Timeline of the war in Donbass (April–June 2015)

This is a timeline of the War in Donbass, from 1 April 2015 to 30 June 2015. The timeline follows an ongoing conflict between Ukraine and anti-government pro-Russian separatists allegedly supported by Russian troops in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine.

April

1 April

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action over the past 24 hours in the Donbass region.^[1] The Ukrainian military reported 13 separatist attacks on Ukrainian troops last night. The militias used automatic weapons and heavy mortars to harass Ukrainian positions in Leninske, Maiorsk and Troitske, in the area south of Artemivsk, and in Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city.^[2] Separatist media claimed that the Ukrainian side opened fired upon rebel troops on 31 occasions with small arms, mortars, antiaircraft cannons, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks and artillery. Two militiamen were wounded.^[3]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces opened fire 18 times across the front using small arms, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and tanks. The militias also tried to storm the Ukrainian garrison at Zolote, in the area of Bakhmutka road, but were driven back by the defenders.^[4]

The Ukrainian Embassy in Germany announced that an 18-year-old Ukrainian soldier wounded in action died in a Bundeswehr hospital in Ulm during the night of 30 March/31 March.^[5]

2 April

No Ukrainian casualties were recorded by the Ukrainian military during the last 24 hours.^[6] Separatist militias broke the ceasefire on ten occasions last night firing small arms, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars and artillery on Ukrainian positions.^[7] The worst situation was reported in Avdiivka, where rebel forces attacked Ukrainian troops with tanks and artillery.^[8]

During the day, there were 13 instances of ceasefire violations by pro-Russian troops using small arms, rocket propelled grenades and mortars. The rebels concentrated their efforts on the area of Donetsk city and Mariupol. Opytne and Avdiivka were hit by rocket propelled grenades and mortars. Mortars also landed in Shyrokyne at noon. During the morning, Ukrainian outposts at Maiorsk and Leninske were harassed with small arms fire.^[9]

3 April

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action over the past 24 hours.^[10] The Ukrainian military recorded ten violations of the truce by rebel forces last night, among them an assault on Ukrainian positions around Novohorodske, south of Dzerzhinsky, that was repelled.^[11]

Pro-Russian militias had opened fire on Ukrainian troops 17 times by evening using small arms, rocket propelled grenades and heavy mortars. Most of the attacks took place west of Donetsk city, where the Ukrainian garrison at Opytne was fired on seven times with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. The nearby town of Avdiivka was the target of 120 mm mortar rounds. South of Artemivsk, Ukrainian positions at Maiorsk and Luhanske were raked with small arms and machine gun fire. In the southern front, north of Mariupol, Chermalik was shelled with 82 mm mortars.^[12] After sunset, the separatist fired automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars on Shyrokyne.^[13]

4 April

Three Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action and other two wounded during the last 24 hours in the Donbass region. All the casualties were the result of a single incident, when a military vehicle hit a landmine during combat operations in Avdiivka.^[14] The militias opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian troops last night, including an attempted assault on Ukrainian positions at Krimsky, on the area of Bakhmutka road. The rebels used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, tanks and artillery.^[15] Separatist media accused the Ukrainian security forces of 27 violations of the truce around Horlivka, Spartak, Donetsk airport, Dokuchajevsk and Shyrokyne. The Ukrainian troops used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars, tanks, artillery.^[16]

Pro-Russian forces broke the ceasefire 16 times according to Ukrainian officials. The militiamen fired small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars.^[17]

5 April

During the morning, six Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action in two separate incidents. Four of them died while their vehicle was attacked with a laser-guided anti-tank missile by separatists while crossing a bridge on a truck near Shchastya, in the northern front. The other two died when the SUV they were riding on hit a landmine near Shyrokyne, east of Mariupol. Another serviceman was wounded.^[18][19][20] Earlier, the Ukrainian military had reported two soldiers wounded in action for the last 24 hours.^[21] The night before, separatist troops had broken the ceasefire on 14 occasions using small arms, rocket propelled grenades, armoured fighting vehicles and mortars.^[22]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had fired ten times upon Ukrainian troops using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, antitank missiles, heavy mortars and artillery. Most incidents took place around Donetsk city, where the militias are trying to push out the Ukrainian army from Avdiivka, Opytne and Pisky. The separatists pounded Ukrainian positions with heavy artillery at Leninske, near Horlivka, in violation of the Minsk agreement regarding heavy weapons. Nearby Maiorsk was also shelled with 120 mm mortars and automatic grenade launchers. Antitank missiles were launched in Shchastya and Shyrokyne.^[23]

6 April

The Ukrainian military confirmed the deaths of six soldiers and injuries in other two over the past 24 hours.^[24] Last night, the militias opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian troops using small arms, heavy mortars and antiaircraft fire.^[25]

There was an increasing militant activity across the day, with 35 violations of the truce by pro-Russian forces, including a 10-minute engagement between the warring factions at Trokhizbenka. The rebels attacked Ukrainian positions in the Donbass with small arms, automatic rocket launchers, antitank rockets, heavy mortars and tanks.^[26] A "Right Sector" commander announced that a hand grenade was hurled at a patrol of "Right Sector" volunteers near Mariupol. Two servicemen were wounded. The volunteers didn't pursuit the attackers for fear of an ambush.^[26]

7 April

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in the past 24 hours.^[27] Two soldiers died and another was injured in a non-combat related incident when a hand grenade accidentally exploded in the village of Borivske, south of Sivierodonetsk.^[28] The militias fired upon Ukrainian troops on 20 occasions during the last night. The separatist made use of small arms, self-propelled mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and heavy mortars.^[29] Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko reported a rebel assault attempt on Shyrokyne and probing actions in the area of Bakhmutka road.^[30]

By evening pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 20 occasions on Ukrainian positions. The Ukrainian military reported three engagements with separatist troops in Opytne, Novotoshkivka and Krimsky, where the rebels used armoured fighting vehicles and antiaircraft cannons.^[31]

8 April

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and four wounded over the past 24 hours.^[32] The Ukrainian military recorded 23 attacks on Ukrainian troops during the past night. The rebels used small arms, mortars, tanks and artillery. Most hostilities occurred around Donetsk city. Mortar and artillery rounds landed in Avdiivka and Pisky, while pro-Russian tanks shot at Ukrainian positions in Opytne. Artillery also pounded the Ukrainian garrison at Maiorsk, in the area of Artemivsk. In Bakhmutka road, separatist fired small arms on a Ukrainian checkpoint at Novotoshkivka.^[33]

By evening the militias had broken the ceasefire on 18 occasions with small arms, mortars, antitank missiles, antiaircraft fire and armoured fighting vehicles.^[34] Ukrainian sources on the ground denounced that the rebels shelled Shyrokyne with 120 mm mortars, banned by the Minsk agreement.^[35] Military analyst Dmitri Tymchuk reported a limited tactical pro-Russian offensive in the area of Bakhmutka road, supported by four armoured fighting vehicles and a tank. The assault was driven back by Ukrainian troops.^[36]

9 April

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action over the past 24 hours.^[37] The Ukrainian army reported 13 violations of the ceasefire by the militias last night. The rebels used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars and artillery. Pisky, west of Donetsk city, and Berdiansk and Shyrokyne, in the area of Mariupol, where the target of the more intense attacks.^[38] Rebel officials said that Ukrainian troops opened fire on separatist-held areas on 70 occasions, killing three militiamen, wounding other five and injuring three civilians.^[39]

In the course of the day pro-Russian forces opened fire on 17 occasions on Ukrainian positions with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, antiaircraft cannons, tanks and artillery. The militias concentrated their efforts on the Ukrainian garrison at Avdiivka, which was pounded with all the available weapons. Mortar rounds landed in nearby Pisky and Butivka mining complex. In Vodyane, the separatists harassed the Ukrainian troops with small arms and mortar fire. Small arms were also fired at Ukrainian outposts in Krimsky and Shyrokyne.^[40]

10 April

According to the spokesman of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Information-Analytical Center Andriy Lysenko, two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in the past 24 hours.^[41] The militias carried out 21 attacks on Ukrainian troops last night with heavy mortars, tanks and artillery.^[42] Separatist media, for their part, claimed that one militant was killed by sniper fire and that the villages of Spartak, east of Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne were heavily shelled by Ukrainian forces.^[43] These sources recorded 60 Ukrainian attacks on rebel-held territory over the last 24 hours using small arms, mortars, antitank missiles, antiaircraft cannons, armoured vehicles and tanks.^[44]

During the day pro-Russian forces opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 18 occasions. The rebels used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, antiaircraft artillery and armoured fighting vehicles.^[45] The separatists attempted to overrun the Ukrainian garrison at Krimsky, in the area of Bakhmutka road, but were repelled by the defenders. A hostile drone was shot down by Ukrainian troops while flying over Luhansk Oblast.^[45]

11 April

The Ukrainian military reported no casualties for the latest 24 hours.^[46] The militias carried out 20 attacks on Ukrainian troops in the past night.^[47] Separatist sources said that the Ukrainian army broke the truce also on 20 occasions using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars and artillery.^[48]

By evening pro-Russian forces had fired upon Ukrainian positions 21 times.^[49] According to the militias, Ukrainian heavy artillery fired on rebel-held areas at Shyrokyne from the village of Sopino.^[50]

12 April

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action over the past 24 hours.^[51] The militias broke the truce 18 times last night.^[52] Ukrainian sources reported to have repelled an infiltration attempt near Zhovte, Luhansk Oblast. Separatist media denounced a Ukrainian "tank offensive" around Donetsk city.^[53] Deputy minister of defence of the Donetsk Republic, Eduard Basurin, later said that Ukrainian tanks were attempting to broke into Donetsk airport through the settlement of Zhabunki.^[54]

The Ukrainian National Guard announced that all the former volunteer fighters in the Donbass area of operations have been amalgamated into the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces.^[55]

In the course of the day, while Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter, fighting intesified along the frontlines. Separatist forces attacked Ukrainian positions around Pisky with artillery and tanks. According to Ukrainian sources, one pro-Russian tank was knocked down by the defenders.^[56] By evening, the rebels had opened fire 35 times on Ukrainian troops with machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, tanks and artillery. Close-quarter combat was reported at Avdiivka. In the northern front, Ukrainian outposts at Novotoshkivka^[57] and Krimsky were harassed with machine gun fire.^[58] Mortar, tank and artillery fire pounded the Ukrainian lines at Pisky, where the headquarters of the battalion "Krim" were hit by self-propelled artillery, resulting in an undeterminated number of wounded.^[59] OSCE reported heavy fighting in Shyrokyne, Berdyansk and around Donetsk airport over the weekend, after several days of calm.^[60] Separatist authorities claimed that Ukrainian tanks fired 98 shots on pro-Russian positions, most of them at Spartak and Shyrokyne.^[54]

13 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and other six wounded in the Donbass during the past 24 hours.^[61] The militias broke the ceasefire on 18 occasions during the last night. The rebels used automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, tanks and artillery, specially on Ukrainian troops at Pisky, Opytne and Shyrokyne.^[62] A two-hour battle was recorded in Trokhizbenka, near the ruins of the bridge on the Seversky Donets. The engagement involved the use of small arms and automatic grenade launchers.^[63]

Members of the "Azov" battalion told of intense tank and mortar fire on their positions at early morning.^[64] Luhansk Governor Hennady Moskal reported a series of tank assaults on checkpoint nº 29, on Bakhmutka road.^[63] By evening pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 25 occasions on Ukrainian positions. The rebels focused their efforts on several areas of Donetsk Oblast like Avdiivka, Opytne, Butivka mining complex, Hranitne and Shyrokyne.^[65] Separatist media accused the Ukrainian army of 66 violations of the ceasefire. According to them, the Ukrainian artillery shelled Spartak, Yasinuvata, Horlivka, Shyrokyne, Naberezhne, Zhabichevo and Donetsk airport.^[66]

14 April

Six Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 12 wounded over the past 24 hours.^[67] Rebel troops opened fire on 26 occasions upon Ukrainian positions last night using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, antiaircraft cannons and tanks. The separatists concentrated their efforts around Donetsk city, specially against Avdiivka, Pisky, Opytne and Butivka.^[68] Officials from the Donetsk Republic claimed that the Ukrainian army violated the ceasefire on 60 occasions, killing one militant and wounding five.^[69] According to analyst Dmitry Tymchuk, the militias used T-72 tanks in single tanks incursions against Ukrainian redoubts at Pisky and Vodyane, in a tactic known as "roaming tank".^{[nb 1]} The T-72s were supported by BMP-2s to reach their firing positions, while ZSU-23-2s antiaircraft cannons and T-64s tanks assisted the tanks' retreat.^[70]

