Igor Strelkov commentary on strategic situation in Novorossia 23/01/15

Aug 1 SITREP from Colonel Cassad & Two Analyses of the Military Situation in Novorossiya and Answers to Important Questions

Hostilities in Novorossiya - Briefings, August 1, 2014

Original: Colonel Cassad LiveJournal
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

Map: Positions of the Factions near Shakhtersk



The end of day on August 1, 2014 saw the Ukrainian army retreat in several areas of the front. Specifically, the Ukrainian military abandoned three border crossing checkpoings at Dolzhanskiy, Izvarino and Chervonopartizansk and retreated from Saur-Mogila, which it unsuccessfully attempted to occupy for several days. This is most likely related to the effective work of the artillery units of the Novorossiya Militia, as well as to the overall significant losses sustained by the Ukrainian army. In its turn, the Ukrainian army made attempts to take control of Krasnogorovka, Yasinovataya and Maryinka, and even, as usual, rushed to report that the assaults were successful. In reality, however, the units of the Ukrainian army that attempted to enter these settlements were repelled and, having sustained losses, retreated.
DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic)

On August 1, 2014, artillery shelling continued in the districts of Donetsk. In the area of the Kalinin mine there was heavy smoke; in the areas of Shirokiy and Kirovskiy explosions could be heard. Heavy self-propelled artillery and howitzers were used in the strikes. Unknown (presumably a Saboteur-Reconnaisance Group (“SRG”) of the Ukrainian side) shot at the “Novorossiya” campaign tent in Donetsk, on Gornaya street, not far from the railway terminal. One volunteer died. On July 31, 2014, as a result of the actions of a Ukrainian SRG, Alexander Prosyolkov, leader of the Eurasian Youth Union of the South Federal District of Russia and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of DPR, was killed.

Map: Positions of the Factions near Donetsk



Starting at about 13:00, the Ukrainian side commenced an offensive on the southwestern outskirts of Donetsk, coming from the side of the settlements of Pobeda and Karlkovka, using approximately forty armoured vehicles. In a sudden attack, the Ukrainian forces were able to take control of the checkpoint to the southwest of Maryinka. Simultaneously, an offensive on Krasnogorovka was also underway. The units of the Milita retreated directly into these settlements. As of 16:30, fighting was ongoing in Maryinka, and no information about losses had been made available. Around lunchtime, the units of the volunteer Ukrainian corps “Praviy Sector”, reinforced with military hardware of the 51st Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, appeared on the approaches to Krasnogorovka atop several armoured vehicles and were met by the militiamen. Having suffered losses in manpower and armoured equipment, the attackers retreated. Control over Krasnogorovka was retained by the Militia.

On the northern outskirts of Donetsk, fighting continues between the Militia and the Ukrainian military. In particular, the Ukrainian military attempted to take control of the northern suburbs of Donetsk – Yasinovataya. Their goal was to cut off Gorlovka from Donetsk. Tank units tried to occupy Yasinovataya, but the attempted assault was repelled.

In the area of the Donetsk airport, controlled by the Ukrainian forces, howitzer fire could be heard.

In the course of today’s artillery shelling by the Ukrainian army, the city of Pervomaisk seriously suffered, with numerous instances of destruction in the residential areas. It appears that the Ukrainian army is preparing a strike on the city, which is occupied by the Militia, from the direction of Popasnaya (to the west) and Lisichansk (to the north), with the intention to advance toward Stakhanov.

In the course of the battles for Shakhters, the 25th Brigade was almost entirely eliminated. It suffered not only large losses in terms manpower (at least 23 dead, while the number of woulded is unknown) and in terms of military hardware (30 armoured vehicles were destroyed, and 2 BMPs were captured), but also lost virtually all the artillery that was in its possession. Also on August 1, 2014, an exchange of prisoners took place – two captured militiamen were exchanged for two captured “paratroopers”. However, while each of the Militia’s prisoners left on his own two feet, the militiamen were returned by the Ukrainian army in very serious condition (it is highly likely that they were subjected to beatings and torture, and it is unclear whether they will survive or not). Following this incident, Strelkov ordered that no officer of the 25th Brigade is be taken prisoner.

It was also reported during the day that a column of Ukrainian tanks was advancing on Shakhtersk; however, after being shelled by the Militia’s artillery, the tanks stopped their advance and began to dig in.

Overall, fighting with the semi-encircled grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued in the Shakhtersk-Snezhnoye-Torez region. The remnants of the 25th Aeromobile Brigade, Battalion Dnepr-1 and supply units were ended up being surrounded. In the night of July 31st-August 1st, a battle took place in the settlement of Serditoye, located between the settlement of Zugres and Shakhtersk on the Donetsk-Snezhnoye highway. The Ukrainian military sought to break out of the encirclement with a column of armoured vehicles and infantry and also attempted to destroy the checkpoint of the Militia in the area of the Davidovka village by shelling it, but failed. At this time, the encirclement of the enemy’s grouping from the north is nearing completion.

Map: Positions of the Factions near Shakhtersk



To the south of the settlement of Snezhnoye, the units of the Militia continued conducting artillery strikes on the positions of the enemy in the vicinity of the settlements of Stepanovka, Saurovka, Amvrosievka (up to 5 different armoured vehicles and two stacks of ammunition were destroyed), Blagodatnoye, as well as near Saur-Mogila. Also, as a result of successful artillery shelling, the Militia destroyed an enemy military base near Elenovka, which housed MLRS units, howitzers, an ammunition depot, and enemy personnel. Over 90% of the armaments and personnel was eliminated.

At approximately 14:30 (MSK), near Shakhters, fighters of Motorola’s unit stationed at Checkpoint No. 20 on the Donetsk-Snezhnoye highway shot down a Ukrainian military craft (a Soviet-made Tu-143 “Reis”).

The 34th Kirovograd Battalion, deployed near Gorlovka, on one of the heights, is experiencing a serious lack of military hardware, bulletproof vests and footwear. A tank they have been provided does not have a working night-vision apparatus. Among 30 men they only have 6 bulletproof vests.

In the night of July 31st-August 1st, the units of the 1st Reconnaissance Company attacked an enemy checkpoint near the settlement of Andreevka, to the south of Donetsk. The checkpoint was eliminate. One tank and two BMPs were destroyed.

In the morning of August 1, at approximately 07:00 (MSK), the Ukrainian army conducted an airstrike on the settlement of Nizhnyaya Krynka (DPR), located not far from Khartsyzsk.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to take control of Saur-Mogila, the Ukrainian army has retreated from this strategic height. Saur-Mogila remains firmly in the hands of the Militia.
LPR (Lugansk People’s Republic)

Uragan MLRS and aerial bombs were used to bombard Lugansk. As a result of artillery shelling, the Ukrainian army destroyed two of the city’s electrical substations. Around midnight, the Ukrainian army conducted yet another mortar-artillery strike on the Yakira district of the city. There are multiple instances of destruction in various areas of Lugansk, including in the Artyomovsk and the Zhovtnevyy districts. The shelling caused several fires in at least eight separate locations. As a result of the shelling by the Ukrainian army High-School No. 4 and the supermarket “Lugan’” were damaged. An exploding shell shattered windowpanes in the building next to High-School No. 4 and damaged the façade of the building. A wall of the supermarket “Lugan’” was destroyed after being hit by a shell.

The numbers of killed and wounded are being confirmed. Lugansk continues to experience interruptions in the supply of electricity. Lighting is available in approximately 1/6th of the city (the regional hospital has electricity).

