Timeline
1 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [2] [3] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region [4] ). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two others were injured in the Donbass region on the last day of January. [4] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded 12 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Around Donetsk city, the areas of Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Trudovske, Zhabicheve, Spartak and Donetsk airport were attacked with infantry weapons, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the outskirts of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions at Ozeryanivka, Verkhnyotoretske and Shyroka Balka, supported by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and automatically launched grenades. [5] [6] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded two Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka and Lohvynove using automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles. [7]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops once, when pro-Russian armoured vehicles carried out a half-hour attack on Ukrainian redoubts at Troitske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, supported by 120 mm mortars. No casualties were reported. [8] Later in the day, Ukrainian positions around Luhanske were engaged by the same kind of weapons. [9] Later it was reported that one Ukrainian soldier was killed by explosion of an unidentified explosive device in Donetsk region. [10] [11] Throughout the day, there were several Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire, according to pro-Russia media. Kalynove, in the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, armoured fighting vehicles once again attacked Donetsk airport, Spartak and Yasinuvata with the support of mortar fire. [12] Ukrainian forces from Novotroitske opened fire on Dokuchaievsk with heavy machine guns and 120 mm mortars. [13] Later in the evening, there was a rocket propelled grenade attack on the headquarters of the Donetsk People's Republic Minister of Defence. The building was damaged but no casualties were reported. [14] Some witnesses said they spotted a drone over the area. [15]
2 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions on the first day of February, [9] exclusively in Luhansk region. [16] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on the first day of February. [16] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 15 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three different regions using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Most incidents occurred around Donetsk city, where pro-Russian positions were attacked by armoured vehicles supported by infantry weapons, grenade launchers, antitank recoilless rifles and mortars. A fuel depot and a residencial building were damaged at Dokuchaievsk. In the outskirts of Horlivka, Ukrainian troops opened fire with small arms, heavy machine guns and antitank rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian troops became the target of small arms, snipers and antitank recoilless rifles. [17] According to Eduard Basurin there were 53 violations of the truce by Ukrainian forces over the past week. Heavy mortars, banned by the Minsk agreements, were fired on 142 occasions on the same period. [18] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on six occasions within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces from Luhanske, Troitske and Novozvanivka employed small arms, rocket launchers, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns to engage pro-Russian redoubts at Lohvynove and Kalynove. [19]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions; as a result three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded [20] in the area of Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city, where rebel forces fired small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske and Pavlopil were shelled with 82 mm mortars. Lebedinske was also hit by antitank rockets. [11] The water purification plant at Donetsk city was put out of commission after being attacked by the Ukrainian military with small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars, according to pro-Russian sources. [21]
3 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day. [10] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 2 February. [11] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 15 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian positions at Kruta Balka, Yasinuvata, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport were fired at from 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts for the first time in 2018. Ukrainian forces also employed infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers and armoured fighting vehicles to attack the separatists strongholds of Uzhivka, Pikuzy and Sakhanka. In the area of Horlivka, the Ukrainian military fired small arms, heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. [22] [23] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic confirmed that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on a single occasion within the republic boundaries, when BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Luhanske attacked pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove, supported by heavy machine gun fire and automatic grenade launchers. [24]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, 82 mm mortar volleys landed in Avdiivka and Novotroitske. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts supported by small arms, heavy machine guns, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian entrenchments at Lozove were hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets, while small arms fire was reported at Zaitseve. [25] [26] Pro-Russian media reported that Ukrainian tanks continued to attack rebel positions around Donetsk city supported by antitank recoilless rifles, mortars and artillery. The main incidents occurred at Oleksandrivka, Novomykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Donetsk airport and Volvo Center. [27] An OSCE patrol was fired at from infantry weapons and BMP-2 armoured vehicles near Yasinuvata. [28]
4 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 3 February [29] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region [26] ). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 3 February. [26] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 18 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, the Ukrainian military employed infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles to attack Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Staromyhailivka, Donetsk airport and Petrovsky district. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian forces at Pikuzy and Dzerzhinsky became the target of infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers, and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. [30] [31] [32] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire engaged pro-Russian positions at Nyzhne Lozove. [33]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions. By the end of the day, rebel forces had attacked Zaitseve with infantry weapons, in the northern section of the demarcation line. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, heavy shelling was reported at Butivka mining complex, which was hit by antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar volleys. Kamyanka and Novotroitske were shelled with 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, the separatists fired rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars at Vodiane. As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and another injured. [34]