By evening pro-Russian had fired on Ukrainian troops 28 times. The militia focused their attacks on Pisky, which was the target of small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars and tanks. Ukrainian command and control facilities were hit by antiaircraft and machine gun fire in Avdiivka, while small arms and automatic grenade launchers pounded Shyrokyne, Opytne, Maiorsk, Leninske, Troitske and Butivka mining complex. Two Ukrainian checkpoints at Chermalik and Hranitne were also attacked, as well as three Ukrainian outposts near Krimsky.^[71] The separatist denounced that members of the "Azov" battalion shelled civilian residences in Shyrokyne in the belief that the houses were the headquarters of the militias in the area.^[72]

On a Normandy format meeting in Berlin Sergey Lavrov admitted that ceasefire violations are "unfortunately happening on both sides".^[73]

15 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and two were injured over the last 24 hours.^[74] Rebel militias opened fire on 23 occasions on Ukrainian troops during the past night using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, antitank rockets, antiaircraft cannons, mortars and tanks. A rebel drone was shot down by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile while flying at an altitude of 3,000 m over Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast.^[75]

Pro-Russian forces had launched 24 attacks Ukrainian positions by evening. The militiants used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, antiaircraft cannons, heavy mortars, tanks and self-propelled artillery. Artillery pieces or mortars with a caliber higher than 100 mm should have been removed from the frontlines by the Minsk agreement.^[76] Fierce fighting erupted near the rebel-held village of Spartak, in the western outskirts of Donetsk city, according to separatist sources.^[77]

16 April

Six Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the past 24 hours.^[78] There were ten attacks carried out by the militias on Ukrainian forces last night. The rebels used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, tanks and self-propelled artillery.^[79]

During the day, the separatists fired on 25 occasions on Ukrainian positions and launched an assault on the village of Marinka, held by Ukrainian troops.^[80] The militias reported heavy fighting around Shyrokyne.^[81]

17 April

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the last 24 hours. The injury was due to clashes in the proximity of Pisky.^[82] Separatist troops broke the ceasefire 15 times last night. The rebels fire machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and heavy mortars.^[83] Ukrainian forces shot down a rebel drone over Butkivka, Luhansk Oblast.^[84] The deputy minister of defence of the Donetsk republic, Edward Basurin, claimed that Ukrainian troops supported by two tanks, launched an attack on the village of Zhabunki, northwest of Donetsk airport.^[85] The same sources reported 46 Ukrainian attacks on rebel positions.^[86]

In the course of the day pro-Russian militias opened fire on 24 occasions on Ukrainian positions with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, antitank rockets, antiaircraft guns, mortars, tanks and artillery.^[87]

18 April

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action over the past 24 hours.^[88] The militias broke the ceasefire on 31 occasions last night using small arms, rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft guns, heavy mortars, tanks and artillery. In Pisky, Ukrainian troops returned fire with small arms and mortars.^[89] Separatist media recorded 79 Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian army used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, antiaircraft cannons, armoured fighting vehicles, and tanks. Two militiamen were wounded.^[90]

During the morning, Ukrainian forces repelled a rebel assault on the village of Trokhizbenka, Luhansk Oblast. The engagement involved the use of machine guns, antiaircraft cannons and mortars. Several Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.^[91][92] Pro-Russian sources later accused the Ukrainians of staging the attack to conceal the fact that their own troops crossed the Seversky Donets and fired mortar rounds on a rebel checkpoint.^[93] In the afternoon, the separatists attempted another limited offensive on Shyrokyne, but were driven back by the Ukrainian defenders after a four-hour battle. Two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.^[94] By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 32 occasions on Ukrainian positions.^[95]

19 April

One member of the "Azov" battalion was killed^[96] and four Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the Donbass during the past 24 hours.^[97] The Ukrainian military recorded 50 violations of the truce by the militias on the same period using small arms, heavy mortars, tanks and artillery. The main rebel effort was directed to Talakivka and Shyrokyne, where the separatists rejected an OSCE proposal to demilitarize the area, according to Ukrainian officials. Pisky was shelled three times by pro-Russian tanks.^[98] Two Ukrainian checkpoints at Zolote and Maiorsk were harassed with small arms and mortar fire.^[99] Separatist media claimed that Ukrainian forces opened fire on rebel positions on 59 occasions with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks and artillery. The Ukrainian army targeted Shyrokyne, Horlivka, Zhabichevo, Spartak and Donetsk airport.^[100]

The number of rebel attacks decreased by evening, with only eight incidents reported by the Ukrainian military. The militias used small arms, automatic grenade launchers and heavy mortars. The bulk of the attacks took place around Shyrokyne and Opytne. In the northern front, the town of Popasna received a 120 mm mortar barrage, a weapon banned by the Minsk agreement. Other ceasefire violations occurred in Pisky and Avdiivka, where a Ukrainian observation point was the target of machine gun fire.^[101] Rebel sources accused the Ukrainian artillery of shelling the northwestern outskirts of Donetsk city from their positions at Pisky and Avdiivka. One shell landed in the area of Donetsk's train station.^[102] Mortar rounds also landed in the separatist-held village of Prishib, in the northern front.^[103]

20 April

No casualties were reported by the Ukrainian military over the past 24 hours.^[104] Separatist troops launched 17 attacks on Ukrainian positions the past day. The rebels used small arms, heavy mortars, tanks and artillery.^[104] Pro-Russian media reported 26 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire and two militiamen wounded in action.^[105]

In the morning, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded at Krasna Talivka, Luhansk Oblast, near the Russian border, when the vehicle they were riding on hit a landmine.^[106] One Ukrainian soldier and a civilian volunteer were killed at Pisky, while another soldier was seriously wounded when Ukrainian positions in the village were hit by mortar fire in the course of the day.^[107] A spokesman of the "Azov" battalion said that a number of soldiers were wounded in the evening after the militias attacked Shyrokyne with mortars and tanks.^[108] By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 20 occasions on Ukrainian troops using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortars and antiaircraft artillery.^[109]

21 April

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action and one wounded during the last 24 hours in the Donbass region.^[110] The militias broke the ceasefire on 17 occasions last night. The rebels used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. Most incidents took place at Shyrokyne, Pisky, Avdiivka, Leninske, Maiorsk, Vodyane and Kirove, in Donetsk Oblast. Separatist troops also harassed a Ukrainian checkpoint with automatic weapons near Zhovte, Luhansk Oblast, and clashed with Ukrainian servicemen at Syze, east of Stanytsia Luhanska.^[111]

At dawn, pro-Russian tanks shelled Ukrainian positions at Shyrokyne, according to members of the "Azov" battalion. The same sources claimed to have killed two militiamen during an infiltration attempt by the separatists.^[112] By evening, rebel forces had carried out 14 attacks across the Donbass region with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, antitank missiles and tanks.^[113]

22 April

No casualties were reported by the Ukrainian military over the past 24 hours.^[114] OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine reported ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and In Shryrokyne and its surroundings.^[115] Last night, the militias broke the truce on 20 occasions, according to Ukrainian officials. The rebels used small arms, mortars, antitank missiles and tanks. The main targets were Ukrainian positions around Pisky, Avdiivka, Leninske, Shumy and Shyrokyne.^[116]

By evening, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 32 occasions on Ukrainian forces with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, antitank missiles, antiaircraft cannons, tanks and artillery. The separatist continued to focus their attacks on Pisky, which was the target of 122 mm artillery rounds. Ukrainian outposts at Avdiivka, Shyrokyne, Leninske, Kirove, Maiorsk and Shchastya were also shelled by rebel forces.^[117]

23 April

Seven Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action over the past 24 hours.^[118] During the past night, the militias broke the ceasefire on 30 occasions. The separatist used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, antiaircraft artillery, tanks and self-propelled artillery.^[119] The main target of the attacks was the village of Shyrokyne, rocked by heavy artillery, mortar and tank fire. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[120]

Rebel troops fired a 30-minute mortar barrage on residential complexes in Avdiivka at noon.^[121] By 6:00 pm, pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian positions on 20 instances along the Donbass. The separatists fired small arms -including machine guns and sniper rifles-, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, antitank missiles and heavy artillery.^[119] One hour later, the militias launched mortar rounds on the outskirts of Hnutove.^[122]

24 April

One Ukrainian soldier was wounded during the last 24 hours.^[123] Last night, separatist troops attacked Ukrainian positions 21 times using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, antiaircraft cannons, tanks and artillery. The rebels continued to focus their actions on Shyrokyne, although there were incidents in Avdiivka, Maiorsk, Zaitseve, Orlivske and Shchastya.^[124] Ukrainian troops claimed to have foiled an infiltration attempt north of Volnovakha, killing one militiant and captured other six after a brief battle at Berezove.^[125][126]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces opened fire on 29 occasions on Ukrainian troops with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons and heavy mortars. The Ukrainian military also recorded two engagements between the Ukrainian army and rebel scouts in Marinka and Avdiivka.^[127]

25 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and two wounded in the past 24 hours period.^[128] The militias fired on Ukrainian troops on 21 occasions last night making use of small arms -including sniper and machine gun fire-, automatic grenade launchers, mortars and antiaircraft artillery.^[129]

The Ukrainian military claimed that Hnutove and Starohnativka, two villages north of Mariupol, were the target of "Grad" rocket launchers. Dozen of rockets landed around Ukrainian entrenchments and civilian residences in the area.^[130] By evening, the separatists had broken the truce on 24 occasions using small arms, mortars, heavy artillery and, as said above, artillery rockets. Pro-Russian scouts clashed with Ukrainian troops at Pisky.^[131]

26 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and seven wounded in the past 24 hours period.^[132] The separatists broke the ceasefire 30 times last night. The rebels used automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery. Most of the attacks took place in Avdiivka and Pisky. Armoured fighting vehicles fired on Ukrainian positions at Shchastya, while automatic grenade launchers targeted Stanytsia Luhanska.^[133]

At early morning, militias from the village of Kalinove launched a mortar barrage on Troitske, near Popasna.^[134] The town of Shchastya, also in Luhansk Oblast, was raked by antiaircraft fire in the late evening.^[135] Members of the "Dnipro-1" battalion claimed to have blown up a rebel depot at Dzerzhinsky and an armoured column near Sakhanka.^[136] Pro-Russian forces opened fire on Ukrainian troops a total of 46 times throughout the day with small arms, heavy mortars, antiaircraft cannons, tanks and heavy artillery. The militias paid attention specially on the Ukrainian garrison at Shyrokyne. Ukrainian forces repelled a rebel assault on Pisky.^[137]

27 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and three wounded over the last 24 hours.^[138] The separatists carried out 23 attacks on Ukrainian troops last night using small arms -including machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, antiaircraft cannons and heavy artillery.^[139] The main target was the Ukrainian garrison at Shyrokyne, which witnessed 17 violations of the ceasefire on 26 April, the record for the last two months.^[140] In Luhansk Oblast, Shchastya was hit by antiaircraft fire and Sokolniki by rocket propelled grenades.^[139]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 27 occasions with small arms -including sniper fire-, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, antitank missiles, tanks and heavy artillery. Most attacks took place in Avdiivka, Opytne, Nevelske, Shyrokyne, Pisky, Chermalik and Sokolniki.^[141]

28 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and 14 wounded in the Donbass region over the past 24 hours.^[142] The Ukrainian military recorded 22 attacks on their troops during the past night. "Grad" artillery rockets landed in Novolaspa and Avdiivka. Besides multiple rocket launchers, the militias fired small arms, automatic grende launchers, heavy mortars and artillery.^[143]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 30 occasions. Clashes were reported at noon in the area of Pavlopil, north of Mariupol. The rebels used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars and self-propelled artillery.^[144]

29 April

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the last 24 hours.^[145] There were 29 attacks on Ukrainian troops by separatist militias last night. One civilian was killed in Chermalik, north of Mariupol, when the rebels shelled the village with mortar and antitank rockets.^[146] According to witnesses on the ground, the fiercest fighting took place around the rebel-held city of Horlivka. The nearby town of Dzerzhinsky was heavily shelled by pro-Russian artillery.^[147] Ukrainian positions at the village of Artemove, in the same area, were attacked by tanks. In the northern front -Luhansk Oblast- the separatist fired small arms, automatic grenade launchers and mortars on Krimsky and Shchastya, where the local power station was damaged.^[146] An infiltration attempt was beaten off by Ukrainian troops near Mariupol.^[148]

