ATO Staff: Ukrainian troops finished withdrawing tanks in all sectors

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Kyiv, October 23, 2015.  Ukrainian troops finished withdrawing tanks in all sectors within the framework of the second stage of withdrawing tanks, mortar launchers below 120 mm and artillery systems below 100 mm. About 60 tanks were moved in the Debaltseve sector towards designated locations. They were withdrawn from the front line to a distance exceeding 15 km. Weaponry was withdrawn in the Mariupol sector, closely monitored by OSCE mission members, said ATO Staff spokesperson captain Leonid Matyukhin via Skype at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

According to Captain Matyukhin, the situation in the ATO zone remains relatively calm. Nevertheless, yesterday night militants “were shooting at our positions near Pisky, and a grenade launcher was used in Opytne”. He also added that militants were instigating provocations near Shyrokyne, shooting from grenade launchers, light arms and an 82 mm mortar launcher.

“In line with the Minsk Accords, Ukrainian troops did not return fire,” emphasized the spokesperson.

Such a pause in combat activity provided a chance to pay more attention to rebuilding Donbas infrastructure. “Electric power lines, water pipelines, telecommunications and much more are being restored. Both land telephone lines and mobile connections were re-established in Kurakhovo.

Window panes for a kindergarten damaged by shellfire were delivered to Luhanske in Artemivsk district, and replacement works were organized with support of civil and military cooperation officers. A volunteer organization delivered roofing materials to repair schools in Myronivske,” said Captain Matyukhin.

The ATO Staff spokesperson added that military engineers cleared mines from the territory near high voltage lines feeding a pumping facility of the Donbas-Siverskyi Donets water supply system. Following clearance of mines, repairmen started working in the area.