During the day, information came in that the Ukrainian army had abandoned it positions near the Dolzhanskiy, Izvarino and Chervonopartizansk border crossing checkpoints, located on the border with the Russian Federation. A bit later reports started coming that a battle was taking place in the area of the Dolzhanskiy border crossing checkpoint.

Map: Border Crossing Checkpoints Abandoned by Ukraine


Kiev Continues Actively to Redeploy Additional Forces to Novorossiya

On August 1, at 18:20, a column of Ukrainian vehicles, comprised of at least 18 elements (primarily trucks), was noticed on the road from the Kharkov airport toward Balakleya.

Also on August 1, a column of Ukrainian military hardware passed through Kiev. The column included 8 trucks with infantry, with each vehicle towing a ZU-23-2 antiaircraft unit.

On July 31, at approximately 21:30, a train with 6 transport cars with ammunition arrived at the Braginovka station (in a Dnepropetrovsk region village bearing the same name) from the direction of Pavlograd. The train remained there until 05:00 on August 1, while the ammunition was being unloaded.This is not the first time that train cars with ammunition have arrived in Braginovka (it appears that a transit base with a depot has been established there). The train car numbers were: 24455883, 24537847, 24532863, 24540676, 24542821, and 24626715.

Two columns with six Uragan MLRS each, supply cars, and personnel passed from Zaporozhye to Donetsk. In the area of Mariupol, active movement of the columns of the Ukrainian army with Uragan MLRS was observed. In particular, military hardware was spotted near Berdyansk, coming from the side of Tokmak. The column was comprised of 15 units of military hardware, among which were several Uragan MLRS, ammunition and loading vehicles, a refueling vehicle, as well as one BTR and several transport trucks. And at 13:30, up to 10 ammunition transportation and loading vehicles (presumable 9T452, intended for Uragan MLRS) and two transport trucks passed through the settlement of Osipenko in the Berdyansk area, heading toward Mariupol.

Map: Ukrainian Troop Movements near Mariupol


Miscellaneous

Over the last three days, in the area of Slavyansk, at night, regular sorties of the Ukrainian air force have been observed, flying from the Chuguev airport toward Donetsk (according to some information, no fewer than 16 flight-worthy aircraft are based there). From approximately 01:00 at night and until 08:00 in the morning, there are at least 10 flights over the city. During the day the flights are less frequent. They pass quite high, and can only be identified by the sound of the jet engines. First, a lighter aircraft passes (possibly a Su plane, perhaps something else – to draw the attention of MANPADS), followed by a heavy propeller aircraft.

At about midnight, coming from Karachun, there were two heavy volleys, separated by three minutes. Their direction is unknown.

Over the past day, 48 wounded fighters from the area of the punitive operation in Novorossiya were delivered to three hospitals in Dnepropetrovsk. Among them were paratroopers that were ambushed by the Militia near Shakhtersk.

Unknown shot the head of the Dokuchaev city policy department, Vasiliy Ryabokon, and a precinct police inspector.

Two Analyses of the Military Situation in Novorossiya and Answers to Important Questions




Brief Overview of the Military Situation, July 30, 2014

Original: Colonel Cassad LiveJournal
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

The Junta offensive has petered out in most areas. The ambitious plans of encirclement of Donetsk and Gorlovka has failed. The Ukrainian Minister of Defence, Valeriy Geletei, has announced that the Junta’s capacity for offensive operations has been exhausted, following which the Junta started to make inquiries in Belarus, with the intention of having Lukashenko act as an intermediary in negotiations. The Junta is in desperate need of a break to continue regrouping and concentrating its forces. In general, while the situation is difficulty, it is clearly leaning in favour of the Militia, which has been able to repel a massive offensive by a regular army on most fronts.

Particularly sensitive was the Junta’s defeat in the areas of Shakhtersk and Saur-Mogila, where even the deployment at the front lines of over 250 armoured vehicles did not achieve in any way appreciable results. Nevertheless, the occupation of the larger part of Debaltsevo has complicated the lines of communication between DPR [Donetsk People’s Republic] and LPR {Lugansk People’s Republic] is allowing the danger of encirclement of Donetsk and Gorlovka from the north to persist. While, in view of the defeat near Shakhtersk, there can no longer be talk of a complete encirclement of Donetsk, the Junta, having fortified itself in Debaltsevo, might try to attempt the less ambitious task of encirclement of Gorlovka. The Junta retains sufficient strength to do so, and, in essence, the area of the front between Gorlovka and Alchevsk remains the only one where the Junta is still able to undertake an offensive aimed at achieving serious operational goals. That is why we should not rush in saying that the Junta offensive has completely failed. In the very near term, the battles for Debaltsevo will demonstrate whether the Junta is able to advance any further, or we will gradually see the Junta forces enter a period of serious difficulties.
The Hubris of the Southern Intestine, July 30, 2014

Original: Comment at Yurasumy LiveJournal
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

The catastrophe of the “Southern Intestine” did not occur because operational information was leaked. With the availability of means of surveillance from space, reconnaissance drones and mobile telephones the very concept of “military secrecy” has become purely theoretical. Any large redeployment of military hardware, material resources and personnel will be discovered by the enemy in mere minutes, maximum in a few hours.

The death of the Ukrainian troops in the “Southern Intestine” was caused not by errors at the level of strategic planning (from a purely military standpoint no such errors were committed).

This catastrophe was predetermined by the decisions made by at the highest level of the systemic hierarchy – at the level of the basic foundations of the worldview and the overall cultural level of the people that planned the armed forces group operation “Cordon”.

Only Americans, “Yankees”, could put forward an idea of the “boa constrictor encirclement” of the territory of the enemy. No one other than them has this idea embedded in their subconscious. Whereas for Americans, “Yankees”, this idea is inherent at the level of their national self-identification – as a base military-strategic mythologem of modern American statehood, born in the throes of the victory by the North over the South in the American Civil War.

And only Americans could so utterly miss the option of voluntary withdrawal by Strelkov’s Brigade from Slavyansk. And the reason is elementary – their lack, at the level of the subconscious, of centuries of experience of European military history. The option of voluntary surrender to the enemy without battle of their most important stronghold, which, to the very last day, was being pumped full of all sorts of resources, simply did not fit in their head! 

Brief Answers to Important Questions, August 2, 2014

Original: Colonel Cassad LiveJournal
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

What is happening on the northern outskirts of Donetsk? – The enemy has taken Avdeevka and is concentrating its forces for an assault on Yasinovataya; the offensive is expected tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

What is happening with the Southern Cauldron? – According to confirmed information, negotiations with respect to the surrender of a part of the surrounded forces are ongoing at this exact moment. Approximately 1,500 men are ready to surrender; they are asking for passage to the territory of the Junta in exchange for surrendering all their weapons, the remaining ammunition and the surviving military hardware (altogether approximately 60-70 armoured vehicles, most of which are without fuel, including up to 30 tanks, BMPs, BTRs, Grad MLRS, as well as a number of artillery pieces).

What is happening in Lutugino? – The enemy has dug in in the centre of the city and is transferring in reservers from the north of Lugansk in order to create a grouping for further offensive operations to the west of Lugansk. The Militia is concentrating its forces in order to attempt to retake Lutugino.

What is happening in Marinovka? – Having taken Marinovka, the enemy attempted to advance further toward the surrounded grouping of its forces, but failed. Artillery fire complicates the movement of the enemy forces and, despite taking control of Marinovka, it was unable to complete the strategic task of de-blockading the Southern Cauldron.