In the mid-morning, fighting erupted between rebel scouts and Ukrainian infantry on the northern bank of the Seversky Donets near Trkhizbenka, when the militiamen opened fire with sniper rifles and automatic weapons. Three Ukrainian soldiers were reported wounded.^[149] By evening, the separatists had broken the ceasefire 24 times using small arms, hand grenades, antitank rockets and heavy mortars. The village of Artemove was struck by 120 mm mortar rounds, and eleven houses were damaged as a result. Two drones were shot down by Ukrainian forces, one over Proizhdzhe, Luhansk Oblast, and another over Ledinske, Donetsk Oblast.^[150]

30 April

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and four wounded during the past 24 hours.^[151] There were 26 recorded rebel attacks on Ukraine's government forces during the previous night.^[152]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 50 occasions. The militias used small arms -including heavy machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, tanks and heavy artillery. The rebels concentrated their efforts on the village of Opytne.^[153]

May

1 May

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and two were wounded over the last 24 hours.^[154][155] The Ukrainian military recorded 21 attacks on their troops last night.^[156] Most incidents occurred in the area around Donetsk city, northwest of rebel-held Horlivka and near Shchastya, Luhansk Oblast.^[156] The militias used small arms -including machine gun and sniper fire-, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, tanks and artillery.^[156] The rebels also fired mortars, grenade launchers, and artillery on Azov battalion's redoubts at Shyrokyne.^[157]

During the day, pro-Russian troops opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 29 occasions. They continued their pressure around Donetsk city on Ukrainian garrisons like Opytne, Pisky, Avdiivka and Shyrokyne with machine gun fire, rocket propelled grenades, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. In the northern front, the rebels resumed their attacks on Ukrainian positions at Shchastya, Trokhizbenka and Sokolniki, which were the target of small arms -including heavy machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers and antitank missiles .^[158]

2 May

Eight Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in the previous 24 hours.^[159] The Ukrainian military reported 32 violations of the ceasefire by separatist troops last night. The rebels also launched an assault on the Ukrainian garrison at Pisky. Avdiivka, Opytne, and Shyrokyne, in Luhansk Oblast and Trkhizbenka, in Luhansk Oblast, were the target of heavy weapons, banned by the Minsk agreement. The militias used small arms -including machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, heavy mortars, tanks and heavy artillery.^[160]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces launched 32 attacks on Ukrainian defences across the frontline. The militias used small arms -including machine guns-, hand grenades, automatic grenade launchers, antitank rockets, heavy mortars, and 152-mm and 122-mm howitzers. The main targets were the villages of Avdiivka, in Donetsk Oblast, and Krimsky, Shchastya and Novotoshkivka, in Luhansk Oblast.^[161] Novotoshkivka was attacked by pro-Russian tanks from the village of Zholobok.^[162] Ukrainian positions in Krimsky were the target of machine gun fire, automatic grenade launchers, mortars and armoured fighting vehicles.^[163]

3 May

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and six wounded during the last 24 hours.^[164] One ederly woman also died in Novotoshkivka.^[161] The militias opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 26 occasions the previous night. At least 40 "Grad" artillery rockets landed in Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city. The rebels also used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. The Ukrainian army fought off an infiltration attempt by pro-Russian scouts near Marinka.^[165]

Rebel forces shelled Ukrainian forces in Shyrokyne^[166] for six hours. Two members of the "Donbass" battalion were wounded as a result.^[167] The separatists used 152-mm howitzers and 122-mm guns. By evening, the Ukrainian military had recorded 56 attacks on their positions by pro-Russian militias. "Grad" artillery rockets continued to be fired on Avdiivka in the early morning, where a 30-minute clash between the warring factions was reported at 04:00 pm. Another "Grad" barrage was launched in the afternoon on Krimsky, in the area of Bakhmutka road. Ukrainian troops at nearby Shchastya were harassed with machine gun fire and automatic grenade launchers. The villages of Pisky, Opytne, Hranitne and Maiorsk were the target of small arms -including heavy machine guns-, mortars, antitank missiles, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks.^[168]

At around 04:00 pm two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and three wounded when the BRDM-2 armoured vehicle they were riding on a struck an improvised explosive device near the village of Katerynivka, northeast of Popasna, in Luhansk Oblast.^{[169][170][171]}

4 May

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and five wounded in action in the previous 24 hours.^[172][173] Later, Ukrainian media announced the death of another Ukrainian soldier from the OUN battalion who had been wounded at Pisky.^[174] The Ukrainian military reported 45 violations of the ceasefire last night; that's made a total of 95 attacks for the previous day, a level similar to those observed before the signing of the Minsk agreement. The rebels used heavy weapons like tanks, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm guns and 152 mm howitzers. Ukrainian troops evicted separatist scouts from the village of Novoselivka, on Bakhmutka road, after a brief engagement.^[175]

By evening, the militias had opened fire on 17 occasions upon Ukrainian troops. Pro-Russian tanks launched an attack on Ukrainian positions in Opytne. The rebels also used small arms -including heavy mchine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, 120 m mortars and 122 mm artillery.^[176]

5 May

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the last 24 hours.^[177] The separatist broke the ceasefire on 27 occasions during the previous night. The militias used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars, tanks and heavy artillery. Most incidents took place in Donetsk Oblast, specially at the villages of Shyrokyne, Opytne, Pisky, Hranitne, Hnutove, Leninske, Kirove, Avdiivka and Maiorsk. In the northern front -Luhansk Oblast- the rebels pounded Ukrainian outposts around Syze. An infantry assault on Zolote was repelled by Ukrainian forces.^[178]

Ukrainian media reported two soldiers killed and six wounded in the area of Artemivsk during the morning as a result of a rebel ambush on a convoy with rocket propelled grenades and the explosion of a landmine.^[179] Shyrokyne endured a 12-hour bombardment, including a tank attack on Ukrainian entrenchments on the beach.^[180] At sunset, the village was the target of 122 mm guns and 152 mm howitzers for two hours. One member of the "Donbass" battalion was wounded.^[181] Until 06:00 pm, pro-Russian forces fired on Ukrainian troops 18 times using small arms -including machine gun and sniper fire-, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm guns and 152 mm howitzers. The separatists targeted Avdiivka, Berdyansk, Pisky, Leninske and Trokhizbenka.^[182]

6 May

Five^{[183][184][185]} or according to some sources six Ukrainian soldiers^[186] were killed and 12 wounded in action in the previous 24 hours. Last night, the militias launched 42 attacks on Ukrainian troops across the Donbass. The rebels used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, antiaircraft cannons, tanks, 122 mm guns and 152 mm howitzers. Most incidents occurred in Leninske, around Horlivka; in Avdiivka, Pisky, Opytne, Vodyane, around Donetsk city, Hranitne Severne and Shyrokyne in the southern front and Stanytsia Luhanska, in the northern front.^[187]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 32 occasions on Ukrainian positions with small arms -including machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, mortars and 152 mm howitzers.^[188]

7 May

Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action over the past 24 hours.^[189] The separatists broke the ceasefire on 12 occasions^[190] the previous night using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, tanks, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers.^[191]

Pro-Russian militias fired 37 times on Ukrainian troops throughout the day with small arms -including machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery.^[192] The village of Artema, in Luhansk Oblast, was hit by mortar fire from pro-Russian positions near Vesela Hora. Several civilian houses were damaged.^[193]

Three Ukrainian soldiers made prisoners during the Battle of Uglegorsk last January were released by rebel troops.^[190]

8 May

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 26 wounded in the previous 24 hours.^[194] Separatists militias opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 40 occasions during the same period, according to analyst Dmitri Tymchuk, using heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, armoued fighting vehicles -BMP-2 and BTR-80-, and 122 mm artillery. The militants intensified their attacks not only on Ukrainian army positions around Donetsk city or Mariupol, but also extended their offensive actions to Artemivsk and locations in Luhansk Oblast like Stanytsia Luhanska, Krimsky, Sokolniki, Zolote and Trokhizbenka.^[195] Rebel troops also shelled newly built Ukrainian fortifications outside Artemivsk with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[196]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had fired on 28 occasions on Ukrainian positions. The militias used small arms -including machine guns and sniper fire-, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, antitank missiles, tanks, 152 mm artillery and multiple rocket launchers.^[197] Pro-Russian tanks shelled Ukrainian outposts in the outskirts of Mariupol and near Leninske, northwest of Horlivka.^[198]

9 May

Four Ukrainian servicemen had been wounded in attacks in the past 24 hours.^[199][200] Rebel troops attacked Ukrainian forces 29 times during the same period. They used mostly heavy calibre weapons like 120 mm mortars, tanks, 122 mm guns and 152 mm howitzers.^[201] In the area of Bakhmutka road, checkpoint nº 29 was pounded by mortar fire, while Krimsky and Kryakivka were the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and antiaircraft cannons.^[202]

In the course of the day, the militias fired small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and heavy mortars on Ukrainian positions in Pisky, Opytne, Butivka mining complex, Lozove and Stanytsia Luhanska.^[203]

Two American citizens, members of the International Rescue Committee, were released by separatist authorities. They had been arrested in the previous days accused of "espionage ".^[204]

Two young women -Svetlana Garkavaya and Maria Tereschenko- were shot dead and one wounded in Snizhne, in rebel-held territory, when returning home from the victory day celebrations.^[205]

10 May

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the previous 24 hours.^[206] The militias broke the truce on 35 occasions last night. Most of the action took place around Donetsk city, where the rebels fired small arms -including heavy machine guns and sniper activity-, rocket propelled grenades and heavy mortars on Pisky, Opytne, Marinka, Butivka mining complex, Vodyane and Avdiivka. Fighting was reported in Marinka. The Ukrainian army claimed to have repelled the militias attack. In the northern front -Luhansk Oblast- Sokolniki and Stanytsia Luhanska were the target of automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenades and antiaircraft fire. South of Artemivsk, the militants shelled Zolote with 120 mm mortars and antitank missiles on Rozsadky and Lozove. In the area of Mariupol, pro-Russian tanks shelled Ukrainian positions at Pavlopil, while rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire was reported at Shyrokyne and Pyshchevyk.^[207]

Shyrokyne, shelled by heavy artillery, small arms and antiaircraft cannons since early morning,^[208] was fired at from two different positions with 120 mm mortars and automatic weapons in the afternoon. The Ukrainian garrison returned fire using 82 mm mortars and small arms.^[209] By evening there had been 14 attacks on Shyrokyne only. In the northern front, Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska were the target of rocket propelled grenades, mortar and artillery fire. Mortar rounds landed on Ukrainian positions in Pisky and Chermalik, where two soldiers were wounded.^[210]

11 May

Five Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action during the previous 24 hours.^[211] During the previous night, the separatists shelled Ukrainian positions at Pisky, Shyrokyne, Leninske and Maiorsk with 120 mm mortars. There were clashes with rebel scouts near Butivka mining complex, while Lozove, in the area of Artemivsk, was the target of machine gun fire and antitank missiles. In the northern front, the militias opened fire on Krimsky and Shchastya, where the power station was hit.^[212] Close quarter combat was reported in Stanytsia Luhanska. The battle left two Ukrainian soldiers and a civilian wounded, and one civilian residence was set on fire. Prior to this action, pro-Russian troops entrenched on the southern bank of the Seversky Donets attacked the Ukrainian with antiaircraft cannons and rocket propelled grenades.^[213]

During the morning, pro-Russian forces intensified their attacks on the area east of Mariupol. The Ukrainian military recorded 15 incidents around Shyrokyne, two in Chermalik and one in Pyshchevyk. The rebels fired small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.^[214] Meanwhile, the village Pisky, east of Donetsk airport, continued to be the main focus of separatist forces in the Donbass, with ten attacks on the Ukrainian garrison there.^[215] The militias hold the truce from 05:34 to 10: 19 pm, and for the first time in months they made no use of heavy caliber mortars and artillery banned by the Minsk agreement. This did not prevent, however, attacks with small arms, sniper fire, automatic grenade launchers and rocket propelled grenades on Ukrainian troops in Shyrokyne, Butivka mining complex, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Novotoshkivka, Shchastya and Sokolniki.^[216]