5 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [35] (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and on 1 occasion in Luhansk region); the fire was returned once. [36] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that two Ukrainian serviceman were wounded and one was injured in the Donbass region on 4 February. [36] [37] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 17 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, tanks and armoured vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian forces at Spartak, Zhabicheve, Dokuchaievsk, Oleksandrivka, Donetsk airport and Petrovsky district. The same areas came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The Ukrainian military also employed infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian troops at Novolaspa and Dzherzhinsky were attacked with infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and armoured fighting vehicles. [38] [39] [40] Local authorities reported no ceasefire violations within Luhansk People's Republic borders. [41]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 2 occasions, no casualties were reported. [42] In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske became the target of 120 mm mortars. The Ukrainian garrison returned fire twice. Later in the day, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, the separatist opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars at Luhanske. The Ukrainian military fired back on two occasions. [43] In the afternoon, pro-Russia media reported that Ukrainian tanks opened fire on Volvo Center, in the western side of Donetsk city, supported by heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. Pro-Russian positions near Dokuchaievsk, in the south, were attacked by BMP-1 and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. The positions were also hit by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. One apartment building and a civilian vehicle were heavily damaged. Heavy fire was heard near Verhnioshyrokivske, in the region of Mariupol. [44] [45]
6 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 5 February [46] (including on 1 occasion in Donetsk and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region [43] [47] ); the fire was returned twice. [43] [47] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 5 February. [43] [47] [48] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [49] [50] [51] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded three Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Kalynove and Lohvynove using automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, Zu-23-2 antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled guns. [52]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions. [53] In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles attacked Bohdanivka, while Ukrainian positions at Lebedinske, Vodiane and Pavlopil were hit by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and 82 mm mortar rounds. Lebedinske and Shyrokyne were also the target of 120 mm mortars. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces carried out a five-hour sustained attack on Ukrainian troops at Troitske with heavy machine guns, Zu-23-2 antiaircraft guns and 120 mm mortars. Antitank guided missiles were fired at Krymske, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys hit Novozvanivka. Small arms fire was reported at Katerinivka, Novooleksandrivka and Stanytsia Luhanska. By the end of the day three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded and one was injured. [54]
7 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [54] [55] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region [56] ); the fire was returned on 3 occasions. [56] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian serviceman were wounded and one was injured in the Donbass region on 6 February. [56] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported ten Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [57] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on three occasions within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces from Luhanske and Troitske employed small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars 122 mm self-propelled guns to engage pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalinivka and Lohvynove. [58]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 9 occasions, one Ukrainian serviceman was injured. [59] Pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Pisky, west of Donetsk city, supported by small arms and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne became the target of heavy machine guns and grenade launchers. In the northern section of the demarcation line, 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Novozvanivka, Luhanske and Troitske. Popasna was shelled with 82 mm mortars. An Orlan-10 Russian drone was shot down in eastern Ukraine. [60]
8 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 17 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 7 February. [59] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 7 February. [61] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 15 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in 12 different locations using small arms, snipers, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [62] [63] [64] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded six Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Krasny Lyman, Kalynove, Nyzhne Lozove and Verguivka employing small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns. [65]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Pisky was shelled with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Shyrokyne, while Vodiane was hit by antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar volleys. As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was injured. [66] [67] In a separate hostile incident, Ukrainian forces near the border with Russia received small arms fire from the village of Ushakovka, Rostov Oblast, in Russian territory. [68]
9 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day. [67] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 8 February. [68] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the area of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Verkhnyotoretske, supported by infantry weapons, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars. Around Donetsk city, Ozeryanivka, Trudovske, Dokuchaievsk, Yasinuvata, Zhabicheve and Volvo Center were attacked mostly with 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the region of Mariupol, armoured fighting vehicles fired upon pro-Russian positions at Pikuzy, which also became the target of small arms, snipers and heavy machine guns. [69] [70] According to the same sources, Ukrainian troops broke the ceasefire on 95 occasions over the past week. The Ukrainian military fired 423 mortar rounds, 629 rounds from armoured fighting vehicles and seven from main battle tanks on the same period. [71] No Ukrainian ceasefire violations were reported by authorities from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. [72]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, heavy mortar shelling was reported at Pisky, which became the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian troops at Slavne received small arms fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, rebel forces opened fire on Zaitseve and Luhanske with small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. Novhorodske was hit by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortars. Later in the evening, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles attacked Ukrainian positions at Novooleksandrivka and Buholanske. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded. [73] [74]