What is happening near Saur-Mogila? – Saur-Mogila is firmly controlled by the Militia despite being semi-encircled; attempts to conquer the height are being thwarted by the lack of infantry and its low combat qualities. Artillery and tanks are unable, at this time, to compensate for this deficiency.

What is happening in Shakhtersk? – Everything is in order near Shakhtersk, as well as near Torez and Snezhnoye; the 25th “Aero-grave” Paratrooper Brigade that broke through on July 27th sustained large losses in terms of killed, wounded and captured personnel and lost its offensive capabilities. The enemy is unable to transfer its reserves to this area – all the reserves have already been deployed in the area of Marinovka and Saur-Mogila. Accordingly, the enemy will be unable to proceed further here without regrouping its forces.

Will Donetsk be encircled? – Because the assault through Shakhtersk and Debaltsevo failed, the Junta will seek to perform a close encirclement, with the next strike to be performed by the northern grouping. The nearest task is to take control of Yasinovataya, followed by an assault on Enakievo. If this plan is realized, then the situation in Donetsk from the standpoint of lines of communication will become threatening.

What is happening with Vostok? – At this time, there are three different groups of forces operating under the name of Vostok (one of them, instead of fighting, is engaged in racketeering in Donetsk). The name has successfully turned into a brand. In the near future we can expect new draconian orders aimed at the elimination of banditry at the rear lines.

What is happening with Borodai? – For now, Borodai will continue to retain his position; he will return to Donetsk after concluding all the pending business in Moscow and Rostov.

What is happening in Stakhanov and Alchevsk? – Having withdrawn from the Lisichansk Protrusion, Mozgovoi’s group redeployed to their new positions and continues to rattle the enemy with their attacks in the area of Pervomaisk, Popasnaya, and to the north of Debaltsevo. Their main assignment is not to allow the enemy with impunity to entrench itself on the occupied territory (resulting in the control over Pervomaisk and Popasnaya passing back and forth between the warring factions), as well as to draw onto itself a part of the enemy forces to prevent the Ukrainian army from immediately starting an offensive from Debaltsevo deep into the DPR. In essence, their goal is to draw fire.

What is happening with the Lugansk airport? – The airport continues to be blockaded; the enemy’s attempts to break out continue to fail. Daily, the airport is shelled using 3-5 Grad MLRS and several mortars. It is expected that, if the Southern Cauldron is dealt with in the next few days, then at least one battery of D-30 howitzers can be transferred to continue strikes on the airport.

Additional information of interest: a Swedish prosecutor has recognized that what is happening in Ukraine ought to be considered a war, rather than an “anti-terrorist operation”. Details will be made available in the nearest future.

Strelkov press conference (subtitled in English)

(please click on 'cc' to activate the subtitles in English)

Igor Strelkov and Militia Briefings, July 24, 2014

Briefings Combined for July 24-25, 2014
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

July 24, 2014 – Report from a Local Resident of Mariupol

Gasoline A92 is 15 hryvnia 85 kopecks. Many companies and small factories only work to 50% of their capacity, many have sent their staff on unpaid vacation. The large factories are holding, but I know for a fact that people at Azovmash have been working an incomplete week since winter.

Vegetables on the market are cheap (after all, we are in the south), but, generally, food has become more expensive. A regular bus ticket is 4 hryvnia. I have not paid for communal services yet, but I know that electricity and hot water have risen in price. Electricity is now 30% more expensive.

The city is controlled by Battalions Azov and Dnepr. They are taking away people’s cars; there are a lot of incidents of people disappearing, drunken shooting, raider takeovers [of businesses]. What is going is that they are completely terrorizing the populace. At the same time, they have painted fences, garbage urns, posts, and benches in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. They are constantly organizing some kinds of flashmobs on the topic of love for Ukraine. The men are terrified, waiting for mobilization. They are figuring out ways to escape to join the Militia or to dig cellars to wait everything out there before it is too late.

01:33 – July 24, 2014 – Briefing from Igor Strelkov

At this time, the fighting is continuing near Marinovka and Dubrovka. Our artillery is conducting strikes against the positions and the concentrations of the enemy’s personnel and military equipment. There are multiple fires in the area of the Marinovka terminal and near the settlements of Tarany and Grigorovka – Ukie armour and vehicles are burning. The enemy artillery fire has been almost completely suppressed.

Over the course of yesterday and today our losses near Marinovka-Kozhevnya-Dubrovka totaled approximately 50 men (almost all of them – wounded), 2 tanks, 2 BMPs, and 1 BTR. Deputy Minister of Interior and commander of Battalion Oplot, A. Zakharchenko, who was personally commanding the attack on Kozhevnya, was wounded in his arm. Today we congratulated him by promoting him to the military officer rank of Major.

The losses of the enemy exceed ours several times over. The enemy sustained particularly large losses to its manpower. Heavy casualties were also inflicted on the freshly-arrived Nazi-scum [National Guard] Battalion Azov. The enemy is severely demoralized, but continues to latch on to the “corridor”, although the latter has narrowed to 1 kilometre.

Between the settlements of Konstantinovka and Novomikhailovka (to the south-west of the settlement of Marinovka, on the western outskirts of Donetsk), our Saboteur-Reconnaissance Group (“SRG”) “Ptitsa” [Bird], which is part of the 2nd Slavyansk Infantry Battalion, using remotely controlled mines blew up two Kamaz trucks with enemy infantry. Yesterday, the same group destroyed the enemy Grad system that was being transferred to a firing position in order to attack the city.

The battles for the settlement of Blagodatnoye (to the north of Amvrosievka) continue. Supported by 4 tanks and 4 BTRs, the enemy again attacked the village. In the course of the battle, our maneuverable groups, composed of the personnel of the 4th Regiment of the 3rd Semenovka Infantry Battalion, were able to destroy 1 BTR. The experienced commander of the regiment (“Kozyr” [Trump Card]) used prescribed tactical orders, pursuant to which our infantry avoids defending checkpoints and stationary fortifications when faced with an attack by obviously superior enemy armored forces and forces them into a maneuverable battle directly in an urban area or in a forested zone, paying the most attention to eliminating the enemy’s manpower. Frequently, the enemy reacts very nervously to such a tactical maneuver and retreats. What will happen today – the night will show.

Despite attacks, the enemy was unable to move into Gorlovka or into Debaltsevo. Owing to a timely withdrawal from Lisichansk by the main forces of A. Mozgovoi, the enemy could not immediately take the Pervomaisk-Stakhanov-Alchevsk agglomeration, which was previously protected by a very modest force. Now the National Guard will be forced to engage in heavy battles for this territory.

Mozgovoi did what was most important – with his maneuver he covered the theretofore practically “naked” section of the front. At the same time, I can state with full responsibility – the order to withdraw from Lisichansk he received from me personally, and he performed it, despite all the expressed objections.

On the other hand, I would like to remark on the courage and the disregard of self by commander Leshiy and his fighters, which have been defending Lisichansk with a very small force for over two days now, buying us time to organize our defence on new frontiers. I hope that they will managed timely to break through the enemy ranks

July 24, 2041 – Briefings From Locations

The column that was moving toward Svetlodar dug in at the Svetlodar/Mironovka intersection. Apart from Nazi-scum [National Guard] it consists also of female units (snipers).

