Ministry of Defense: Massive hostilities continue at the Svitlodarsk bulge

Massive hostilities continue at the Svitlodarsk bulge. The previous day started with firefight near Luhanske lasting five hours non-stop, said the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense on ATO related issues Colonel Andriy Lysenko at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. “Adversaries attacked with mortar launchers and cannons, launching dozens of shells and mortar bombs. Two more hostile attacks took place in this area later, with total length of four hours,” he said. Moreover, militants are trying to reconnoiter the ground to conduct bypass attack. “In particular, intense hostile attacks took place in Troitske and Vozdvyzhenka. Insurgents used batteries of heavy weapons: mortar launchers and cannons. Moreover, hostile artillery hit Myronivka again. A residential building and a police car was damaged as a result of militants’ aggressive actions in Svitlodarsk,” added the spokesman.

“Christmas armistice” started in the East Ukraine today. It envisages complete indefinite cessation of hostilities. “As of 11 a.m., enemy violated the agreement, conducting four attacks in the Luhansk and Mariupol sectors,” said Col. Lysenko. For instance, militants used cannons and mortar launchers in Novozvanivka in the Luhansk sector, and Grad multiple rocket launchers were used in Syze. Another mortar attack took place in Zhovte. “Occupants also violated the ceasefire in Stanytsia Luhanska, Lobacheve and Novooleksandrivka,” added the spokesman. In total, militants made 10 attacks in the Luhansk sector yesterday, and half of them involved use of heavy armor: 15 mortar bombs, 35 artillery shells and four Grad missiles.

In addition to Troitske-Novoluhanske area, active hostilities in the Donetsk sector continued in Horlivka perimeter. Militants shelled Ukrainian positions in Toretsk satellite villages, Verkhniotoretske and Novoselivka Druha. Two residential buildings were damaged in Pivnichne,” said Col. Lysenko. Five firefights took place between Ukrainian troops and militants. Ukrainian troops at Butovka coal mine position withstood an intense three hour mortar attack from the side of Spartak village yesterday. The armistice held in the Donetsk airport. In total, militants made 19 attacks in the Donetsk sector yesterday, and 13 of the involved use of heavy arms.

Intense mortar and artillery attack continue 24/7 in Talakivka-Shyrokyne frontline area in the Mariupol sector. “Over 120 bombs of the corresponding caliber were launched at our positions. Almost exemplary armistice held in all other areas. Moreover, militants made a brief attack near Dokuchaevsk,” said Col. Lysenko. In total, 19 militants’ attacks took place in the Mariupol sector yesterday, and heavy arms were used in 11 of them. Militants also instigated one firefight which was reported yesterday.

Ukrainian Armed Forces incurred no losses in combat yesterday, one serviceman was wounded and four more sustained blast injury.

Moreover, Ukrainian troops organized a checkpoint in Novoluhanske village in the Donetsk sector yesterday. “It was done at the request of locals as the settlement was not effectively controlled by any side. These measures will allow bringing in humanitarian aid,” elaborated the spokesman.

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