10 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 11 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 9 February [74] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region [75] ); the fire was returned on 5 occasions. [75] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 9 February. [75] [76] [77] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Around Donetsk city armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Zhabicheve (south of Donetsk airport), Kirov district and Petrovsky district, supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The area also became the target of infantry weapons and rocket launchers. In the area of Horlivka, the Ukrainian army employed small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Verhnoshyrokivske, Uzhivka and Pikuzy were hit by 82 mm mortar rounds. [78] [79] [80] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once within the republic boundaries, when 82 mm mortars rounds landed in Kalynivka. [81]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops once, at Luhanske with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. No casualties were reported. [82] Later in the day, also in the northern sector of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian entrenchments at Svitlodarsk, supported by heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. The Ukrainian stronghold of Krymske was struck by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds. Ukrainian troops at Novooleksandrivka, meanwhile, were harassed with heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades. In the region of Mariupol, rebel forces attacked Talakivka using heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. [83]
11 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 8 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [83] (including once in Donetsk and on 7 occasions in Luhansk region [84] ); the fire was returned on 5 occasions. [84] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 10 February. [84] [85] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian forces around Donetsk city shelled Dokuchaievsk and Petrovsky district with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. The two strobgholds were also thit by small arms fire and antitank rockets. In the area of Horlivka, 82 mm mortars landed in Verkhnyotoretske. In the region of Mariupol, Pikuzy and Uzhivka became the target of small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortar rounds. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded in action. [86] [87] [87] Local authorities recorded two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian forces at Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [88]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 8 occasions, no casualties were reported. [89] In the outskirts of Donetsk city, rebel forces harassed Ukrainian troops at Avdiivka with small arms and heavy machine gun fire. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian forces at Talakivka were attacked with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys also landed in Vodiane and Shyrokyne. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Zaitseve supported by infantry weapons and grenade launchers. [90]
12 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 9 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 11 February [91] (including on 7 occasions in Donetsk region and on 2 occasions in Luhansk region [90] ); the fire was returned on 4 occasions. [90] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 11 February. [90] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven different locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [92] [93] [94] No Ukrainian violations of the truce were recorded by local authorities in the territory of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. [95]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 8 occasions; as a result one Ukrainian serviceman was killed (at around 10:00 am [96] ) and another wounded. [97] In the area of Donetsk city, rebel troops opened fire on Opytne with small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian forces at Vodiane became the target of heavy machine guns and 120 mm mortars. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces fired small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars on Ukrainian positions around Krymske, while nearby Popasna was hit by 82 mm mortar rounds. Ukrainian redoubts at Katerinivka, Zaitseve, Novoluhanske, Novhorodske and Svitlodarsk were struck by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. [98] By the end of the day another Ukrainian soldier was wounded. [99] Heavy mortar shelling was reported in the afternoon by pro-Russian media in the village of Dolomitne, north of Horlivka. [100]
13 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 11 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [99] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region [101] ); the fire was returned on 7 occasions. [101] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two were wounded in the Donbass region on 12 February. [101] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [102] [103] [104] Local officials recorded one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic when Kalynove-Borshchevate was attacked with heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars. [105] The same sources said that their forces defeated a Ukrainian assault on Zholobok carried out by members of the 58th motorized infantry brigade from Krymske. Pro-Russian media claims that three Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action. [106] The body of one of the soldiers was later recovered by rebel fighters and handed over to Ukrainian authorities. [107] [108]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, no casualties were reported. [109] Later in the day, several incidents were reported in the area of Svitlodarsk, where Troitske was fired at repeatedly from heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Novozvanivka and Popasna were also shelled with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, while Zaitseve, Mayorsk, Stanytsia Luhanska and Svitlodarsk were struck by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. [110]
14 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 13 February, [111] exclusively in Luhansk region. [110] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 13 February. [110] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [112] [113] [114] Local authorities recorded five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian forces at Lozove, Kalynove, Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles. [115]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions; as a result three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded; [116] by the end of the day one more Ukrainian soldier was wounded. [117] In the afternoon, pro-Russian media reported that BMP-2 armoured vehicles from Novotroitske raked residential areas of Dokuchaievsk with 30 mm cannon fire. The village was also struck by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and automatically-launched grenades. A school and three other buildings were hit. No casualties were reported. [118] [119] According to authorities from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic, the Ukrainian military shelled the village of Lomuvatka, in the outskirts of Brianka during the morning. As a result, three houses were heavily damaged and the area was left without power. [120] [121] [122]