Also noted were tanks and approximately 15 supply vehicles, only, instead of ammunition and personnel, they were chock-full of dead bodies. “Presents from the front” may not come this time because field morgues have arrived.

In Mariupol, instead of Nazi-scum [National Guard], the checkpoints are now staffed with reserve units with very questionable personnel numbers. The Nazi-scum is being redeployed to the front lines.

In Donetsk, the situation is tense – battles and artillery strikes continue; there are killed and wounded. In Popasnoye, there are continuous sweeps – everything is being searched. Fierce battles continued all day in Lisichansk and in Severodonetsk. Uragan MLRS are shelling Lisichansk and the Lugansk checkpoint. There were also Smerch MLRS volleys (the exact number of the volleys is not known, but there was at least one). In Lugansk, there are also battles, artillery and air strikes are being conducted. Over the course of the day, the Ukrainian Air Force flew about 12 sorties in the skies over Novorossiya.

Artillery strikes were being made at all the centres of resistance to the Junta; as well, in the air appeared MIG aircraft (jet fighters) that were primarily engaged in observation. Antiaircraft forces of the Militia shot down 2 Su aircraft over the course of the day – one over Lugansk and two over Saur-Mogila. In Luganks, the ban on the use of private automobiles was extended to July 25th, counter-saboteur operations are ongoing. In the course of today’s shootings three civilians were killed and approximately 70 were wounded.

In Kramatorsk, they are going to be forcibly enlisting all the men into Ukie punitive units, and, for that reason, all the males were asked to present themselves at the local conscription centre, purportedly for the purpose of verifying something or other. In Slavyansk, they have started to deploy camps for the “unreliables”; construction equipment and cement blocks have arrived.

23:35 (MSK) – In the area of the military base on BOSSE, a battle is ongoing, red signal rockets are being launched, there are sounds of KPVT working, automatic weapons’ fire and explosions.

03:10 (MSK) – Donetsk. It is night and once against Grad volleys can be seen and heard in Petrovka.

11:54 – July 24, 2014 – Briefings from Igor Strelkov

The batters of NONAs of the Slavyansk artillery group, with the aid and correction assistance of reconnaissance units of the 2nd Slavyansk Battalion, advanced to a close distance, conducted a strike at the enemy positions to the north of the settlement of Kuteinikovo, near the settlement of Bondarevskoye. According to preliminary information, as a result of targeted fire, a BTR and a BRDM of the enemy were hit and 1 SAU [self-propelled artillery unit] from the battery that had been shelling Ilovaisk for the past several days was destroyed. In addition, two detonations of ammunition took place.

All night, the enemy shelled Gorlovka’s residential districts using Grad MLRS. There are numerous instances of destruction, fires and casualties in the city. The shelling resumed in the morning. There were no attempts whatsoever to fire on the Militia positions.

The 4th Regiment of the 3rd Semenovka Infantry Battalion reported that they were able to capture a damaged BRDM in Blagodatnoye. Blagodatnoye remains under our control. The BRDM will be repaired and will join the ranks of our armoured units.

July 24, 2014 – Photography from the Battle Lines

This is all that remains of the 79th Separate Aeromobile Brigade of the Ukrainian punitive forces.



July 24, 2014 – Briefing from the Militia

Yesterday, in Lisichansk, a colonel of the Nazi-scum [National Guard], Alexander Radievskiy, was eliminated. For the past two months he was engaged in the suppression of the antifascist uprising in Donbass. The executioners from his unit took part in indiscriminate use of heavy weaponry against civilian objects, in the humiliation and torture of the Militia fighters and of their relatives. According to the information of the counterintelligence of the Novorossiya Militia, the NazGuards of the Military Base No. 3011 distinguished themselves by looting in the captured settlement and on the field of battled. Radievskiy commanded punitive forces in Slavyansk, Nikolayevka and Semyonovka.

13:26 – July 24, 2014 – Commentary from Igor Strelkov
what is happening with the encircled grouping?

Igor Strelkov: For now, they are just sitting there, waiting to be de-blockaded. They are experiencing not only food and water, but also ammunition shortages. I think there wait will be in vain – in Grigorovo, our forces threw back the assault grouping of the enemy that was put together for the purpose, and we are now finishing off the Marinovka terminal.

July 24, 2014 – Video from the Field of Battle

First Video: The Process of Eliminating a Concentration of Ukie Military Equipment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43wais6YAiE

Second Video: Ukrainian Footage with the Results of the Militia’s Artillery Shelling of the 79th Brigade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFNGIT-wo9Y

July 24, 2014 – The Situation in the Occupied Mariupol

Notes from a local resident with respect to the situation in the largest city of DPR [Donetsk People's Republic] that is occupied by the Nazis.
With respect to the mobilization: there are rumours that the quota for Mariupol was set at 5,ooo – 20,000 conscripts (depending on the source), and for the Volodarskiy district – 2,000. And here is the most interesting fact – All! All of my friends who had served in the army in the past are planning to flee to Russia or to join the Militia (as they are the first on the list to be mobilized). In other words, no one wants to fight for Ukraine.
I do not know the situation with the local Ukies who sympathize with the Junta (there are none among my close friends), but there have been no lineups in front of conscription centres.
The local metallurgy is almost finished. One of the plants has gone bankrupt. Two more are about to, due to the Ukie Nazi Guard [National Guard] destroying the Avdeevka Coke-chemical plant. It is not clear what will happen in the future. Without metallurgy, the city will not last long.
Ukies run around town, wave their flags, organize auto-caravans in support of Ukiestan, draw Ukie flags everywhere they find space.
However, normal, sane people are not asleep either – the Ukie flags painted on posts and other constructions are regularly sprayed with red paint (to demonstrate that the flag has been smeared with blood).
It is remarkable that in certain areas the painted Ukie flags remain smeared in “blood” for weeks – i.e. no one erases or repaints them. This is an indication that those who draw them are not local, but that they were sent in to sweep the area and paint their scribbles wherever they could.
Numerous people have “suddenly” disappeared in the city. There is a ton of “Help Us to Locate” and “He Left and Never Returned” ads posted around.
The city is surrounded with Ukie checkpoints that seem in no hurry to leave the city. Looks like Taruta is terrified. At the checkpoints, there are a lot of Ukie-speakers, but there are also some Russian-speakers present.
Lately, we have noticed a lot of vehicles bearing Kiev registration plates (the AA series). This is very strange.
A great number of very strange “refugees” have taken up residence in the city – they sunbathe at the beach, relax in cafes and clubs, drink, entertain themselves, shoot fireworks, enjoy themselves – not a shred of fear, no concern or anxiety. It is as if they are not refugees at all, and, yet, they keep saying that they are from Donetsk or Lugansk. But not everyone is like that. There are also a great many of those who arrived penniless. These refugees are assisted by volunteers, special organization and concerned residents.

16:26 – July 24, 2014 – Commentary from Igor Strelkov

The enemy again stormed the settlement of Peski on the outskirts of the city and again (for the second time) took control of Blagodatnoye. Ukies military commanders now have something to report for a day’s work – they are “advancing”. Apart from reporting back there is no sense whatsoever in these attacks and “successes”.

July 24, 2014 – Information from Lyashko’s Facebook Account

Battalion Donbass has been surrounded on the outskirts of Donetsk. Our fighters were ambushed by the militants in the western part of the city. They need reinforcements as soon as possible.

