Russia-backed militants continue attacking Ukrainian positions along the entire frontline – Defense Ministry

Weekly dynamics of the combat development demonstrate that the vast majority of ceasefire violations took place in the Mariupol sector, stretching from Maryinka and Krasnohorivka.

“Russia-backed militants continued attacking Ukrainian positions along the entire contact line,” said Vilyen Pidgornyy, Ministry of Defense spokesperson, at a press-briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. Overall, the number of ceasefire violations was between 15 on November 20 at the lowest point to 46 on November 18 at the highest. “Russian proxy contingent kept on firing from heavy weapons, especially 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, 152 mm artillery. The militants ramped up the use of tanks along the frontline,” stated the spokesperson.

Mariupol sector
The vast majority of ceasefire violations took place in the Mariupol sector, stretching from Maryinka and Krasnohorivka all the way to Talakivka and Shyrokyne village on the Azov Sea coast. “The last week was marked by intensive hostile tank fire in the area of Shyrokyne between November 17 and 19,” added Mr Pidgornyy.

Donetsk sector
Russia-backed militants violated ceasefire in the Donetsk sector almost exclusively in the area of the Donetsk airport, including Avdiivka, Opytne and Pisky, as well as Luhanske village, which is close to Svitlodarsk. According to Mr Pidgornyy, there were occasional incidents of gunfire in the Horlivka perimeter as well.

Luhansk sector
In the Luhansk sector, tensions persisted across the whole sector. Ceasefire violations were registered in every frontline area of the sector – Novoaidar, Popasna and Stanytsia Luhanska areas. Ukrainian troops clashed with the insurgents close to Tryokhizbenka yesterday. “It was the only direct military engagement last week. Ukrainian troops successfully repelled the attack and held their position,” stated the spokesperson.

As Mr Pidgornyy stated, over the week, Ukrainian troops have registered 17 episodes of the enemy drones conducting aerial reconnaissance.

Casualties
Last week, one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in action and 16 servicemen were wounded in action.

Damage to the civilian infrastructure
Seven private homes and seven non-residential buildings were damaged as a result of militant attacks last week. The overwhelming majority of damages occurred in Maryinka, Mariupol sector, and two villages to the north of Avdiivka, Donetsk sector. “Due to consistent hostile fire, parts of Avdiivka and its outskirts were cut from water supply,” stressed Mr Pidgornyy.