12 May

Three Ukrainian soldiers were killed and another wounded over the past 24 hours. The casualties took place in the area around Donetsk city and in the outskirts of Shchastya.^[217] Separatist troops fired heavy weapons on Ukrainian positions along the front during the previous night. Pro-Russian tanks were quite active in Butivka mining complex and Avdiivka, which was also the target of 152 mm artillery and mortars. Antiaircraft fire was also reported in Butivka, and sniper fire targeted Ukrainian personnel in Marinka. In the region around Mariupol, the militants opened fire with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, self-propelled 120 mm mortars and 82 mm mortars. In this case, Ukrainian troops returned fire. In the northern front, small arms, rocket propelled grenades and heavy mortars were fired on Shchastya and Stanytsia Luhanska. The Ukrainian garrisons at Lozove and Leninske, south of Artemivsk, were harassed by heavy machine gun fire.^[218]

During the day, the militants continued to use heavy weapons against Ukrainian defences. Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city, was again the target of 152 mm howitzers, while Luhanske, Lozove and Svetlodarsk, south of Artemivsk, were shelled by 122 mm artillery combined with mortars. Pisky was pounded by 120 mm mortar rounds. Ukrainian troops in Marinka, Severne and Butivka mining complex were harassed with small arms -including machine guns and sniper fire- and automatic grenade launchers. In the northern front, 82 mm mortars and rocket propelled grenades were fired on Ukrainian troops not far from Zholobok and Shchastya.^[219]

13 May

Ten Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in the last 24 hours.^[220] The separatist continued to fire heavy caliber weapons on Ukrainian positions last night. Pisky was the target of rocket propelled grenades, mortars and artillery, while Shyrokyne was shelled by heavy mortars. Rebel troops attacked Opytne with heavy machine guns and antiaircraft fire. South of Artemivsk, pro-Russian tanks and 120 mm mortars pounded the Ukrainian garrisons at Leninske and Kirove. Druzhba was hit by 152 mm artillery rounds. In the northern front, In the northern front, Stanytsia Luhanska was also shelled, while snipers were active in Shchastya.^[221]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces concentrated their efforts on the area around Donetsk city. Small arms -including heavy machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars and antiaircraft cannons were fired on Ukrainian troops at Avdiivka, Pisky, Marinka, Opytne and Krasnohorivka. Shyrokyne was the target of small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, and Novohorodske and Shyroka Balka, west of Horlivka, were hit by 122 mm artillery rounds. Mortar rounds fell on Krimsky in the afternoon.^[222]

14 May

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded during the previous 24 hours.^[223] During the previous night, the separatists concentrated their efforts on the area around Donetsk city, where they opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Opytne and Hranitne with rocket propelled grenades, mortars and antitank missiles. Rebel tanks attacked Avdiivka and Butivka mining complex. Shelling was reported on Stanytsia Luhanska, Nyzhnoteple and Shchastya, where automatic grenade launchers were fired on residential areas. Around Mariupol, militiamen attacked Shyrokyne and Chermalik using 122 mm guns.^[224]

Avdiivka was attacked with mortars by rebel troops.^[225] Heavy mortar rounds also landed in Pisky, and Ukrainian entrenchments in the village of Hladosove were attacked by armoured fighting vehicles. Pro-Russian tanks continued to shell Ukrainian troops at Butivka mining complex, and a sniper was active at Kamenka. Small arms, automatic grenade launchers and Su-23-2 antiaircraft cannons were used against Pisky and Marinka. In Shyrokyne, Ukrainian positions were harassed with small arms and 122 mm artillery. In Luhansk Oblast, clashes were reported in the villages of Donetskiy, Hirne, Syze and Shchastya.^[226]

15 May

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded over the past 24 hours.^[227] In the previous night, the militias fired 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery on the Donetsk Oblast's villages of Krasnohorivka, Pisky and Marinka. "Roaming tank" tactics were used against Ukrainian outposts in Avdiivka and Lozove, supported by armoured vehicles. Shyrokyne was pounded by small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the area of Bakhmutka road, the militias attacked Krimsky, Novotoshkivka, Hirske and Sokolniki with small arms, and mortars. Rebel scouts were active in the zone.^[228]

During the afternoon there was close combat in the outskirts of Krimsky between Ukrainian soldiers and pro-Russian troops from Sokolniki.^[229] Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne, followed some time later by automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars and artillery. Krimsky, on Bakhmutka road, was attacked by pro-Russian forces with machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons, mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. Small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenades were also fired by the rebels at Stanytsia Luhanska, Sokolniki and Shchastya, in the northern front. South of Artemivsk, Kirove was shelled and sniper fire was reported at Popasna. Lozove, Svetlodarsk and Luhanske were hit by mortar and artillery fire. Near Donetsk city, Ukrainian outposts at Pisky and Opytne were attacked with mortars and armoured fighting vehicles.^[230]

16 May

According to military spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk one serviceman was killed and three wounded in action in the last 24 hours.^[231][232] The previous night, the militias continued to open fire on Ukrainian positions using small arms -including sniper fire and machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades, antitank missiles, mortars, tanks and artillery. The main targets were Stanytsia Luhanska, Shchastya and Distalosya, in the northern front. Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne, Hranitne, Berezove, Opytne, Pisky, Svetlodarsk, Lozove, Zolote, Rozivka, Leninske and Kirove were also attacked.^[233]

Residential areas of Zolote were hit by SPG-9 recoilless gun fire in the early morning.^[234] Late in the evening, Ukrainian border guards confronted pro-Russian scouts near the border with the Russian Federation in Harasymivka. After a brief engagement, the group was driven back to Mozhaevka, Rostov Oblast, Russia. One Ukrainian guard was wounded by the explosion of a hand grenade.^[235]

Two soldiers of the GRU of Russian Federation were taken prisoners near Shchastya — Captain Yevgeniy Yerofeyev and Sergeant Aleksandr Aleksandrov.^{[236][237][238][239]} They were members of a Russian Special forces detachment based in the city of Togliatti, Samara Oblast, and were captured during close combat between members of the "Aidar" battalion and pro-Russian forces from Luhansk city.^{[240][241][242][243]}

17 May

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko three Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 17 wounded in the previous 24 hours.^{[244][245][246][247]} Two soldiers perished near Svitlodarsk, another - near Shchastya.^[236] Last night, the militias opened fire on ten different settlements along the frontlines using small arms -including sniper fire-, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, armoured vehicles and tanks. Most incidents took place around Donetsk city, in the villages of Avdiivka, Starohnativka, Pisky, Strohanivka, Hranitne, Opytne Vodyane and Marinka. In the northern front, Ukrainian positions around Stanytsia Luhanska and Shchastya were the target of machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades. South of Atemivsk, the rebels shelled Maiorsk and Popasna. Small arms fire was also heard amid a relative quite night at Shyrokyne.^[248]

One National Guard Colonel and another soldier were killed in the afternoon, along with two civilian volunteers, when the "Hunter" armoured vehicle they were riding on struck a landmine near Popasna. Another volunteer was left in critical condition.^[249][250]

18 May

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and four wounded over the past 24 hours.^[251][252] The main incidents during the previous night took place at Chermalik, Donetsk airport and Troitske. Near Chermalik, north of Mariupol, Ukrainian troops at Lukove were the target of mortar fire. In the surroundings of Donetsk airport, separatist militias opened fire with 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers. A major skirmish was reported at Troitske, where Ukrainian troops exchanged fire with rebel troops from Sanzharivka armed with automatic weapons, antiaircraft cannons and armoured fighting vehicles. Ukrainian positions in Zolote were attacked with mortars and tanks.^[253]

Pro-Russian forces continued to harass Ukrainian positions along the front. The rebels used small arms -including heavy machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, rocket propelled grenades and mortars. In the area around Donetsk city, Pisky and Butivka mining complex were the target of small arms and automatic grenade launchers, while 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Vodyane. The militias attacked Ukrainian troops in Opytne with machine gun fire. Small arms fire was heard in Shyrokyne. In the northern front, small arms, including heavy machine guns, were used against the Ukrainian garrisons at Shchastya and Novotoshkivka. South of Artemivsk, rebel forces pounded Ukrainian troops with machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and 120 mm mortars in Zolote, Luhanske and Leninske. Ukrainian border guards and reconnaissance patrols clashed with separatist scouts near Troitske.^[254]

19 May

Ten Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^[255] The previous night, rebel troops continued to attack Ukrainian positions along the front using small arms -including machine guns-, 120 mm and 82 mm mortars, tanks and 152 mm howitzers. Most of the action took place around Donetsk city.^[256]

Major fighting broke out in the afternoon at Katerynivka, near Zolote, after pro-Russian troops lured Ukrainian scouts into the open and ambushed them with machine guns and mortars. According to Luhansk governor Hennady Moskal, the militias bombarded Ukrainian positions from Stakhanov and Pervomaisk before the battle. The action lasted for several hours. The Ukrainian military confirmed three soldiers killed and six wounded in the battle.^{[257][258][259]} One Ukrainian military vehicle hit a mine in the same area at around 06:30 pm, two soldiers were killed and three wounded.^[260]

20 May

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko three Ukrainian soldiers were killed and nine wounded in the previous 24 hours.^[261] Last night, the militias shelled residential areas at Katerynivka, Popasna and Hranitne. Ukrainian positions at Shyrokyne continued to be pounded with small arms -including sniper fire-, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and tanks. In the area around Donetsk, rebel forces shelled Pisky, Butivka mining complex, Verkhnotoretske, Avdiivka and Novolaspa with heavy caliber artillery banned by the Minsk agreements. Pro-Russian tanks attacked Opytne and Pisky. In the northern front, the separatists fired rocket propelled grenades, mortars and antiaircraft cannons on Ukrainian troops at Krimsky and Trokhizbenka. Shelling was also reported at Zolote, Kirove, Leninske and Maiorsk.^[262]

By evening, the militants' pressure on Shyrokyne continued unabated. The Ukrainian forces there were attacked with small arms -including machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, tanks and 122 mm artillery. The Ukrainian garrison at Shchastya was shelled with 120 mm mortars, and outposts around Zolote were harassed with small arms -including sniper fire- and automatic grenade launchers. In the area of Donetsk city, Avdiivka, Vodyane and Pisky were the target of small arms, mortars and artillery. South of Artemivsk, Ukrainian troops at Leninske, Kirove, Maiorsk and Popasna received small arms fire -including machine guns- and automatic grenade launchers. Lozove and Luhanske were the target of 120 mm mortars, antitank missiles and artillery.^[263] The Ukrainian military claimed that the rebels were firing white phosphorus ammunition.^[264] A Russian-made drone was shot down by Ukrainian forces near Pisky.^[265]

The leadership of the Federal State of Novorossiya announced the termination of the confederation 'project' because the confederation did not comply with the Minsk II agreement.^[266]

21 May

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and eight wounded over the last 24 hours.^[267][268] The previous night, rebel forces fired heavy mortars and artillery on a number of settlement around Donetsk city like Avdiivka, Opytne, Butivka mining complex, Krasnohorivka, Kamenka, Pisky, Starohnativka, Vodyane and Marinka. Antitank missiles were fired at Hranitne. South of Artemivsk, the villages of Luhanske, Lozove, Kirove, Leninske and Maiorsk were the target of small arms -including machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades and mortars. Pro-Russian artillery from Sakhanka fired on Ukrainian positions at Shyrokyne. Shelling was also reported in the northern front on the towns of Stanytsia Luhanska and Shchastya.^[269]

In the course of this day, the militias continued their relentess attack on Shyrokyne. In the area west of Donetsk city, heavy mortars and artillery were fired on Ukrainian positions at Pervomaisk, Opytne and Severne. Pro-Russian tanks pounded Ukrainian outposts at Marinka and Opytne, and Ukrainian troops in Pisky were harassed with small arms. The rebels fired small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars on Zolote. Sanzharivka was also the target of automatic grenade launchers, while small arms -including machine guns- were fired at Boguslavske.^[270] Shchastya's old town was struck by 120 mm mortar rounds.^[271]