17:00 – July 24, 2014 – Donetsk Situation Report from the Militia

In Donetsk, fighting has been ongoing in the suburbs since morning. The Junta is unable to advance in any measurable way, and, when it meets resistance, resorts to artillery strikes, while at the same time feeling out the Militia’s defences with tank armoured units consisting of 3-4 tanks each, as well as with Saboteur-Reconnaisance Groups (“SRG”).

The enemy is prevented from undertaking a more serious offensive by the low quality of their infantry and the lack of reserves, which have been spread to all other directions and without which it would be pure madness to engage in urban combat.

Fighting continues in the area of Peski and Maryinka. The Junta can show no significant advance on this direction either. The Militia continues to shell the Donetsk airport.

July 24, 2014 – Information from a Resident of Mariupol

I am from the city of Mariupol. I would like to share the following – for the second day now there is complete outrage and lawlessness in the city. Men in military uniforms have been stopping buses and taking away young guys without explanations or investigation, as if they are conscripting them, but without summons or anything like that. No one knows where they take them – it looks like they are being mobilized into the army, but, to my great astonishment, no one is writing about it.

July 24, 2014 – Information from a “Strelkovite” Militiaman

By the way, I do not want to worry you without reason, but, in about a month, the Militia will need warmer uniforms. At first – for the rain, and later – for the winter. We will also need white winter camouflage, skis, snowmobiles, and suchlike. The chances of the Militia securing victory before the winter are slim. And it is not in our plans to surrender and suffer defeat.

And what this means is that we are facing an autumn-winter campaign. Russians are the master of winter warfare, and Strelkov, personally, understands it well. But we need warm padded jackets [vatniki]. It’s better to start thinking of this in July then to start rushing around in September.

17:33 – July 24, 2014 – Briefing from Igor Bezler

One of the detachments fighting in the city of Donetsk destroyed an enemy BTR and 2 tanks during one of the Ukie attacks. One of the tanks was captured, is now being repaired and will be ready to go into battle in 2 days! The captured tank is a commander’s machine – on the helmet, the writing states “commander”. We also found documentation with the radio call-names of the tanks crew. The crew was completely eliminated during the skirmish.

16:00 – July 24, 2014 – LPR [Lugansk People's Republic] Militia Briefing (Up to 16:00)

In the course of the day, the situation on the outskirts of the capital of the Lugansk People’s Republic did not change substantially. The opposing sides have remained in their positions.

The artillery of the Militia continued successfully to work over the positions of the enemy. In particular, a checkpoint of the Ukrainian army on the outskirts of the settlement of Georgievka was almost completely destroyed. The enemy lost at least one tank, one BTR and up to 30 men. Severe losses were also inflicted on the enemy column that was stretched out near the village of Bakhmutovka in the direction of Aleksandrovsk. There the enemy lost at least 2 tanks, 2 BTRs, and over 100 Ukrainian servicemen were taken out of commission.

The Republic’s artillery also continued to shell the Radio-Location Station, where the largest grouping of aggressor is located, the Lugansk airport and the enemy positions near the settlement of Metallist.

On the northern direction, the enemy was able to occupy Severodonetsk and partially to enter Lisichansk, where approximately 20 fighters of the Commandant’s regiment continue to hold their positions. Thirty men today withdrew from the city under mortar fire, redeploying in the neighbouring Stakhanov, in order to gather forces to aid those who stayed behind in Lisichansk. During the previous night, the city was again subjected to severe bombardment using Grad MLRS; electrical and water supplies have been disrupted, and the city almost is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The situation is also serious in Debaltsevo, located on the border between LPR and DPR, where the city defenders are experiencing severe shortages of ammunition and heavy military equipment.

In Gukovo, the Ukrainian side continues to hold the customs checkpoint, but it is being subjected to constant shelling by the Militia units.

Yesterday, the Lugansk Militia also conducted an attack on the checkpoint of the Ukrainian forces in the vicinity of Makarovo. In return, the aggressor blasted the village with howitzers from the Georgievskiy decline. According to eyewitnesses, certain houses in the settlement are still burning.

Near Sverdlovsk, clashes continue between the units of the LPR army and the Ukrainian army near the “Krasniy Partisan” mine.

July 24, 2014 – Statement from Valeriy Bolotov re Full Mobilizaton

The perfidious military attack of the Nazi Ukraine against our Motherland continues. Despite the heroic resistance of the Army of the Lugansk People’s Republic, despite the fact that the best battalions of the enemy and the best units of its aviation have been defeated and routed and found their graves on the fields of battle, the enemy continues to push forward, throwing new forces at the front.

However, manpower resources are not infinite. Give it some more time, and the Ukrainian Nazis will have no men in any way able to fight.

What is necessary to finally defeat the enemy?

We need the people to understand this and to cease being carefree, to mobilize themselves and to move to a new, to a war footing, which knows no mercy to the enemy.

We are conducting a full mobilization to reinforce the Army. We call upon every person who can bear arms to join the ranks of the LPR Army. Voluntarily, honestly and conscientiously.

All the forces of our people will be committed to bring about the enemy’s defeat!

Forward, to our victory!

The Head of the Lugansk People’s Republic
The Commander-in-Chief of the LPR Army
V.D. Bolotov

20:28 – July 24, 2014 – Commentary from Igor Strekov

Igor Strelkov: Battles are ongoing near Marinovka, in Blagodatnoye and in Peski. The latter two are divided in half between Ukies and the units of Cossacks, supported by the tanks of Battalion Vostok. I will report with respect to the outcome of these battles later, in the evening.
Can you please tell us why Igor Strelkov has not given interviews to journalists in a long time? Is this connected with the consistently difficult situation on the front, or are there other reasons?

Igor Strelkov: I will tell you a terrifying secret: Igor Strelkov does not like to give interviews and is not at all thrilled with the public recognition that has “descended on his head”. He gives interviews only when it is particularly necessary or when he is forced to go in front of the cameras. You can trust me – I know him well … :D

21:40 – July 24, 2014 – Situation Report from Militiaman Prokhorov

The results of the night battles:
Over the course of the night, the positions of the punitive forces near the settlement of Amvrosievka were shelled using artillery, as well as BM-21 “Grad” MLRS. In addition, a BRDM-2 of the ATO [Anti-Terrorist Operation] forces was blown up with a radio-controlled mine in this area. The information with respect to the enemy losses is being confirmed.
The positions of the punitive forces near the settlement of Ilyinka (DPR) were shelled twice. Once – using “Grad” MLRS, and once – using artillery.
Punitive forces on the territory of the Lugansk airport and near the settlement of Kamyshnoye (LPR) were also shelled using “Grad” MLRS. Same with their positions near the settlement of Berezovo – BM-21 “Grad” was used. The enemy positions near the settlement of Avdeevka were shelled using mortars.
The ATO checkpoints near the settlement of Severodonetsk and Smolyaninovo (LPR) were shot at using light arms.

Today, closer to the evening:
Positions of the punitive forces near the border crossing checkpoint “Marinovka” were shelled using artillery.
Positions of the punitive forces near the settlement of Dubrovka, Debaltsevo, Semigorye (all – DPR) were also shelled. The strike were conducted using light arms and grenade launchers.
The positions of the punitive forces were on the territory of the Lugansk airport were fired upon using two tanks.
In Lisichansk, battle clashes between the punitive forces and the Militia continue.

In the western part of Donetsk, the mercenary battalions Dnepr and Shakhters have been encircled. In Lugansk, the settlement of Yubileyniy is under the Militia’s control.