15 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [117] (including on 10 occasions in Donetsk region and on 4 occasions in Luhansk region [123] ); the fire was returned on 10 occasions. [123] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO, polkovnyk Dmytro Hutsulyak, reported at noon that four Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 14 February. [123] Polkovnyk Hutsulyak did not specify the exact number, place, or date – how many, where, and when were Ukrainian marines killed. [123] Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine confirmed the death of four marines near Shyrokyne, allegedly after being ambushed and assassinated by two fellow marines. [124] [125] [126] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian entrenchments at Dokuchayevsk, Staromykhailivka, Bila Kamianka, Mineralne, Zhabicheve, Spartak, Donetsk airport and Petrovsky district were engaged by armoured fighting vehicles supported by 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. As a result, two civilian residences were damaged at Mineralne and a farm was practically destroyed at Spartak. Small arms fire was also reported in the area. In the surroundings of Horlivka, 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Ozeryanivka and Gagarin mining complex. [127] [128] Local authorities recorded two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars to hit pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove and Lozove. [129]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in action. [130] In the area of Donetsk city, rebel forces attacked Butivka mining complex with rocket launchers, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian positions at Taramchuk were hit by small arms fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian redoubts at Vodiane were engaged with small arms, grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. The nearby villages of Pavlopil, Shyrokyne and Chermalyk came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Luhanske supported by heavy machine guns and 82 mm mortars. By the end of the day another Ukrainian serviceman was injured. [131]
16 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 10 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 15 February [131] (including on 8 occasions in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region [132] ); the fire was returned twice. [132] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another injured in the Donbass region on 15 February. [132] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. [133] Local officials recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles. [134]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions; no casualties were reported at this time. [135] By the end of the day one Ukrainian soldier was wounded and another injured. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian positions at Luhanske were repeatedly attacked by armoured fighting vehicles supported by heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Infantry weapons, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars were used to engage Ukrainian forces at nearby Svitlodarsk and Troitske. Krymske came under small arms, rocket propelled grenade and 82 mm mortar fire. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Ukrainian troops at Taramchuk were attacked with infantry weapons. [136] Pro-Russian media reported that Ukrainian forces from Dzerzhinsky opened fire on the outskirts of Horlivka with ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns. Three civilian residences were damaged. [137]
17 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 20 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [136] (including once in Donetsk region and on 19 occasions in Luhansk region [138] ); the fire was returned on 8 occasions. [138] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and another injured in the Donbass region on 16 February. [138] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and tanks. [139] Deputy minister of defence of the Donetsk People's Republic, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian members of the 57th motorized infantry brigade from Pisky slipped through the demarcation line, where they were met by pro-Russian forces. One Ukrainian soldier, identified as Vasily Zhemelinsky, was taken prisoner. Two Ukrainian soldiers were allegedly killed and two others wounded. [140] [141] Local authorities reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles. [142]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 10 occasions, no casualties were reported; [143] by the end of the day one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the area of Svitlodarsk dam. [144] [145] In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts around Pisky supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, heavy shelling was reported at Luhanske, where Ukrainian positions were fired at from 82 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled guns. Armoured fighting vehicles, meanwhile, opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Troitske, along with 120 mm mortars. Rocket propelled grenades landed in Mayorsk, and nearby Krymske became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [143]
Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said that 21 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action and other 19 wounded since the beginning of 2018. [146] [147]
18 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 12 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 17 February [144] (including on 3 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region [145] ). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 17 February. [145] [148] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [149] [150] According to local sources, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire on two occasions within the territory of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian forces shelled Sentianivka and Sokolniki with automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [151]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 7 occasions. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action. [152] Later in the evening, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Shyrokyne. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Krymske, Troitske, Novoluhanske and Zaitseve came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. Ukrainian positions at Luhanske were hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Ukrainian troops at Stanytsia Luhanska and Novooleksandrivka were harassed with small arms and heavy machine gun fire. [153]