22 May

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko three Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 12 wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^[272][273] Rebel troops continued their activity all along the frontlines the previous night, according to military analyst Dmitri Tymchuk. Around Donetsk city, the militants fired banned 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery, as well as 82 mm and armoured vehicles' main weapons. They targeted Ukrainian redoubts at Opytne, Pisky, Vodyane, Pervomaisk, Severne, Avdiivka, Marinka and Krasnohorivka. The village of Tonenke and Severne were hit by heavy artillery and mortars from rebel-held Spartak. In Marinka, pro-Russian tanks opened fire from pre-arranged positions, supported by automatic grenade launchers and mortars. Ukrainian tanks engaged hostile snipers triying to prevent Ukrainian troops from returning fire with antitank weapons. Separatists tanks and armoured fighting vehicles used the same tactics in the southern outskirts of Avdiivka.^[274] Small rebel recoinnasance groups were active in the northern front, along the Seversky Donets river. They fired machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and mortars on Ukrainian positions at Krimsky, Sokolniki, Shchastya and Stanytsa Luhanska. South of Artemivsk, automatic grenade launchers and 120 mm mortars pounded Luhanske, Sanzarivka and Rassadki. In Luhanske, the Ukrainian infantry returned fire after 82 mm mortar rounds landed around their positions. Rebel tanks shelled Shyrokyne from their maximum range to avoid return fire.^[275] At least one Ukrainian armoured vehicle was hit in Shchastya and one soldier was wounded. Several houses were set ablaze.^[276]

In the course of the day, Ukrainian positions at Opytne and Vodyane were attacked with small arms -including heavy machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers. On Bakhmutka road, small arms and rocket propelled grenades were fired at Novotoshkivka and Smolyaninove. Heavy mortars and antitank missiles targeted Ukrainian outposts at Luhanske and Sanzarivka, south of Artemivsk. The nearby village of Lozove was shelled with 152 mm howitzers.^[277]

23 May

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and five wounded in the previous 24 hours.^[278][279] Last night the militias concentrated their military efforts on the area of Donetsk city. Small arms, rocket propelled grenades and heavy mortars were fired on Ukrainian troops at Opytne, Pisky, Kamenka, Marinka, Krasnohorivka, Starohnativka and Butivka mining complex. Rebel tanks attacked the village of Verkhnotoretske.^[280]

By evening pro-Russian forces had carried out attacks on Ukrainian positions in the main areas of the front. Around Donetsk, the separatists continued to harass Ukrainian positions at Pisky and Novotroitske with small arms and rocket propelled grenades. Novotroitske was also attacked by armoured fighting vehicles. Antitank missiles were fired on Hranitne.^[281]

One man was killed and two women wounded in Avdiivka after the militias fired multiple rocket launchers on Avdiivka Coke Plant.^[282]

24 May

In the previous 24 hours, five Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.^[283] In the same period, the separatists used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery to harass Ukrainian troops. The rebels also launched two assaults on Ukrainian positions in Leninske, south of Artemivsk, and in Krimsky, on Bakhmutka road. Both attempts were beaten off. Most incidents took place around Donetsk airport, Horlivka and Starohnativka.^[284] In the northern front, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and artillery were fired on Shchastya, Zhovte and Stanytsia Luhanska.^[285]

During the morning one member of the Donbas Battalion was killed and two were wounded in Shyrokyne. The village was the target of small arms -including machine guns-, automatic grenade launchers, rocket propelled grenades, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[286] The militias also used snipers, antitank missiles and 122 mm artillery against Ukrainian troops in the area. Heavy mortar rounds also landed in Chermalik. West of Donetsk city, Ukrainian outposts in Avdiivka, Opytne, Pisky and Butivka mining complex endured heavy mortar and artillery fire. Small arms and machine gun fire was also reported there by the Ukrainian military.^[287]

Two men were arrested in Artemivsk on suspicion of killing a major of the Ukrainian army whose body was found in the outskirts of the city at mid-morning.^[288]

25 May

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko one Ukrainian soldier was killed and five wounded in the previous 24 hours. Most casualties occurred in Shyrokyne area.^{[289][290][291]} During the same period, the militias opened fire with heavy mortars, tanks and heavy artillery on Avdiivka, Opytne, Kamenka, Pisky, Hranitne, Butivka mining complex, Berezove, Verkhnotoretske and Taramchuk, in the area west of Donetsk city. Shyrokyne was again the target of small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and self-propelled artillery. A minor skirmish took place near Hnutove between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian scouts. South of Artemivsk the rebel artillery diminished last night, but a sniper was active in Slavkovich and mortar rounds landed in Boguslavske.^[292]

At noon, a Ukrainian military ambulance was riddled with gunfire in Komyshne, near Syze, by pro-Russian assailants; one Ukrainian soldier was killed.^[293] On Bakhmutka road, rebel forces harassed Ukrainian positions at Krimsky and Zolote with small arms, rocket propelled grenades and mortars. The same weapons were used against the Ukrainian garrison at Shyrokyne. The separatists also fired small arms -including heavy machine guns- and automatic grenade launchers on Opytne, Pisky and Butivka mining complex. South of Artemivsk, pro-Russian forces used automatic grenade launchers to attack Boguslavske, heavy machine guns in Kirove and armoured fighting vehicles in Stodolishche.^[294]

26 May

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and 12 wounded over the past 24 hours. Most casualties occurred in the outskirts of Pervomaisk.^{[295][296][297][298]} Four militiamen and one civilian were also killed in action. Fighting was particularly heavy in Shyrokyne.^[297] Overnight, the separatists continued their attacks along the frontlines. Around Donetsk city, the rebels pounded Avdiivka, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Novomihailivka, Vodyane and Butivka mining complex with small arms -including machine guns-, Rocket propelled grenades, mortars and artillery. Multiple launched rockets landed in Petrovske. In the northern front, Syze was attacked three time by hostile tanks, while heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and mortars were used against Ukrainian positions at Zhovte, Stari Aidar and Shchastya. Similar weapons were fired on Ukrainian troops in Kirove.^[299]

The rebels fired mortars and antitank missiles on Ukrainian troops at Pisky and Butivka mining complex.^[300] Separatist shelling injured one civilian in Avdiivka.^[301] Fresh fighting was reported at Shyrokyne, where the militias fired small arms -including sniper rifles and heavy machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades and 120 mm mortars. In the area south of Artemivsk, the militias launched rocket propelled grenades and antitank missiles on Lozove and fired mortars on Boguslavske.^[302] One member of the "Aidar" battalion was reported killed near Zolote.^[303]

27 May

According to military spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and eight wounded in action in the last 24 hours.^{[304][305][306][307]} Overnight, the rebels attacked ten settlements along the frontlines. In the area of Donetsk city, mortar rounds landed in Pisky, while small arms -including heavy machine guns- and rocket propelled grenades were fired on Ukrainian outposts in Marinka. South of Artemivsk, separatists troops fired small arms, rocket propelled grenades, antitank missiles and mortars on Ukrainian troops in the villages of Boguslavske, Lozove, Zolote, Kirove and Leninske. Self-propelled artillery pounded Popasna for almost one hour. Close combat was reported near Leninske and Nelipivka. In the northern front, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and tanks targeted the town of Shchastya. On Bakhmutka road, the militias used small arms, antiaircraft cannons and armoured fighting vehicles against Krimsky and Sokolniki. During the first hours of night, Shyrokyne was the target of rocket propelled grenades, mortars and self-propelled artillery. Small arms fire was reported at Pavlopil.^[308]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces launched a single antitank missile on Opytne, 120 mm mortars on Hranitne and small arms on Ukrainian troops in Marinka. South of Artemivsk, the rebels attacked Troitske with mortar fire and Lozove with automatic weapons -including heavy machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades and 120 mm mortars. In the northern front Shchastya was hit by small arms -including heavymachine guns- and automatic grenade launchers.^[309]

28 May

The Ukrainian military reported no casualties for the latest 24 hours.^[310] According to Luhansk Oblast governor Hennadiy Moskal one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another wounded near Stanytsia Luhanska after triggering an explosive improvised device while on patrol last evening.^[311][312] The militias stepped up their pressure on Ukrainian positions around Donetsk city overnight. The villages of Taramchuk, Pisky, Berezove and Marinka were shelled with artillery fire. Automatic grenade launchers were used against Ukrainian troops at Opytne, Novotroitske and Butivka mining complex. Heavy machine gun fire was heard at Avdiivka. Close-quarter combat was reported near Berezove. In the northern front, Ukrainian positions in Orikhove, Zhovte, Shchastya and Trokhizbenka were harassed with small arms -including machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades and mortars. Mortar rounds landed in Lozove, Troitske and Novozvanivka, south of Artemivsk. Shyrokyne was shelled with heavy mortars.^[313]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian forces continued to concentrate their attacks around Donetsk city. Small arms -including machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades and mortars were fired on Ukrainian troops at Novoselivka, Verkhnotoretske, Opytne, Butivka mining complex, Vodyane, Hranitne and Severne. A sniper was active in Marinka. Shchastya was shelled once again, and Ukrainian positions around Shyrokyne were pounded with small arms -including sniper fire-, rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons and mortars.^[314]

29 May

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and six wounded over the past 24 hours. One civilian volunteer also died after a mortar attack on the village of Opytne, near Donetsk city.^[315] The militias pressed on their attacks around Donetsk airport with 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery overnight. The nearby villages of Marinka and Berezove were the target of "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. Southwards, residentials areas of Hranitne were hit by 120 mm mortar rounds. There was an skirmish near Kirove, in the area of Horlivka. The warring factions fired small arms and rocket propelled grenades at each other.^[316]

By evening pro-Russian forces continued to concentrated their efforts west of Donetsk city. The rebels opened fire on Ukrainian positions at Pisky, Butivka mining complex and Opytne with heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and artillery. In the northern front, mortar rounds landed in Trokhizbenka, and automatic grenade launchers were fire at Ukrainian troops in Shchastya. In the area south of Artemivsk, Leninske was also pounded with mortar fire. Close combat clashes were reported at Shyroka Balka.^[317]

30 May

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded over the last 24 hours in eastern Ukraine.^[318] A two-hour battle was reported at Krasnohorivka overnight between the Ukrainian army and rebel scouts. Another engagement took place near Lozove, south of Artemivsk. Ukrainian officials claimed that militias were forced to retreat on both occasions. Elsewhere, pro-Russian troops continued to harass Ukrainian positions using all available weapons. Around Donetsk city the villages of Kamyantse, Hranitne, Opytne, Krasnohorivka and Pisky were the target of small arms, antiaircraft cannons and mortars. South of Artemivsk, the separatists fired rocket propelled grenades, mortars and artillery on Lozove, Kirove, Shyroka Balka, Rasadki, Luhanske and Svetlodarsk. In the northern front, Ukrainian outposts at Stanytsia Luhanska and Shchastya were hit by heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and antiaircraft cannons. Mortar rounds fell on Trokhizbenka, on Bakhmutka road. Late in the evening Shyrokyne was shelled with rocket propelled grenades, 120 mm mortars and artillery.^[319]

Across the day, the area west of Donetsk city continued to be the main target of pro-Russian forces. Pisky and Hranitne were struck by 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. Sniper fire and automatic grenade launchers were used to harass Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka. Rebel snipers and automatic grenade launchers were also active in Pisky. The militias opened fire on Ukrainian positions in Shchastya with small arms and heavy machine guns. Militiamen attacked Shyrokyne with small arms and automatic grenade launchers.^[320]

31 May

One Ukrainian soldier was killed in action and another wounded during the past 24 hours.^[321] Overnight, the militias continued to concentrated their efforts on Ukrainian positions around Donetsk city. The separatists opened fire with machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and mortars on Pisky, Opytne, Novotroitske, Marinka and Hranitne. Pro-Russian scouts were engaged by Ukrainian troops near Nikolaevka. Another skirmish took place at Troitske, south of Artemivsk. Kirove and Zolote were pounded by rocket propelled grenades and mortars. In the northern front, militiamen attacked Ukrainian troops at Zolote-4 and Stanytsia Luhanska with automatic grenade launchers. Shyrokyne was the target of small arms and mortars.^[322]

Two Ukrainian soldiers and two civilians were killed across the day. The civilians -a 55-year-old man and his teenager son- died when an improvised explosive device went off in their path.^[323] The two servicemen were killed in fighting near Dokuchajevsk, south of Donetsk city, after a military convoy belonging to the 28th Motorized Brigade was ambushed by rebel forces. The driver of a "Kamaz" truck in the rearguard and a Ukrainian officer were killed, and two other men captured.^[324] In the northern front, pro-Russian troops fired small arms and rocket propelled grenades on ferries operating on the Seversky Donets near Trokhizbenka, an area controlled by the "Aidar" battalion. The outskirts of Shchastya were hit by 82 mm mortar rounds and heavy machine gun fire.^[325]