22:40 – July 24, 2014 – Commentary and Answers from Igor Strelkov
Igor Ivanovich, have there been incidents of the Militia permitting the wounded from the 79th Aeromobile Brigade to leave the “southern cauldron” to rejoin their main forces, and did they surrender their arms when doing so?

Igor Strelkov: They have not been surrendering to us. They are too afraid. Right away they run across the Russian border. There are “nice guys” sitting there – they evacuate the wounded … to help the non-wounded hold out longer.
have the Cossacks been fighting well, or have they been fleeing as usual?

Igor Strelkov: We have very of them. At least, very few of Kositsin’s Cossacks. It’s too “hot” where we are … they can be killed, you know! They are the “elite” – it not proper for them to die like “common militiamen”!
in Krasniy Luch, information is actively being spread that the “remnants from the cauldron” will in the nearest hours (days) be attempting to break through the encirclement through Antratsit and Krasniy Luch. Do you have any information to that effect?

Igor Strelkov: Their fuel tanks are dry. They’ll have to break through on foot.

23:46 – July 24, 2014 – Information from Militiaman Prokhorov

Near Volnovakha, guerillas destroyed 2 buses with equipment for the punitive forces. There is information that a commander of Praviy Sector from the city of Gorden’ki also was eliminated and that another pravosek [Praviy Sector militant] was wounded.

July 25, 2014 – Photography from Militiaman Motorola

Photograph: Motorola’s Equipment – Traces of Fragments Are Clearly Visible



Motorola, himself, continues to treat his broken arm in Crimea. Now you can understand what modern bulletproof helmets are, and why they are so important to the Militia.

01:16 – July 25, 2014 – Briefing from Militiaman Prokhorov

https://vk.com/strelkov_info?w=wall-57424472_8798

Militiamen conducted mortar shelling of the positions of the Ukrainian forces near the village of Kozhevnya in the course of the entire July 24, 2014. The enemy has been surrounded, cut off from supply lines and, according to our intelligence, is preparing a counterattack with forces numbering approximately one and a half thousand soldiers. Apart from that, several Ukrainian BTRs have been dug in inside the ravine.

In the area of the summer camp, there is a BTR and infantry personnel. It looks like they are preparing a counteroffensive on the village of Kozhevnya. According to the defenders of Donbass, the encircled Ukrainian units have been backed into a corner, and their ammunition is running out, and that is why they have been opening return fire less and less frequently.

Similar situation is developing on the other flank, near the village of Marinovka. The Militia artillery continues to shell the customs terminal, on the territory of which enemy soldiers remain blockaded. Shelling is conducted also using recoilless guns.

According to reports from LifeNews, on July 22nd, the armoured vehicles of DPR entered the settlements of Kozhevnya and Chervonaya Zarya, which are located on the border between Ukraine and Russia, and closed the ring of encirclement around the forces of the 25th, the 72nd and the 79th Aeromobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The attack was successful due to a joint strike from both flanks, with the support of artillery.

With respect to Lisichansk: Ukies entered the city and even hoisted their rag over the mayoralty. The Militia continues to hold positions from the centre of the city to the Rubber-Technical Plant. The local area is called the same – RTI. There is substantial destructions in the city [Note: a list of damaged buildings follows in the original, which has been omitted from this translation, but can be made available upon request. Ten separate buildings are noted as having sustained serious damages, and at least one person is noted to have been killed].

In Donetsk, Battalion Shakhtersk of the punitive forces has, unfortunately, broken out of the encirclement – with losses. The fate of the Battalion Dnepr regiment is unknown.

On the border, the Militia is engaged in battles with Ukies in Dolzhanskiy, Birukovo and Krasnopartizansk.

At approximately 23:50 (MSK), Ukies started to shell Debaltsevo.

Below are photographs of Lisichansk after shelling by the Ukrainian army.



01:55 - July 25, 2014 – Information from Journalist A. Krasnoshekov

Just now, for the first time in over a day, I could hear war in Donetsk. A far-away 20-second large-calibre cannonade made glass panes rattle on the 9th floor in the centre of the city.

Donetsk is full inhabitants. Almost everything in the centre is open for business. By the vehicles, camouflaged with aerosol paint, that rush across traffic remind you of a different city … Just in one of the Donetsk hotels there are as many foreign journalists as there were in Slavyansk in the days of the referendum. I suspect that it is very different in Lugansk.

In the centre of Donetsk a strange clap did not cause alarm among passerby, nor did it make them move faster. A woman speaking on the phone nearby said: “They are blasting away, so what! I am not afraid of anything anymore.”

Some of the cafes in Donetsk, where I dined back in April-May, are reporting that they will be closing indefinitely. At the central market in Donetsk only about one third of the stalls are occupied. The press is not permitted to photograph fighters and checkpoints. It is unclear whether it is permitted to be in the area of hostilities. For now, prior DPR accreditations are recognized, and almost every European here has one.

02:50 – July 25, 2014 – Briefing from a Donetsk Militiaman

Ukies are now “showering” Gorlovka using “Grad” MLRS. This is right next to us.

Today we have a lot of trophies – every fighter brought back 3-4 Kalashnikovs and an RPG. Tankists are pumelling Ukies, and the infantry have taken a break to eat. We are sitting here and polishing of the canned goods we got from Ukies. A local man brought some bread, onions and cucumbers. He said: “Take me with you.” A half-kilometre away, I can see Ukie military equipment burning down. I can hear whistling and a joyful cheer from the guys: “Yes! Yes! Take it, Nazis!” Gorlovka fighters burned down Ukie armoured vehicles with mortar fire, and we helped with our tanks! That’s how we help each other out.

Igor Strelkov and Militia Briefings, July 16, 2014

Combined for July 16, 2014
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

Graphic: Marinovka has been taken by the Militia. The punitive forces have been totally encircled. The southern cauldron has been firmly sealed (courtesy of The Saker at The Vineyard of the Saker) Graphic: Junta Defeat on LPR Territory - by Colonel Cassad @ Colonel Cassad in English

July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the Militia

Since 05:00 in the morning the Militia has been engaged in a massive offensive agains the forces of the National Guard near Saur-Mogila and Stepanovka. Tank, mortar and ATGM strikes were conducted against the checkpoint of the National Guard that was situated near the village of Marinovka (DPR). Strikes continued for over an hour. At this time, the battle continues in the area of the Tarani settlement, where the militiamen continue advancing against the Junta forces; the offensive is being conducted from the side of Saur-Mogila and Stepanovka. Strikes using mortar, tanks and AGTM continue.

12:10 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the Militia

The shelling of the Lugansk airport is continuing using MLRS and cannon artillery. The initial garrison of the airfield and and the part of the armoured group that broke through on 13th-14th of July, totalling 40-45 tanks, BMPs and self-propelled artillery units, has been blockaded in the area of the encircled airport. Even without taking into account the constant shelling, the enemy will start experiencing a lack of ammunition within the next 2-3 days. Late night yesterday, a saboteur-reconnaisance group blew up paired and unpaired rail lines at the 38th kilometre of the staging portion of the Novobakhmutovka-Gorlovka railway in order to prevent the movement of Junta troops.

12:42 - July 16, 2014 - Information from Journalists

The ranks of the Lugansk Militia grew on July 16th. Over 450 recruits are expected to take the oath over the course of the day. Almost all of them are residents of Lugansk. Among the recruits there are also women, who joined the ranks of the Militia to defend their homes. All those who take the oath today will be joined into a newly-created Paratrooper Battalion VDV, which previously did not exist in the Lugansk Republic. The recruits, many of whom had already taken part in the hostilities, were immediately issued firearms. Those for whom it will be the first time to defend their motherland can expect to go through a "Young Fighter's Course."

