad with instructions on how to obtain information by intelligence means. “Books with a series of lectures seized from Colonel of the Russian Federation Armed Forces Kirsanov is called ‘Combat actions in the desert and in the mountains’,” said Colonel Motuzyanyk noting that the materials in question might have been destined to Russian troops or militants who are preparing to be sent to Syria.

Ukrainian troops incurred no fatalities in ATO zone over the last day, no servicemen were wounded in action. “In the Luhansk sector adversary violated ceasefire near Troyitske at the administrative border between Donetsk and Luhansk regions. There was a short-lasting attack from 120-mm mortars. Situation in the Donetsk sector remains unchanged. Low intensity combat actions continue all along the contact line. Adversary is sporadically using heavy weapons including mortars and armored vehicles,” said Colonel Motuzyanyk.

In the Mariupol sector militants violated ceasefire in Krasnohorivka, Maryinka and Hnutove having used 82-mm mortars, small arms and hand-held antitank grenade launchers. “Hostile sniper was firing upon Ukrainian troops in Maryinka for a while. Short-lasting provocation by militant groups took place in Shyrokyne,” noted Colonel Motuzyanyk. He added that three flights of militant unmanned aerial vehicles were registered above the Sea of Azov and in the Mariupol sector.

“Main Intelligence Department of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reports that due to frequent cases of deserting within the so-called”‘3rd motor-rifle brigade” of the “DPR” militant group militant leaders decided to deploy in the rear rapid response units of the militant group called “DPR State Security Ministry” that would serve as barrier troops,” noted Colonel Motuzyanyk. He said the commanders of barrier troops have the right to open fire for effect in case of deserting.

Two locals were detained in Kramatorsk, where they were participating in militant groups. First one joined militants during the occupation of Kramatorsk and later deserted. Second one was recruited by militant leader nicknamed “Kasper” – his son-in-law.

Court in Zaporizhia region sentenced a militant of “Vostok” militant group to 12 years in prison for subversive activities. “Together with his accomplices he blew a railway bridge between Orikhivska – Mala Tokmachka stations in June 2014. Ukraine’s Security Service detained the five subversives a month later when they came to Zaporizhia to instigate new terrorist acts,” said Colonel Motuzyanyk.