NSDC: Russia applies illegal landmines against Ukrainian border patrol

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Kyiv, August 10, 2014. The ATO continues on the offensive and closes in on Donetsk, said Colonel Andriy Lysenko, spokesperson for the Information-Analytical Center of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine during a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

Colonel Lysenko said that tonight the Russians have released five officers of 72 Brigade, who were illegally detained on the territory of the Russian Federation. They were transferred to the Ukrainian side at the checkpoint “Milove”, Luhansk region. All soldiers of 72 Brigade, who remained loyal to the oath and their duty will be awarded, he noted.

In the last 24 hours the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost three troops, another 27 got wounded.

Concurrently, there have been 30 clashes between the ATO forces and the terrorists in following populated areas: Miusynsk, Riasne, Mayorske, Debaltseve, Kamianka, Vesela Tarasivka, Amvrosiyivka, Stukalova Balka, Zhovte, Haiove, Sabivka, Avdiivka, Cheliuskinets, Rozivka, Bokovo-Platovo, Lysychky, Komuna, Nizhnia Vilkhova, Petrivske, and near the Savur-Mohyla.

Colonel Lysenko has also reported about numerous defections among the terrorists.

Commenting on the “peace initiatives” of the terrorists, the NSDC spokesman stated that those would be recognized as such only if “there is specific action taken – raised white flags and laid down arms.”

The situation on the Ukrainian-Russian border remains tense – the shelling of the Ukrainian border positions and settlements from the Russian Federation continues. Thus, the Ukrainian border patrol in Luhansk region has been fired upon yesterday between 9:00 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. from the Russian village of Manotsky. Ukrainian border troops in Amvrosiivka (Donetsk region) were fired upon from Russian artillery units and “Grad” between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Later that day, the settlements of Ilyinka, Donetsk region, Miusynsk, Petropavlivka and Diakove of Luhansk region have been exposed to shelling which originated in the Russian villages of Marfinka, Dibrovka and Seleznivka.

A spokesman for NSDC has also reported on Russia remotely launching the landmines against Ukrainian border troops, who were supposed to fall into a trap when falling back. After the landing the mine capsule burst with long yellow intertwined trigger strands in different directions. He noted that Ukraine has no weapons of this type, and the use of anti-personnel mines is prohibited by international humanitarian law. Colonel Lysenko drew attention to the fact that the incident occurred in the center of the Milove village, therefore endangering the lives of civilians, especially children. Moreover the village is located 100 km away from the active ATO zone, which once again confirms the Russian aggression against Ukraine, reiterated Colonel Lysenko.

The Russian Air Force continues to violate Ukrainian airspace. Yesterday, Ukraine has recorded the flight of two Mi-24 helicopters and two drones over the territory of Ukraine. In addition, the movement of 10 railway platforms loaded with artillery tractors and the convoy of 30 APCs has been recorded within the Russian territory on the border with Sumy region.

Andriy Lysenko also informed that Ukrainian Armed Forces confiscated explosives – TNT equivalent of 130 kg – including cable grenades during the search of a passenger car travelling through the block post in Volnovakha district of Donetsk region. In Zaporizhzhia region the State Security Service (SBU) detained the leader and members of subversive groups from Gorlivka, who planned to conduct reconnaissance, sabotage and terrorist attacks in the region.

The National Security and Defense Council spokesman emphasized that yesterday President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a telephone conversation with Vice President of the United States Joseph Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The issue raised was the organization of international humanitarian assistance to Luhansk under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross. He also mentioned about urgent need to send experts to Luhansk to repair and restore water supply substations. In response, Angela Merkel affirmed that the mission should take place only through the channels of the UN or the Red Cross and only in consultation with the Ukrainian side.