June

1 June

Three Ukrainian soldiers were killed, four wounded and two confirmed captured in the past 24 hours according to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko.^[326] Overnight, a Ukrainian checkpoint between the areas controlled by the separatists and the Ukrainian government at Zaitseve, south of Artemivsk, was shut down after pro-Russian tanks and artillery shelled the facilities.^[327] The nearby village of Krasny Pakhar was also the target of rebel tanks, and Ukrainian troops at Leninske received machine gun and mortar fire. Around Donetsk city, heavy caliber mortars, banned by the Minsk agreements, were fired upon Ukrainian redoubts in Starohnativka, Pisky and Butivka mining complex. The militias fired small arms, rocket propelled grendes, mortars and artillery on the defenders of Shyrokyne.^[328]

During the morning, militiamen attacked a checkpoint near Zolote, in the northern front. Small arms and mortars were fired on Ukrainian troops at Katerynovka, while Ukrainian troops in Schastya exchanged fire with rebel forces entrenched in Vesela Hora. Hostile intruders harassed Ukrainian positions at the village of Rodina with a 1941 antitank rifle.^[329] By evening, pro-Russian forces focused their efforts on Shyrokyne, which was the target of small arms and 120 mm mortars. The village was also shelled by hostile tanks for one hour. In the area around Donetsk city, heavy mortar rounds landed in Pisky, and Opytne was the target of 122 mm artillery shells. Small arms and rocket propelled grenades were fired at Ukrainian positions in Kirove and Zolote-4.^[330]

2 June

Eight Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^[331] Around Donetsk city, the militias shelled Pisky, Marinka, Opytne, Vodyane and Butivka mining complex overnight. South of Artemivsk, the separatists attacked Markove with artillery fire, Novhorodske with mortars, Leninske with heavy machine guns and Kirove with small arms and rocket propelled grenades. Close combat took place between Ukrainian troops and rebel scouts at Vesela Dolina. Small arms, rocket propelled grenades, heavy mortars and artillery were fired at Ukrainian positions in Shyrokyne.^[332] The militias claimed that Ukrainian forces violated the truce on 37 occasions using small arms, antiaircraft cannons, mortars, armoured vehicles and tanks.^[333]

Throughout the day, pro-Russian forces continued their activity, specially around Shyrokyne, where 120 mm mortars were fired on Chernenko, Hranitne and Shyrokyne itself. Rocket propelled grenade and sniper fire was reported in the same area. In the northern front, the militias harassed Ukrainian troops with small arms fire in Novotoshkivka, Zolote and Shchastya. Krimsky, Sokolniki and Trokhizbenka were the target of rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons and mortars. A sniper was active in Lozove.^[334] Separatist media said that the village of Dzerzhynske, east of Mariupol, was the target of Ukrainian artillery for the space of an hour; three houses were destroyed and most of its 50 resident fled away.^[335]

3 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the previous 24 hours.^[336]

An elderly couple died when their car struck an explosive device early in the morning in Kryakivka, Luhansk Oblast, a government controlled area 20 kilometers from the front line.^[337][338] One civilian was killed and another injured in Yenakiieve.^[337]

Fierce attacks with "Grad" multiple rocket launchers, artillery and tanks were launched early in the morning against Ukrainian positions in Krasnohorivka, Marinka, and elsewhere in Donetsk Oblast in support of a massive pro-Russian offensive on Marinka; by noon 25 Ukrainian soldiers had been wounded. The Ukrainian army acknowledged that the separatists overran one Ukrainian forward outposts in the outskirts of Marinka.^{[339][340][341][342][343][344][345][346][347]} OSCE reported DPR heavy battle vehicles (tanks and artillery) moving westwards in the night between 2 and 3 June as well as "Grad" shelling from DPR territory early morning on 3 June.^[348]

By 7:45 pm three Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and 31 wounded in battles near Marinka and Krasnohorivka.^[349] Donetsk People's Republic's deputy Minister of Defence Eduard Basurin reported 14 militiamen and five civilians killed in and around Donetsk city, Spartak, Shyrokyne and Horlivka.^[350] Rebel media claimed that 21 houses were destroyed by Ukrainian artillery fire in different districts of Donetsk city.^[351] By 7:00 pm Donetsk People's Republic's Defence Minister Vladimir Kononov and the Ukrainian military confirmed to the OSCE that Marinka was under Ukrainian control.^[348] All the Ukrainian checkpoints around Marinka were closed after the rebel offensive. Some roads were severely damaged during the fighting and others remained heavily mined.^[352]

4 June

Five Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 39 wounded over the past 24 hours.^{[353][354][355][356][357]} Sources from the Donetsk Republic's army acknowledged the deaths of 20 soldiers in battle. Other 99 were wounded.^[358] The EU expressed their concern about the situation in Marinka. They called the offensive "the worst violation of the Minsk agreements so far."^[359] Overnight, the militias continued to shell Ukrainian positions along the frontlines, specially in the area of Donetsk airport, northwest of Marinka and in the outskirts of Svetlodarsk. Pisky was the target of mortar fire, and rocket propelled grenades fell on Novotroitske. Civilian residences at Marinka and Hnutove were hit by mortar and artillery rounds. The Ukrainian military recorded 11 "Grad" rockets attacks in the same period.^[360] They also reported a large-scale use of heavy mortars, artillery and tanks. There were 62 pro-Russian drone's flights over Ukrainian-held areas.^[361] In the northern front -Luhansk Oblast- rebel forces harassed Ukrainian troops at Donetskiy, Novotoshkivka, Krimsky and Stanytsia Luhanska.^[360] According to Luhansk governor Hennady Moskal, the militants fired small arms -including an SKS rifle and automatic weapons- and rocket propelled grenades at the military checkpoint of Rodina, and small arms and mortars on the outpost of Katerynovka.^[362] In the area south of Artemivsk, small arms fire was heard in Leninske, and rocket propelled grenades were fired on Zolote.^[360]

Ukrainian media reported three civilian residents killed and five wounded in the course of the pro-Russian offensive on Marinka and Krasnohorivka.^[363] According to OSCE figures released the next day 28 people, including nine civilians, were killed in Marinka.^[364]

The Ukrainian Navy claimed that the frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy had driven out the Russian patrol ship Ladniy which it accused of spying near the territorial waters of Ukraine.^[365]

Fresh fighting was reported in Marinka by evening. The nearby village of Opytne was bombarded with antiaircraft cannons, mortars and heavy artillery. Avdiivka was attacked with tanks supported by mortar fire. South of Artemivsk, mortars and 152 mm howitzers were fired on Lozove, Luhanske and Rozsadky. On Bakhmutka road, the rebels fired rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons and mortars on Ukrainian positions at Krimsky, Sokolniki and Donetskiy.^[366]

5 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in the past 24 hours.^[367][368] Last night the militias fired on Ukrainian troops on 40 occasions. The worst incidents took place around Donetsk city, where the rebels fired mortars and artillery on Pisky, Opytne, Bohdanivka, Berezove, Butivka mining complex, Vodyane and Novobakhmutivka. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Ukrainian positions at Vodyane and Berezove, while Starohantivka was struck by "Grad" artillery rockets. Sporadic fighting continued at Marinka, where the warring factions traded small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. In the area of Mariupol, the village of Hranitne was pounded by 122 artillery fire and "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. In the northern front, militiamen fired 120 mm mortar rounds on Novotoshkivka, on Bakhmutka road.^[369]

In the course of the day separatist forces launched a second "Grad" attack on Starohnativka. Self-propelled artillery was fired on Nikolaevka and Opytne, which was also the target of 120 mm mortars. Heavy mortar rounds also landed in Pisky. In the northern front, pro-Russian forces harassed Ukrainian troops east of Zhelobok and in Stanitsya Luhanska with small arms fire -including heavy machine guns- and rocket propelled grenades. Krimsky was hit by 120 mm mortars on two occasions. South of Artemivsk, snipers were active in Lozove, where small arms and 120 mm mortar fire was also reported. The militias fired small arms and automatic grenade launchers in Shyrokyne.^[370]

6 June

One Ukrainian soldier was reported killed and another ten wounded over the previous 24 hours.^{[371][372][373]} During the night, the militias made widespread use of banned heavy weapons, specially in the area south of Artemivsk. The separatists fired "Grad" multiple rocket launchers and 120 mm mortars on Luhanske, and 122 mm artillery rounds on Lozove. In Luhansk Oblast -northern front- Ukrainian troops in Shchastya and Zolote were harassed with small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The village of Donetskiy was shelled with 120 mm mortars. Several settlements around Donetsk city like Pisky, Butivka mining complex, Berezove, Krasnohorivka and Starohnativka were hit by mortar fire, 122 mm artillery and "Grad" multiple rocket launchers.^[374]

Early in the morning, "Grad" rockets continued to land in Krasnohorivka, Bohdanivka and Hranitne, along with 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. Ukrainian positions in Shyrokyne were the target of small arms and rocket propelled grenades. South of Artemivsk, rebel troops attacked Leninske and Luhanske with 120 mm mortars and artillery. Rocket propelled grenades were fired on Krimsky, on Bakhmutka road.^[375]

7 June

According to military spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk eight Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in action in the last 24 hours.^{[376][377][378]}

Near Mariupol an explosion occurred on a coastal guard vessel in the afternoon. The boat, identified as UMC-1000, was rocked by the blast while on patrol off Prymorske, 4,000 ms away from the shoreline. Two other coast guard ships and divers were deployed for search and rescue.^[379] On board of the vessel were seven crewmembers, six of them were taken to hospital while the rescuers continued the search for the boat's commander.^[380][381] It was later determined that the small craft had hit an improvised naval mine, disguised as a radio buoy.^[382] The body of the commander was eventually found when the wreckage was checked after being towed to port.^[383]

By evening pro-Russian forces fired small arms, automatic grenade launchers and mortars on Ukrainian positions around Shchastya, in the northern front. In the area surrounding Donetsk city, the rebels used rocket propelled grenades and 120 mm mortars to pound Marinka. Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne were the target of sniper fire, mortars and 122 mm artillery. One hostile drone was shot down by the Ukrainian army at Valeryanivka, southwest of Volnovakha.^[384]

8 June

Ten Ukrainian soldiers were wounded along the frontlines over the past 24 hours.^[385] The militias concentrated their activity on the area south of Artemivsk overnight. Pervomaisk and Semyhirya were the target of 122 mm artillery fire. Ukrainian troops at Leninske were attacked three times with 120 mm mortars. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Ukrainian positions around Slavkovich and Pervomaisk. In the area west of Donetsk city, banned 120 mm mortars rounds landed on Opytne, Avdiivka and Butivka mining complex. Shyrokyne was also shelled with heavy mortars. The militants used small arms -including heavy machine guns- and rocket propelled grenades all along the frontlines.^[386]

In the afternoon, seven Ukrainian servicemen were killed when the vehicle they were riding on struck an antitank mine while carrying ammunitions to the front near Krasnohorivka, Donetsk Oblast.^[387] Close combat was reported between Ukrainian and pro-Russian troops in the outskirts of Krimsky. The rebels initially fired mortars and artillery from their entrenchments in the nearby village of Sokolniki, and later became involved in close fighting using automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. Civilians in Krimsky sought shelter in the basement of the local hospital.^[388] In the northern front, Shchastya and Trokhizbenka were hit by 82 mm mortar rounds.^[389] Rebel shelling on Shchastya set off a forest fire near the town.^[390] Pro-Russian scouts were engaged by Ukrainian troops at Hrechyshkyne. Residential buildings in Leninske and Kirove, south of Artemivsk, were hit by 120 mm mortar rounds. New clashes were reported at Marinka in the course of the morning. Ukrainian positions in the village were the target of small arms, automatic grenade launchers, antitank missiles and 120 mm mortars.^[390]

9 June

Eight Ukrainian soldiers were killed and five wounded during the past 24 hours.^{[391][392][393]} It was confirmed that most casualties occurred in Krasnohorivka area where seven Ukrainian combat engineers were killed when their truck was hit by an explosive device.^[391] The Ukrainian military reported 40 separatist attacks overnight on residential areas in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, such as Stanitsya Luhanska, Shchastya, Stari Aidar, Krasnohorivka and Vodyane. The militias also fired 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery on Ukrainian troops at Avdiivka, Pisky, Butivka mining complex and Opytne. Pro-Russian tanks attacked Opytne and Vodyane. Shyrokyne was pounded with 152 mm howitzers.^[394] Three Ukrainian soldiers were severely wounded by an improvised explosive device in the aftermath of yesterday's clashes around Krimsky.^[395]