July 16, 2014 - Briefing from Bratislav Zhivkovich, Commander of Serbian Chetniks

Volunteers from our "Yovan Shevich" unit are taking active part in the battle for Lugansk. We moved out to assist the surrounded unit of the Lugansk People's Army, to deliver them ammunitions and medications, to relieve their wounded. We broke through to their positions, and the Ukrainian army was unable to block us. We remained encircling for approximately 12 hours, but were able to break out in the morning, before sunrise. We were shelled with artillery; as a result of the shelling, one of the fighters of the Lugansk People's Army died and one more wounded. We have four wounded, three chetniks and one Russian, who joined our unit.

July 16, 2014 - Information from the DPR Press-Centre

By Order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Donetsk People's Republic Militia "Considering the danger looming over the city of Donetsk, and to ensure that the measures with respect to the defence of the city of Donetsk are implemented, I hereby order: (1) That state of war be imposed in certain areas of the city of Donetsk; the border of the areas, in which state of war will be introduced, will be determined according to the developing situation; (2) That curfew be introduced; the hours of the curfew shall be from 23:00 and until 06:00 in the morning. Commander-in-Chief of the DPR Militia, Igor Strelkov"

July 16, 2014 - Situation Report from the Area of the "Southern Cauldron"

In the course of the day the columns of Ukrainian military equipment and infantry continuing their flight across the Russian border from the east to the west - through the village of Kozhevnya, then on to Novopetrovskoye, Grigorovka and, finally, to Amvrosievka. The Militia's artily is conducting periodic strikes against the enemy forces using all available calibre's. NazGuard's attempt to conduct yet another assault against Saur-Mogila was answered with a massive artillery shelling, following which the Ukrainian forces continued their retreat.

July 16, 2014 - Morning Briefing from the Militia

The area of the Izvarino border crossing has been completely cleared of Ukrainian forces. In Lugansk, from midnight (local time) and until 03:00 in the morning, we used Grozdikas to shell the airfield, and, from 05:00 in the morning, added Grad to the mix. At about the same time, we also covered a Ukie column with Grad near Amvorsievka (DPR), in the area of the Bolshaya Shishkovka village. There were nighttime skirmishes in the area of Karlovka (the Ukie offensive was repelled) and shelling with Grad near Saur-Mogila. Over the course of the night, militiamen continued to shell the executioners' positions near Marinovka (DPR) and near the settlement of Provalye. Between Shakhtersk and Tores, Ukrainian air force, represented by 1 ground attack craft, attempted to attack a Militia column, without success. As they were afraid of being hit with a portable anti-aircraft unit ("PZRK"), the airstrike was conducted from a significant height and did not cause any damage.

10:20 (MSK) - Battles began again in the area of Saur-Mogila. Ukies are pulling together their last reserves - they are transporting Smerch, Uragan and self-propelled howitzer units from Shepetovka.

12:28 (MSK) - Ukies are attempted to bomb militiamen with their air forces in the area of Stepanovka. Ukrainian aviation is continuing to conduct airstrikes, in waves, against Saur-Mogila - the third wave (2 Su jets) just began. The Militia is hitting the aircraft with anti-aircraft units, there are also launches from PZRK. The Ukrainian air force launched 4 high-powered guided missiles at the mountain, without counting the unguided missiles ("NURS"). They are also bombing the settlement of Tarany, which is nearby.

July 16, 2014 - Photo-Commentary from the Militia

Militiamen have been successfully destroying not only the outdated machinery of the Ukrainian forces, but also the cutting-edge armoured equipment. The photograph contains the source of great pride for Ukie forces - a "Bulat" tank, recently destroyed by the Militia.

12:00 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the LPR Militia for the First Half of July 16, 2014

The past evening and night in the Lugansk region were relatively calm. Suffering substantial losses, the enemy continued its retreat from Provalye and Marinovka, heading toward Biryukovo, where it was also met by LPR units and sustained losses. Near Lugansk, the aggressor, on the one hand, continued to retreat from its positions near the settlements of Aleksandrovka, Yubileyniy and Ekaterinovka and, on the other hand, started to grow its grouping in the vicinity of Shchastye. In particular, at about 08:00, an enemy column, noted to include 6 Grad installations, passed through the Shchastye checkpoint. At night and in the morning, enemy fighter aircrafts ascended into the sky on several occasions. They flew at a substantial elevation, no less than 6,000 metres. The previous evening a Su-25 ground attack craft conducted an airstrike at the Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency base nominally controlled by Kiev, in the process destroying special equipment necessary in the event if a chemical leak were to affect the territory. At about 11:00, a saboteur group, operating from the territory of the Milam enterprise, conducted mortar strikes, presumably at the location where Battalion Zarya is quartered. However, the shells fell on the territory of a trolley depot.

July 16, 2014 - Briefing from Igor Strelkov (Interview)

Video: Igor Strelkov on the Battlefield - The Attack on Maryinovka

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9572wUtRwQ

Igor Strelkov: We attacked Maryinovka, attempting to cut across the [southern] corridor, which connects the enemy’s southern group with its main forces. Well, we weren’t able to cut through all the way. We took control of three strategic heights and one village. However, we couldn’t make it all the way to the border; their forces are too large here.

It looks like there were two dead and no fewer than fifteen wounded, most of them, thankfully, lightly. So, there are a few …

Militiaman: The mortar battery was located. In the corn field.

Igor Strelkov: (to the militiaman) Where is it? Eliminate it. Eliminate. Encircle and eliminate it. Throw your reconnaissance unit there.

Igor Strelkov: (to the reporter) Right now I’ll have to give orders. So, we destroyed one BTR and one BMP of the enemy. One BMP was captured. And just now we located the mortar battery that was shelling us. Perhaps we’ll be able to deal with it as well. However, chances are the personnel is long gone.

So, a few armoured vehicles managed to escape from us; they fled the village. One of the heights was defended by three tanks. In the settlement itself, there were four BMPs, one Hummer and two BTRs. The larger part of them left. However, as I already mentioned, two armoured vehicles were destroyed and one was captured.

What else could I tell you? The enemy is sending its last regards to Maryinovka by shelling it. Right now it’s quiet, but, otherwise, they lob two-three heavy shells at it every several minutes.

There were fierce artillery exchanges. The militia conducted mortar strikes against the enemy positions. You can hear them now again. I don’t think the battle is over yet.

13:03 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from Fyodor Berezin, Igor Strelkov's Deputy

Right now I am in Lugansk. Certain circumstances demand my presence. There is mortar shelling. A school is burning. Thankfully, children don't study in the summer. Another building is also burning. Ukies are attempting to breakthrough from the north. They are throwing their reserves there. We are urgently hiring. I have met many good men on the roads of war. Here is an address to the people from one of my new friends - Leshiy. His shoulder was fractured by an SVD, but he commands without a hitch. The address is read out by another man. He will introduce himself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-fx83vw8KU So that's how it is. You can believe what is said. At the time, these are the very people who are repelling the tank attack, and a number of them are engaged in evacuation 750 civilians.