19 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 10 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [153] (including once in Donetsk and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region [154] ), the fire was returned twice. [154] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 18 February. [154] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [155] [156] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military shelled Kalynove, Nyzhne Lozove, Veselehorivka and Sokolniki with automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [157]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 9 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk, Pisky was hit by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske, Vodiane and Shyrokyne were shelled with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm mortar barrages landed in Krymske and Luhanske. Svitlodarsk, Luhanske, Novoluhanske and Hladsove also became the target of infantry weapons and rocket launchers. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, one was wounded, and another was injured; two Ukrainian soldiers were injured by the blast of an unidentified explosive device "while in a combat mission". [158] [159]
20 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 12 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [160] (including on 6 occasions in Donetsk and on 6 occasions in Luhansk region [161] ) The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed, one soldier was wounded, one was injured, and two more Ukrainian servicemen were wounded by explosion of an IED in the Donbass region on 19 February. [161] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [162] [163] [164] No Ukrainian violations of the truce were recorded by local authorities within the borders of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. [164]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 8 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Pisky, supported by heavy machine gun and 82 mm mortar fire. Ukrainian positions at Avdiivka were hit by automatically-launched grenades. In the region of Mariupol, 120 mm mortar rounds landed around Lomakyne, south of Talakivka. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian redoubts at Troitske were attacked several times with rocket launchers, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. Krymske, meanwhile, was struck by small arms fire, antitank rockets, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds. Rocket propelled grenades hit Ukrainian positions at Katerinivka. Both areas were also shelled by armoured fighting vehicles. One Ukrainian servicewoman (a military medic) was killed in this region while providing medical assistance to local civilians, [165] while another three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded elsewhere. [166] By the end of the day two more Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and two were injured. [167] Pro-Russian media reported that the Ukrainian military attacked separatist forces within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian troops from Troitske shelled Kalynove with 120 mm mortars and 152 mm self-propelled guns. BMP-2 armoured vehicles from Lopaskine raked the village of Dolhe with 30 mm cannon fire, hitting several civilian residences. [168]
President Petro Poroshenko signed the law of reintegration of the Donbass to Ukrainian control, approved by the Ukrainian parliament on 18 January. [169]
21 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 15 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [167] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and on 10 occasions in Luhansk region [165] ); the fire was returned on 3 occasions. [165] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that five Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and two were injured in the Donbass region on 20 February. A military medic, a 23-year-old woman, was killed in Luhansk Oblast. [165] [170] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. [171] [172] [173] Local authorities reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Pervomaisk, Nyzhne Lozove and Dolhe using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured vehicles, BMP-2 armoured vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns. [174]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 13 occasions. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, small arms fire was reported in Avdiivka. In the region of Mariupol, Vodiane was shelled with rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars, while Lebedinske was hit by 82 mm mortar rounds. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armouredfighting vehicles attacked Troitske supported by 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Novooleksandrivka, Krymske and Katerinivka came under 82 mm mortar fire. Rebel forces fired small arms, heavy machine guns and grenade launchers at Ukrainian troops in Luhanske, Zaitseve, Zhelezne and Novoluhanske. Mayorsk was also shelled by ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, two were wounded; [175] [176] by the end of the day one more Ukrainian soldier was wounded and another injured. [177]
22 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 20 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [177] (including on 6 occasions in Donetsk region and on 14 occasions in Luhansk region [176] ); the fire was returned on 9 occasions. [176] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded, one soldier was injured, and one died due to careless handling of a weapon in the Donbass region on 21 February. [176] [178] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. [179] Local authorities recorded five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian forces at Pervomaisk, Veselohorivka, Kalynivka, Lozove, Dolhe with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. One civilian woman was wounded at Dolhe when Ukrainian BMP-2 armoured vehicles shelled the village. [180]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 10 occasions, no casualties were reported; [181] by the end of the day on Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another wounded. [182] Pro-Russian media reported that 120 mm mortar rounds hit the town of Oleksandrivka in the afternoon. [183]
On 22 February the first images of a statue dedicated “to Russian volunteers” in Luhansk appeared on Russian social media platform. [184] [185]
23 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 19 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [182] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 17 occasions in Luhansk region [186] [187] ); the fire was returned on 7 occasions. [186] [187] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another wounded in the Donbass region on 22 February. [186] [188] [187] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [189] Local officials reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Lohvynove, Nyzhnie Lozove, Sentianivka, Kalynivka and Pervomaisk using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles. [190]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, all of them in the northern section of the demarcation line. Pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Troitske, while Novooleksandrivka was struck by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Luhanske was shelled with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. No casualties were reported. [191] Deputy Defense Minister Eduard Basurin told the press that a UAZ military ambulance was destroyed and three occupants of the vehicle killed instantly after being hit by an antitank guided missile at Dokuchaievsk, south of Donetsk city. The ambulance was evacuating a pro-Russian soldier who had been wounded in a 120 mm mortar shelling of the area. [192] [193] Later in the night, pro-Russian media recorded several Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire around Donetsk city; pro-Russian positions at Volvo Center, Spartak, Donetsk airport, Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Yelenivka and Oleksandrivka were attacked with small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, tanks and artillery. [194]