By evening pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian troops and settlements on 30 occasions. Most incidents took place around Donetsk city, where the rebels used 120 mm mortars to shell Pisky and Butivka mining complex, and 122 mm guns against Opytne and Pervomaisk. The militants also attacked with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. In the area south of Artemivsk, the town of Myronovskyi was pounded by 122 mm artillery, while mortar rounds landed in Zolote and Popasna. Pro-Russian tanks fired on Ukrainian troops at Hladosove. In the northern front, Shchastya was the target of automatic grenade launchers. Residential areas of Leninske and Vodyane were hit by heavy artillery.^[396]

10 June

Seven Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^[397][398] The Ukrainian military recorded more that 20 violations of the ceasefire by the militias overnight. Most of the activity took place south of Artemivsk, where the rebels pounded Ukrainian troops at Kurdyumivka fired with 152 mm howitzers. Small arms, rocket propelled grenades and mortars were fired upon Ukrainian positions in Lozove, Kirove, Nelipivka and Zolote. Shyrokyne was bombarded with 152 mm and 122 mm artillery. Vodyane was also hit by 122 mm rounds. Heavy weapons were also used in the northern front. Trokhizbenka was shelled twice with 152 mm howitzers, and "Grad" artillery rockets landed in Novotoshkivka during the early hours of the morning. The separatists also shelled Novozvanivka, Popasna and Stepne.^[399]

In the course of the day, there were 40 rebel attacks on Ukrainian positions along the front.^[400] Ukrainian and pro-Russian mechanized forces clashed near Sokolniki during the afternoon. A Ukrainian mechanized brigade confronted separatist infantry armed with automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenades and armoured fighting vehicles. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded, but the militants were driven back.^[401] Shchastya and Novotoshkivka, in the same area, were the target of rocket propelled grenades. The rebels shelled Pisky and Opytne with 120 mm mortars and 122 mm guns during the morning. South of Artemivsk, mortar rounds landed in Shyroka Balka, some of them of 120 mm caliber. The militias harassed Ukrainian troops at Zolote and Popasna with small arms and rocket propelled grenades. A pro-Russian sniper was neutralized by Ukrainian troops at Luhanske. Miltiamen fired rocket propelled grenades, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers on Shyrokyne.^[400]

11 June

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 13 wounded over the last 24 hours.^[402][403] The Ukrainian military claimed that rebel artillery fire killed three civilian residents and injured two children in the outskirts of Horlivka in the same period.^[404]

By evening, the Ukrainian military reported renewed attacks in the area around Donetsk city. Pro-Russian forces used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm artillery on Ukrainian positions at Hranitne, Avdiivka, Pisky, Novomihaylivka and Opytne. Tanks and 120 mm mortars pounded Ukrainian troops at Marinka. Tanks also shelled residential areas at Avdiivka. In the area of Mariupol, the rebels fired 152 mm howitzers upon Ukrainian outposts, and 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Chermalik. South of Artemivsk, mortar fire targeted the village of Luhanske.^[405]

12 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko ten Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^[406][407] The previous night, the main target of the militias was the area around Donetsk, according to the Ukrainian military. The Ukrainian garrison at Pisky was attacked with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm artillery. Pro-Russian tanks pounded Avdiivka and Vodyane and small arms fire was heard in Marinka. Butivka mining complex was also shelled by the rebels. In the northern front, the settlements of Shchastya, Sokolniki, Krimsky, Donetskiy, Nyzhnoteple and Novotoshkivka were the target of heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and 82 mm mortar rounds.^[408] Fighting around Krimsky left four Ukrainian soldiers wounded, three by mortar fire and another by heavy artillery.^[409] South of Artemivsk the village of Maiorsk was struck by 120 mm mortar rounds, while 122 mm artillery pounded Luhanske.^[408]

By evening, Ukrainian authorities reported almost 60 violations of the ceasefire by the separatists, most of them around Donetsk city. Ukrainian positions at Pisky, Vodyane, Marinka, Opytne, Novomihaylivka and Avdiivka were harassed with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, 120 mm mortars, tanks and 122 mm artillery. South of Artemivsk the pro-Russian forces shelled Lozove, Maiorsk and Luhanske with 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers.^[410]

13 June

Six Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 14 wounded over the previous 24 hours.^[411][412] Ukrainian authorities reported 40 violations of the ceasefire by the separatists overnight. In the area around Donetsk city, the militias fired small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and 122 mm artillery on Pisky, Avdiivka, Opytne and Butivka mining complex. Marinka was shelled by 120 mm mortars and Starohnativka by 122 mm artillery. Hranitne was also hit by heavy mortar and artillery fire. South of Artemivsk, Zolote and Troitske were the target of mortar fire. North of Mariupol, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Chermalik. Ukrainian troops at Krimsky were attacked with rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons and armoured fighting vehicles.^[413]

A Russian-made drone was shot down by Ukrainian forces over Nikolaevka, Donetsk Oblast.^[414] In the afternoon, rebel troops attacked the outpost of Katerynovka, Luhansk Oblast, with small arms and heavy artillery. The nearby village of Rodina was also shelled and its inhabitants were forced to take shelter in basements and stores.^[415] Late in the evening two pro-Russian infantry groups, supported by 120 mm mortars and 122 mm guns, attempted a fresh assault on Ukrainian positions at Marinka. Ukrainian troops returned fire with heavy weapons. The fighting died down by midnight.^[416]

14 June

One Ukrainian soldier was killed and other 21 wounded in the Donbass during the past 24 hours.^{[417][418][419][420]} The Ukrainian military claimed that the militias carried out 109 attacks on Ukrainian positions in the same period, the highest figure in the latest months.^[421]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 65 occasions. At least seven Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.^[422]

15 June

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 20 wounded over the previous 24 hours.^[423][424] The Ukrainian military recorded 40 violations of the ceasefire by the militias overnight. Around Donetsk city, heavy mortars and artillery were used against Pisky, Opytne, Taramchuk, Berezove, Marinka and Krasnohorivka. Pro-Russian tanks also shelled Opytne and Pisky. South of Artemivsk the villages of Kamyshevakha, Stepne, Luhanske and Zolote were pounded by 120 mm mortars. In the northern front, Sokolniki and Novotoshkivka were the target of the same kind of weapons. The separatists harassed Ukrainian troops in the area of Mariupol with small arms and rocket propelled grenades.^[425]

During the course of the day pro-Russian forces opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 33 occasions, 27 of them around Donetsk city. Starohnativka, Berezove and Marinka were the target of 120 mm mortar rounds, while Bohdanivka, Novohryhorivka, Prohorivka and Hranitne were hit by 122 mm guns. Hranitne was also shelled by 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian positions at Opytne and Pisky were attacked with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, armoured fighting vehicles and heavy artillery. The militias bombarded with heavy artillery Toshkivka and Novotoshkivka in the northern front. Luhansk and Stepne, south of Artemivsk, were also the target of 122 mm guns. Small arms fire was heard at Shyrokyne.^[426] Luhansk Oblast governor Hennady Moskal claimed that two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and other two wounded in the course of an engagement with pro-Russian scouts near Kryakivka. The rebel group had crossed the Seversky Donets into the Ukrainian lines.^[427]

16 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and five wounded over the previous 24 hours.^{[428][429][430]} The Ukrainian miitary reported 30 attacks on their troops last night. Pisky, Opytne and Starohnativka, in the area of Donetsk city, were pounded with 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery rounds. After midnight, the militias attacked Ukrainian positions at Pisky and Opytne with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Sniper fire was reported at Marinka. South of Artemivsk, mortar fire hit Troitske, Orikhove and Novhorodske. In the northern front, heavy weapons were used by the rebels to shell Krimsky and Zolote. Ukrainian troops at Stanitsya Luhanska and Shchastya were harassed with small arms.^[431]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 23 occasions. During the morning, the separatists fired 120 mm artillery on Ukrainian troops near Zolote, and 120 mm mortars on Shyrokyne, Starohnativka, Orikhove and Marinka. Ukrainian positions at Pisky, Opytne, Starohnativka, Marinka and Butivka mining complex were the target of small arms -including heavy machine guns-, rocket propelled grenades and armoured fighting vehicles.^[432] The Ukrainian army claimed to have neutralized a number of snipers in Shchastya, Butivka and Opytne.^[433]

17 June

Six Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^[434][435] The Ukrainian army recorded 40 violations of the truce by separatist forces the previous night. Pro-Russian tanks attacked Starohnativka supported by 120 mm mortar fire. Orikhove and Novotoshkivka were pounded by 122 mm artillery and Zolote by 120 mm mortars. Rocket propelled grenades were fired on Ukrainian troops at Trokhizbenka. Troitske, south of Artemivsk, was shelled by rebel tanks and 120 mm mortars. The Ukrainian military also reported two storm attempts on Ukrainian positions around Marinka by pro-Russian troops. Both assaults were supported by tanks and 120 mm mortar fire.^[436]

Throughout the day the militias opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 31 occasions. Novotoshkivka and Orikhove, in the northern front, were the target of 122 mm guns. Ukrainian troops in Zolote received both 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire.^[437] Around Donetsk city, the militants fired 120 mm mortars on Starohnativka, Hranitne and Marinka. South of Artemivsk the separatists continued to shell Ukrainian entrenchments in Troitske with heavy mortars and "Grad-p" single artillery rocket launchers. Nearby Stepne was instead the target of a 40-rocket salvo from "Grad" multiple rocket launchers.^[438] Later in the night, pro-Russian forces launched a massive shelling on Marinka using automatic grenade launchers, tanks, antitank guns, self-propelled artillery, 120 mm mortars and heavy artillery.^[439] Two Ukrainian soldiers died as consequence.^[440]

18 June

Three Ukrainian soldiers were reported killed and another 14 wounded over the previous 24 hours.^{[441][442][443]} The Ukrainian military reported 35 separatist attacks on Ukrainian troops last night. The militias used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and artillery. The rebels fired 120 mm rounds on Khimik, Krasnohorivka and Marinka, near Donetsk city, and 152 mm howitzers on Troitske, south of Artemivsk. In the same area, Nelipivka and Novhorodzke were the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. Pro-Russian troops attempted to overrun Ukrainian positions at Sokolniki. The defenders fended off the assault.^[444]

By evening pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 40 occasions, most of them in the area south of Artemivsk and Luhansk Oblast, where the militias launched 55 "Grad" artillery rockets on Ukrainian outposts around Novotoshkivka. Zolote was repeatedly hit by mortar rounds and Ukrainian troops in Shchastya were harassed with machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades. Small arms and rocket propelled grenades were also fired on Ukrainian positions at Luhanske, Novozvanivka, Troitske and Svetlodarsk, in the area of Artemivsk. The outskirts of Popasna were shelled with 120 mm mortars. Shyrokyne was also the target of small arms fire and heavy artillery. Marinka continued to be pounded with mortar fire in the afternoon. Separatist snipers were also active there. Pro-Russian tanks and heavy artillery attacked Vodyane.^[445]

19 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded near Avdiivka in the course of the past 24 hours.^{[446][447][448]} The Ukrainian army claimed the militias broke the ceasefire on 55 occasions overnight. The rebels used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, armoured fighting vehicles, artillery and "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The militiants stormed two Ukrainian outposts, but were eventually repelled by the defenders.^[449]

In the course of the day, pro-Russian tanks attacked Ukrainian troops at Opytne, Avdiivka and Butivka mining complex. Militiamen attempting to overrun Ukrainian positions at Lopaskine, near Shchastya, were driven back by Ukrainian forces.^[450]

OSCE summarized ceasefire violation log books recorded by Ukraine and Russian army representatives at Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) in Soledar. Russian representative recorded 71 violations, 15 attributed to the UAF and 56 to separatist forces. Ukrainian representative recorded 113 violations, 23 attributed to UAF and 90 to separatists. Observers in Shyrokyne reported a "tense" situation with "incoming and outgoing explosions and small arms fire".^[451]

20 June

Seven Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^{[452][453][454]} The Ukrainian military recorded 72 attacks on their troops over the same period, ten of them overnight. Five incidents resulted in close combat with pro-Russian troops. South of Artemivsk, the rebels fired 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers on Zaitseve, Kurdyumivka, Kirove Maiorsk and Leninske. Around Donetsk city the separatists shelled the villages of Marinka, Pisky, Opytne and Krasnohorivka.^[455]

