Andriy Lysenko: Russia-backed militants use 122-mm artillery and “Grad-P” rocket launchers

WATCH IN ENGLISH

Kyiv, June 15, 2015. Ukrainian positions at key frontline areas in eastern Ukraine have been shelled from heavy weapons, while the area of combat actions expanded as militants attacked formerly calm areas, targeting residential districts, said Colonel Andriy Lysenko, spokesman of the Administration of the President of Ukraine on ATO related issues, at the press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

Shyrokyne has been the only hotspot of the conflict in the Mariupo sector. “Militants used 122-mm artillery systems, “Grad-P” rocket launchers and small arms,” Col. Lysenko noted.

15-06_eng

In the Donetsk sector, pro-Russian militants fired at the Ukrainian military in the airport area. “Ukrainian border guards repelled an attack of militant subversive-reconnaissance group near the town of Verkhnyotoretske where an important railway station Skotuvate is located,” said ATO spokesman. Skirmishes were observed in the outskirts of Horlivka and in Maryinka district where militants targeted five different towns. “Russia-backed forces fired one full salvo was launched at Novomykhailivka from Grad multiple rocket launchers as well as launched a tank attack afterwards tanks,” Col. Lysenko said.

One civilian in Krasnohorivka was injured as a result of militant shelling. Meanwhile, Ukrainian services restored gas supply to Mariupol, Volnovakha and Avdiivka.

Col. Andriy Lysenko also said that fighting in the Luhansk have occurred in the area stretching from Popasna to Shchastya: “At least 30 rockets from Grad system were launched at the Troyitske village yesterday. Militants were firing from Stakhanov located in less than 20 km from Troyitske.” Moreover, militants mortared Ukrainian military positions by Novotoshkivske and Krymske; part of the latter got cut off from power. One Ukrainian worker was injured near Popasna.

Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed in action and 20 got wounded in the last 24 hours.

Ukrainian border guards and armed forces noted 25 flights of enemy UAVs in ATO zone yesterday.