Kyiv, 24 December 2014 – “Situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone is characterized by increased number of provocations by illegal armed groups. Militants fired 25 times at the positions of Ukrainian military with small arms, grenade launchers, mortars and artillery,” reported Leonyd Matyukhin, ATO HQ spokesman via Skype at a briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center. Terrorists opened fire at the new terminal of the Donetsk airport, at localities Stanytsia Luhanska, Sokolnyky, Opytne, Pisky, Berezove, Novomykhaylivka, Taramchuk, Slavne, Mayorsk, at the outskirts of Nikishyne, Zolote, Chermalyk and Orlove.
According to Oleksiy Mazepa, Officer of the Press Service within the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, within the last day positions of Ukrainian military came under fire 29 times. “Re-deployment of manpower and military equipment as well as rotation of militants continues on the territories controlled by the militants along the delimitation line. It is reported that cases when militants are leaving their positions because their leaders do not fulfill their promises as to the remuneration and provision of supplies have become more frequent,” informed Oleksiy Mazepa.
Last night near Hiske locality illegal armed groups opened fire at Ukrainian servicemen from BM-21 “Grad” multiple rocket launcher system. UAVs are being more actively deployed at the Mariupol direction. “From 16:50 till 22:25 yesterday UAVs were spotted 6 times above Talakivka, Sartana, Chernenko and Hnutove towns,” explained Leonyd Matyukhin.