24 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 13 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [195] (once in Donetsk region and on 12 occasions in Luhansk region [196] ); the fire was returned on 7 occasions. [196] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 23 February. [196] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Heavy shelling was reported on several settlements around Donetsk city like Zhabicheve, Trudovske, Olenivka, Dokuchaievsk and Petrovsky district, all of them hit by 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. The villages of Olenivka, Lyubivka and Andriivka were left without power by the shelling. In the outskirts of Horlivka, Ozeryanivka, Zaitseve and Nyzhnie Verkhnyotoretske came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The area also became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. In the region of Mariupol, armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Novolaspa. [197] [198] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire engaged pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove, Kalynivka, Kalynove and Molodezhne. [199]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported no ceasefire violations by 18:00. [200]
25 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day, [201] exclusively in Luhansk region. [202] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 24 February. [202] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported ten Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the regions of Mariupol and Donetsk city. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 120 mm mortars to attack pro-Russian positions at eight different areas. [203] [204] Local officials reported one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian army pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynivka with 82 mm mortars. [205]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions; one Ukrainian soldier (born in 1998) was killed in action and another wounded. [206] [207] [208] At evening, pro-Russian media in Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces shelled Zaitseve and Zhovanki, in the area of Horlivka, with 120 mm mortars. Four civilian residences were damaged. [209]
26 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [207] (including twice in Donetsk and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region [208] ); the fire was returned twice. [208] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the Donbass region on 25 February. [208] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 17 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in 12 locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, Dokuchaievsk, Yakovliivka, Lozove, Olexandrivka, Abakumove and Petrovsky district were attacked with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft artillery, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled guns. In the area of Horlivka, pro-Russian forces at Dolomitne and Zaitseve became the target of small arms, antitank rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Pikuzy, Verhnoshyrokivske and Sakhanka, supported by 120 mm mortar fire, antitank rockets and small arms fire. [210] [211] Local officials reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalynivka and Krasny Liman with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles. [212]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Pisky, while small arms fire was recorded at Kamianka. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske was shelled with 82 mm mortars. Heavy shelling was reported in the northern section of the demarcation line, when 152 mm self-propelled guns engaged Ukrainian troops at Podlesne, in the outskirts of Popasna. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded. [213] [214] [215] During the afternoon, the town of Dokuchaievsk, controlled by pro-Russian forces, was attacked by Ukrainian troops from Novotroitske with automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, antitank guided missiles and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. Five houses and a civilian vehicle were damaged. [216] [217] [218] Likewise, the industrial area of Volvo Center, west of Donetsk city, was hit by 120 mm mortar barrages. [219]
27 February
The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day [214] (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region [215] ) The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 26 February. [215] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 16 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in 11 different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antitank guided missiles, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. [220] [221] [222] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian BMP-1 and BMP-2 armoured vehicles along with 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire engaged pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka, Kalynove, Kalynove-Borshchevate and Dolhe. [223]
According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions, no casualties were reported; [224] by the end of the day one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded. In the northern section of the demarcation line, heavy shelling was reported at Troitske and Luhanske, which became the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Rebel forces fired heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars at Ukrainian outposts near Novooleksandrivka. Svitlodarsk was fired at from infantry weapons, rocket launchers, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft artillery, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. [225]
28 February
According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day, [225] exclusively in Luhansk region. [226] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 27 February. [226] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in two locations using small arms, heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. The Ukrainian forces targeted pro-Russian positions at Staromyhailivka and Trudovske. [227] The same sources attributed the drop in the number of incidents to the harsh weather conditions on the past 24 hours. [228] Heavy shelling was reported by local officilals within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire five times by firing 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled guns at pro-Russian redoubts around Kalynivka, Kalynove, Nyzhnie Lozove and Horlivka. [229]
The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, no casualties were reported. [230] In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel troops fired rocket propelled grenades, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars at Luhanske, while nearby Krymske was hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets. Novhorodske was attacked with small arms, heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Pavlopil came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. [231] Pro-Russia media reported that separatist forces at Zhovanki came under 120 mm mortar fire at evening. [227]
A new ceasefire to begin on 5 March was proposed at Minsk, according to Luhansk People's Republic special envoy Vladislav Deinego. OSCE authorities in Ukraine, however, told the press that no decision had been made yet. One of the main conditions for the truce was the disengagement of forces in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska. [232]
