Ukraine | Heading towards a new crisis – Clashes between separatist forces and the army escalate – MAP

Defence Redefined

Published on 04/03/2021 at 15:24

In Ukraine, the situation is slowly – yet steadily – moving into a deeper crisis, full of violence. 

Following the election of Joe Biden, who, according to international media, appears ready to support Kiev, Ukraine is heading for another civil war in the eastern territories held by the separatists of the self-proclaimed People’s Republic of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Therefore, the situation in Eastern Ukraine is worrying for many observers. The ceasefire agreement has been violated many times lately and there are provocations on a daily basis. The Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine often announces casualties (KIAs) or wounded (WIAs) in small-scale clashes with the separatists supported by Russia.

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On the other hand, according to separatist forces, Kiev forces regularly bomb both military and political positions, mostly “indiscriminately”. In addition, the Ukrainian opposition accuses the Ukrainian Armed Forces of using civilians to protect themselves while attacking.

The situation in Ukraine is now considered unstable as any provocation could escalate. The leadership of the self-proclaimed republic of Donetsk and Luhansk has warned Kiev that it will worsen the situation, as intense clashes have been reported more than once.

The biggest recent incident took place on February 25, near Gorlovka, and since then there have been frequent reports of clashes along the entire line of contact between separatist-held territories.

According to the official representative of the People’s Militia of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Armed Forces of Ukraine opened fire on a village on the outskirts of Mariupol from a residential area.

For its part, the Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced 11 wounded (WIA) amid 14 violations of the ceasefire agreement by the separatists on Friday, February 26.

The separatist forces, according to Ukrainian media, used 120 mm mortars, grenade launchers and small arms near the village of Vodiane, injuring 9 Ukrainian soldiers.

“Enemy troops attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Pisky, using 120mm and 82mm mortars, large-caliber machine guns and small arms,” state the pro-government Ukrainian media.

In addition, the separatists used grenade launchers, small arms and anti-tank weapons mounted on tripods near the villages of Kamianka and Pivdenne and the town of Svitlodarsk respectively. “Ukrainian units have adequately resisted the enemy’s provocations,” said the Ukrainian Joint Operations Centre.

According to local sources, on March 3, Ukrainian forces launched a barrage of 82 mm mortar shells in ​​the village of Leninskoe, according to a spokesman for the separatist militia. Among the incidents, 8 Ukrainian soldiers were also reported injured when their vehicle went over a mine. 

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In response to the tactical attacks from the Ukrainian side, the authorities of the Donetsk People’s Republic allowed their units to open fire on enemy positions. 

According to the representative of the separatists at the Joint Center for the Control and Coordination (JCCC) on ceasefire, Ukraine has violated the ceasefire four times in the last 24 hours.

Several reports from Ukrainian media as well as international media show that Ukraine is actively strengthening its military presence in the region. In recent days, 6 trains carrying armored vehicles and artillery systems arrived in the east of the country near the line of contact. There, according to the same reports, ammunition fuel and other equipment are accumulated.

Several observers say Kiev is preparing for a large-scale operation in the east of the country. 

Navigate on the map for more information. The separatist forces appear in green, whereas the Ukrainian Armed Forces appear in red.