By evening the militias had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 37 occasions. Most attacks were carried out with 120 mm heavy mortars, which were used to shell Hnutove, Avdiivka and Zolote. The militants fired 17 times on Ukrainian redoubts around Marinka, Pisky and Avdiivka using small arms, rocket propelled grenades and armoured fighting vehicles.^[456] Early in the morning, 40 "Grad" artillery rockets fired from Pervomaisk and Klinove landed in Popasna.^[457] Ukrainian troops claimed to have foiled an infiltration attempt by rebel scouts at Lebedynske, east of Mariupol. Sniper activity was reported all around the front.^[456]

21 June

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and six wounded over the last 24 hours.^[458][459] The Ukrainian army recorded 83 violations of the truce by rebel militias during the same period, 15 of them in the early morning of 21 June. The main target of the separatists was the area around Donetsk city. Krasnohorivka, Opytne, Pisky, Marinka and Avdiivka were hit by 120 mm mortar rounds. Opytne was also the target of 152 mm howitzers. Pro-Russian 122 mm artillery pounded Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne, east of Mariupol. In the northern front Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and the outskirts of Troitske and Popasna were shelled with 120 mm mortars.^[460]

By evening Ukrainian authorities had reported 48 rebel attacks on Ukrainian positions. Villages in the environs of Donetsk city continued to be the target of heavy weapons in the afternoon. Pro-Russian forces attacked Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka, Vodyane, Pisky, Opytne, Berezove, Butivka mining complex and Karlivka using 120 mm mortars, tanks and 152 mm howitzers. Civilian residences at Pervomaisk were also shelled by mortars and tanks. The Ukrainian garrison at Marinka was harassed with sniper fire and 120 mm mortars. South of Artemivsk, 155 mm artillery rounds landed in Luhanske, and mortar fire struck the village of Mironivske. Close combat fighting was reported at Krimsky between Ukrainian infantry and pro-Russian scouts.^[461]

22 June

Two Ukrainian soldiers were reported killed and another three wounded over the previous 24 hours.^{[462][463][464][465]} The Ukrainian army recorded 85 pro-Russian attacks on Ukrainian troops for the same period, ten of them in the early hours of the day. The area around Donetsk city continued to be the main target of the militias, with 52 violations of the ceasefire. Rebel snipers were active at Marinka. South of Artemivsk, mortar fire was reported on Ukrainian positions at Boguslavske. In the northern front, automatic grenade launchers fired on Krimsky and Zolote. Early in the morning, the separatists launched 20 "Grad" artillery rockets at Nyzhnje.^[466]

Rebel troops had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on more than 40 instances. After their "Grad" attack on Nyzhnje, the separatists continued to shell residential areas in the northern front. Novotoshkivka and Zolote were the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds, while rocket propelled grenades were fired at Krimsky. South of Artemivsk, mortar rounds fell on Lozove and Luhanske. In the area near Donetsk city, pro-Russian forces launched a heavy attack on Pisky, Opytne and Vodyane with tanks and artillery fire. Sniper activity was reported once again in Marinka. This village was also the target of rocket propelled grenades and mortars.^[467]

23 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko one Ukrainian soldier was killed and 12 wounded in the previous 24 hours.^{[468][469][470][471]} Three civilians were also reported killed.^[471] During the same period, there were 85 separatists attacks on Ukrainian troops, 20 of them overnight. The rebels used rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons, 120 mm mortars, tanks, 122 mm guns, 152 mm howitzers and multiple rocket launchers.^[472] The separatists employed "roaming tank" tactics in Avdiivka and Opytne, according to military analyst Dmitry Tymchuk.^[473]

By evening pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 40 occasions with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, light and heavy mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and 152 mm howitzers.^[474]

24 June

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^{[475][476][477]} The Ukrainian army reported 64 ceasefire violations by the militias over the same period. The rebels carried out 25 attacks with 120 mm-mortars, as well as several shellings using 122 mm guns and 152 mm howitzers. Most incidents occurred in the area around Donetsk city, specially in Marinka, Opytne and Pisky. In the northern front, relentess shelling was reported in Stanytsia Luhanska, Shchastya and Sokolniki. The intensity of the fighting declined overnight. Pro-Russian tanks shelled Marinka, and Ukrainian troops were attacked with small arms and rocket propelled grenades in Krasnohorivka, Opytne and Shyrokyne.^[478]

Separatist ceasefire violations dropped sharply by evening. The Ukrainian military said the militias broke the truce on ten occasions, most of them using small arms fire, particularly in Avdiivka, Opytne, Pisky and Shyrokyne. Pro-Russian tanks continued to fire on Ukrainian positions at Marinka throughout the day. South of Artemivsk, the village of Sanzharivka was the target of automatic grenade launchers.^[479] Late in the evening, Ukrainian personnel on the ground claimed that separatist forces launched an assault on Ukrainian positions around Shyrokyne supported by small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, 152 mm howitzers and "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. Ukrainian return fire forced the militiamen to withdraw.^[480]

25 June

The Ukrainian military reported no casualties for the latest 24 hours.^{[481][482][483]} The previous night, rebels repelled an offensive by the Ukrainian army on Trudovske, in the area of Marinka.^[484] During the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army violated the ceasefire 24 times, according to separatist media. The Ukrainian forces used small arms, rocket propelled grenades, antiaircraft cannons, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and tanks on pro-Russian positions at Spartak, Horlivka, Zaitseve, Sakhanka, Shyrokyne and Sanzharivka. One civilian resident was killed in Sakhanka, east of Mariupol. A civilian woman was wounded in the same location.^[485] Ukrainian authorities reported that the militias opened fire on Ukrainian troops on more than 30 occasions last night, six of them after midnight. The rebels concentrated their efforts on the area of Mariupol, where 152 mm rounds landed in Shyrokyne and Talavkivka. Shyrokyne was also hit by 120 mm mortars in the morning. Berdyansk was the target of 122 mm guns, while small arms, rocket propelled grenades and "Grad-p" single rocket launchers were fired at Shyrokyne. In the area of Donetsk city, Opytne and Pisky were pounded by 120 mm mortars. Some of the shells were incendiary rounds. Heavy mortar fire also hit Kirove, Leninske, Shchastya and Stanytsia Luhanska.^[486]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had broken the truce on 35 occasions, most of them around Donetsk city. The separatists attacked Ukrainian positions at Marinka, Avdiivka, Pisky, Opytne and Butivka mining complex with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, armoured fighting vehicles and 120 mm mortars. South of Artemivsk, rebel snipers were active in Troitske and Maiorsk. In Mariupol's region, 122 mm artillery was fired on Ukrainian positions at Lebedynske and Shyrokyne. "Grad-p" rockets landed in residential areas of Pishchevyk.^[487]

26 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko one Ukrainian soldier was killed and three wounded over the previous 24 hours.^{[488][489][490][491]} During the same period, the Ukrainian army reported 86 attacks on their troops, ten of them after midnight. In the area of Donetsk city, the villages of Pisky, Opytne and Marinka continued to be the target of small arms - including sniper fire -, rocket propelled grenades, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. Near Mariupol, Ukrainian outposts at Shyrokyne were hit by small arms, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm howitzers. Hranitne was also shelled with heavy artillery. In the northern front the militias shelled Shchastya, Stanytsia Luhanska and Novotoshkivka with 120 mm mortar fire and other heavy weapons.^[492]

During the day pro-Russian scouts attempted to cross the Ukrainian lines north of Krasnohorivka supported by automatic grenade launchers and mortars, but were driven back by Ukrainian forces. Minor clashes and 82 mm fire also took place at Butivka mining complex. Ukrainian positions at Pisky were hit by tank fire, and armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Opytne.^[493] By evening Ukrainian forces in the Donbass had recorded 35 violations of the ceasefire by the militias.^[494]

27 June

Five Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^{[495][496][497]} There were 91 attacks on Ukrainian troops in the same period, 15 of them after midnight.^[498]

Pro-Russian forces violated the ceasefire most of 30 times in the course of the day.^[499]

28 June

According to military spokesman Andriy Lysenko 11 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded over the previous 24 hours.^{[500][501][502]} The Ukrainian army recorded 85 violations of the rebel troops on Ukrainian positions, 15 of them after midnight. Most of the incidents took place around Donetsk city. The separatists opened fire on Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Opytne, Marinka and Butivka mining complex. South of Artemivsk, east of Mariupol and in the northern front -Luhansk Oblast- the militias used banned weapons like tanks and heavy artillery. Pro-Russian mortars and tanks attacked Verkhnotoretske, north of Donetsk, and Zolote, in the northern front. Druzhba, west of Popasna, was the target of 152 mm howitzers.^[503] Rebel tanks also shelled Shyrokyne, and 122 mm artillery rounds and 120 mm mortars landed in Starohnativka and Novolaspa. There were infantry skirmishes in Petrovske and Hranitne. Ukrainian positions in Stanytsia Luhanska and Krimsky were harassed with heavy mortars, antiaircraft cannons and fighting armoured vehicles.^[504]

Throughout the day, the militias opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 30 occasions. Nyzhnje, in Luhansk Oblast, was hit by 20 "Grad" multiple launched rockets. The main Ukrainian strongholds around Donetsk city continued to be shelled with 120 mm mortars, as well as Hranitne, north of Mariupol. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Ukrainian troops at Opytne and Zolote. Ukrainian forces returned fire.^[505]

29 June

Five Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the course of the past 24 hours.^{[506][507][508]} Separatist troops opened fire on Ukrainian positions 85 times overnight, 15 of them in the first hours of 29 June. In the area around Donetsk city, the rebels shelled Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Avdiivka, Opytne and Butivka mining complex with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and tanks. Mortar fire and rocket propelled grenades were fired at Krimsky, Novotoshkivka, Stanytsia Luhanska and Zolote, in the northern front. A 35-men-strong pro-Russian party was confronted and driven back by Ukrainian troops while trying to infiltrate through the Ukrainian lines at Novotoshkivka. Kirove, Leninske and Maiorsk, in the area south of Artemivsk, were the target of mortar rounds and rocket propelled grenades. The outskirts of Mariupol were pounded by 120 mm mortar fire.^[509]

By evening, pro-Russian forces had launched 38 attacks on Ukrainian troops, most of them using banned heavy weapons. The worst situation was reported around Donetsk city, where the rebels shelled Hranitne and Starohnativka with 122 mm guns. Pro-Russian tanks fired on Ukrainian troops at Opytne and Hranitne. In the afternoon, positions at Marinka were harassed with small arms and 82 mm mortars. In the northern front, the separatists attacked Krimsky with automatic grenade launchers and armoured fighting vehicles. Sokolniki was hit by 120 mm mortars. The same type of weapon was used against Shyrokyne, in the Mariupol area.^[510]

30 June

According to military spokesman polkovnyk Andriy Lysenko three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the outskirts of Donetsk over the previous 24 hours.^{[511][512][513]} The Ukrainian army reported more than 50 violations of the truce by the separatists overnight, ten of them in the early hours of 30 June. Marinka, Krasnohorivka, Pisky and Butivka mining complex, in the region around Donetsk city, were the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the northern front, the rebels shelled Kryakivka, Novotoshkivka, Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska. Zolote was the target of multiple rocket launchers,^[514] apparently BM-27 Uragan systems.^[515] Mortars and rocket propelled grenades were fired on Kirove, Leninske and Maiorsk, south of Artemivsk. Druzhba and Vrubovka were the target of 122 mm guns. In the area of Mariupol, mortar rounds landed in Novotroitske and Hranitne.^[514]

Across the day, pro-Russian forces had launched 25 attacks on Ukrainian positions. Most incidents took place east and north of Mariupol, where the villages of Shyrokyne, Bohdanivka, Nikolaevka and Petrivske were attacked with small arms. rocket propelled grenades, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[516] Druzhba continued to be pounded by 122 mm artillery fire, while "Grad" artillery rockets landed in Zolote and Vrubovka.^[517] Also in the northern front, militiamen fired 82 mm mortars on Novotoshkivka and Zhovte and rocket propelled grenades on Krimsky. around Donetsk city, the Marinka, Pisky and Butivka mining complex were the target of heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenades. Novhorodske was hit by 120 mm mortar fire.^[516]

Footnotes

References

External links

• INFORMATION ANALYSES CENTER of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, provides daily updates, maps, etc., on the current situation (in Ukrainian and in English)

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