Kyiv, 18 June 2014 – Anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces continue to guard and protect the state border of Ukraine and to tighten the blockade ring around terrorists, including in the areas controlled by the terrorists. As a result, the militants step up their attacks leading to more frequent clashes. At the same time, the ATO forces are ready to carry out the decision of the Ukrainian military and political leaders under the President’s peace plan should such a decision be made. “The plan can only be fully implemented if guarantees are given by the militants with respect to the peaceful settlement of the conflict and if temporary ceasefire conditions are adhered to,” said the official spokesman for the anti-terrorist operation Vladyslav Selezniov who reported from the ground during a phone briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center.
Mr. Selezniov said that over the last 24 hours there have been several clashes in the ATO area between the Ukrainian army and groups of terrorists which comprised mercenaries from the Russian Federation. As a result of fighting, the ATO forces incurred losses, which including a damaged T-64b tank. Far greater losses were inflicted on the militants. According to the ATO headquarters, these included dozens of dead and injured.
Terrorists continue to fire mortar shells at Kramators and shoot in residential areas to discredit the Ukrainian army. “I would like to state again that the sole purpose of the ATO is to ensure peace in the east of Ukraine, and under no circumstances will weapons be used against civilians,” said Vladislav Selezniov.
The ATO spokesman also dismissed the allegations that part of the Ukrainian soldiers near Luhansk were left without ammunition and command. “We are talking about a company of the 12th Kyiv battalion. I have confirmed information that the troops repelled an attack on the security checkpoint near Gerasimovka town and that they are currently provided with all necessary items,” said Mr. Selezniov.
Vladislav Selezniov also confirmed that a 248 km long part of the state border is fully controlled by the ATO forces together with the border guard services to secure and protect the border.
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