Andriy Lysenko: Decreased intensity of heavy weapons use in Donetsk region, no lethal casualties among Ukrainian troops

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Kyiv, July 2, 2015. In Donetsk sector, Russia-backed militant provocations and heavy weapons use decreased. “The fiercest fighting took place in Mayorsk, on the northern outskirts of Horlivka and western edges of Donetsk. Other hotspots included Pisky and Maryinka. Ukrainian Armed Forces incurred no lethal casualties during the last day, said Colonel Andriy Lysenko, spokesman of the Administration of the President of Ukraine on ATO related issues, at a press briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

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Ukrainian servicemen did not register massive heavy weapons use by militant groups in the Luhansk sector. “The enemy used mortars and small arms in Stanytsia Luhanska, Krymske and Zolote. In Stanytsia Luhanska, shelling damaged residences and public infrastructure,” reported Col. Lysenko.

However, the situation escalated in the Mariupol sector. Militants are actively using tanks and artillery that they have concentrated near the combat line. Ukrainian troops in Bohdanivka, Starohnativka, Shyrokyne and Berdyanske came under enemy fire.

Furthermore, Ukrainian border guards and the Armed Forces reported two enemy UAVs during the past day.

Two Ukrainian servicemen got wounded in action in the last 24 hours near Donetsk and Horlivka.

Ukraine’s Security Service blocked 11 digital wallets that collected funds for Russia-backed militants Zhytomyr region, publishing account information on anti-Ukrainian propaganda sites. Col. Lysenko added, “Thanks to international cooperation, Ukraine’s Security Service sent this information to the digital wallet company headquarters and they immediately blocked payment.”

In other updates, authorities detained two residents of Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast. These residents were reporting information on Ukrainian Armed Forces locations and movement to an “LPR” militant nicknamed “Shaman”. Lysenko elaborated, “Searches on militant houses were conducted. Maps marked with positions and checkpoints of Ukrainian troops, and RGD-5 grenades with fuses and ammunition were discovered.”

Lysenko further reported the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) ratified agreements with NATO to receive support and supplies. He concluded, “From now on, Ukraine will have the opportunity to receive support from the Alliance in the areas of supplies, technical servicing, procurement of goods and services, transportation, technical assistance and most importantly from projects of NATO’s Trust Fund.

Additionally, the Parliament ratified a memorandum of agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the NATO Communications and Information Organization that sets the groundwork for cooperation in the areas of intelligence, and surveillance and reconnaissance in the framework of NATO’s ‘Partnership for Peace’ program.”