15:06 - July 16, 2014 - Information from the Militia

Local resident of Avdeevka observed a small group of scruffy men in green camouflage in the Vinogradniki district. The men were inquiring about safe passage out of DPR. Clearly, they were the inmates of the airport and yet another group of deserters. Regarding how they manage to make it out, allow me to explain: the perimeter of the airport is fairly large and the boundaries of the airport area are directly adjacent to a wilderness area that contains a nearby forested zone. With respect to the destruction of the radio-location station - indeed, we conducted an operation to destroy communications on the tower (the tower itself will still be useful to us after victory), rather than to destroy the construction itself. Electrical power cables were taken out of commission. Ukies will not be able to restore them because the territory in the area, and not only there, is wide open to easy shelling. To ensure the safety of the Militia personnel, we are implementing preventive measures aimed at upsetting the enemy's state of combat and psychological readiness.

15:50 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the Militia

Marinovka has been taken by the Militia. The punitive forces have been totally encircled. The southern cauldron has been firmly sealed. The Ukrainian forces have only one chance to survive - to surrender to the Militia or to be interned on the territory of Russia. On other areas of the southern front, the Militia also continues an active offensive. Artillery attacks on the Junta columns are being conducted. The Militia periodically uses Grad systems.

17:05 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the Militia

We did a bit of damage to a Su jet over Gorlovka. It left in the direction of Mirgorod garnished with a thick black tail of smoke. Don't think it will make it to the airfield with damage like that. Near the Marinovka border checkpoint on the former Russian-Ukrainian border, a battle clash between the punitive forces and our assault group is ongoing. The border checkpoint, controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, was attacked with 10 tanks, 5 BTRs and 200 militiamen. Two Ukies soldiers were killed in the very first minutes of the battle.

17:16 - July 16, 2014 - Infromation from Militiaman Prokhorov

I would like to inform you that the retreat of Ukie 72nd and 79th aeromobile and the 24th mechanized brigades from the Izvarino area is gradually turning into a flight. Officers and soldiers alike are spreading panic over their telephones and other means of communication. You should be soon expecting a tsunami of calls from their relatives to the mass media. Thus, the Ukie "air force offensive" is simply a loud fart into a puddle. On the Ukrainian side of the Izvarino border checkpoint, the word "Ukraine" has been refashioned into "Ruin". LPR and USSR flags are flying over the buildings.

14:40 (MSK) - Fighting has commenced in the Metallist area (the suburb of Lugansk). The Nazi bastards withdrew out most of their armoured vehicles from Shchastye, transferring them to Noviy Aidar. A new wave is coming at Saur-Mogila. When will Ukies will finally exhaust their supply of Su-24s? PZRKs (Personal Anti-Aircraft Complex) in Snezhnoye already have already fired off their salvos at the Ukrainian aircraft. At least one Su gained serious health problems during the previous air assaults. The claim that an assassination attempt was made on the life of Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Arsen Avakov is disinformation. He is Slavyansk, healthy as ever. Pure disinfo to distract the citizens from the Khokhlo-army's defeats in the southern "intestine".

17:49 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing From the Militia

The DPR Militia claim two more Ukrainian jets near Saur-Mogila. The head of the DPR Militia Press-Service, Vladislav Brig, posted on his Facebook account: "Two more Su jets were shot down. They were engaged in airstrikes at Saur-Mogila."

19:17 - July 16, 2014 - Information from Eyewitnesses

On the hottest parts of the front, Ukies have been observed throwing away their weapons, taking off their military markings, with some even removing their uniforms and changing into civilian clothes, and running toward the Russian border. Those who have no civilian clothes with them run with peeled-off epaulets. Some, and, in particular, members of the punitive battalions and Praviy Sector militants, have been seen stripping to their underwear.

19:42 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from Igor Strelkov

Heavy fighting continues near Marinovka. The village was twice bombed from high elevation. The enemy is concentrating its artillery and tanks against our grouping from the south and from the west. Battles are also continuing in the area south of Dmitrievka, where the enemy has concentrated an artillery grouping near Kozhevnya. We lost 1 BTR (destroyed with a shot from an ATGM); the enemy suffered losses of 1 BTR and 1 BMP destroyed and 1 BMP-2 captured in working condition.

19:34 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the Militia HQ

The enemy has been continuing its retreat from Provalye Marinovka (LPR), suffering substantial losses, heading in the direction of Biryukovo, where it was ambushed by LPR militiamen. In the first half of the day, the enemy continued to increase its grouping on the approaches to Shchastye. MLRS Grad were pulled up to the location. Right now there is a withdrawal of Ukie forces to Novoaidar.

Good News from Donbass - Blog Entry by Colonel Cassad @ Colonel Cassad in English
From reliable sources in the DPR:

The junta military today rolled back from Izvarino and Krasnodon (a bit earlier the information arrived that the enemy is retreating from Alexandrovka and Schastye), without solving the main problem of blockading the former state border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation. After suffering large losses and having problems with supplies, on the 15-th day of the offensive the junta military retreated by about 30-40 km from Izvarino, south of which lies the self-styled "road of life". This way, together with the growing defeat of the South punitive group and the failed attempt to unblock the Luhansk airport, the LPR militia won the strategic defensive operation which continued for more than two weeks, and the junta suffered its largest defeat since the start of the war. In essence, the charge of the mechanized forces to the rescue of the airport was a gamble by which they were trying to turn the failing operation around. In order to renew the offensive operation the junta urgently needs an operational pause, because the situation continues to get worse for it, which is why requests of cease-fire cannot be excluded in the nearest time, which of course will be rejected by the militia.
The story with Mr. Khodakovsky continues. Somewhat earlier he was stripped of the direct command of the "Vostok" battalion (which was reformed into a brigade, so it has to be called now the "Vostok" brigade), which was operationally reassigned to Strelkov and his headquarters that rely on the conceal of the commanders. Over Khodakovsky, who used to be the minister of the state security of the DPR, a representative of the "Bloody Gebnya" (i.e., KGB) emerged, lieutenant-general Antyufeev who is currently cleansing the consequences of the work of those who were involved with the attempts to surrender Donetsk. A few days ago Mr. Khodakovsky was explicitly offered to determine with whom he is – either with Akhmetov or with the DPR. Because no agreement in good faith was apparently reached, then according to the data of the source, Mr. Khodakovsky today scribbled a paper about resigning from all positions in the security block of the DPR, which was dropped on the table of the political leadership of the DPR. Will it be given motion is not yet clear, but it is quite probable that in the nearest time Mr. Khodakovsky may depart from the deck of the military and political leaders of the DPR, similarly to how recently the former Mayor of Donetsk Mr. Lukyanchenko fell out of it and ran into Kiev.
UPD: Mr. Strelkov already confirmed the fact of the resignation of Mr. Khodakovsky from the position of the Minister of State Security of the DPR, so the source once again confirmed its high degree of privity.
Strelkov: Indeed, Mr. Khodakovsky resigned from the position of the minister. But he continues to command "Vostok" and nobody is going to remove him.
This way Mr. Khodakovsky now remains just a field commander and dropped out of the political deck of the top of the DPR. One more consequence of the retreat from Slavyansk.
Restrained optimism reigns in the military leadership of the DPR and the LPR after the successes of the recent days. So things are moving.

Junta Defeat on LPR Territory - by Colonel Cassad @ Colonel Cassad in English


Continue Reading: Junta Defeat on LPR Territory - by Colonel Cassad @ Colonel Cassad in English

July 16, 2014 - Information from LifeNews

Sixteen wounded Ukrainian executioners were delivered across the border into Russia. The border guards and Junta servicemen wounded in the fighting are being treated at hospital of the Gukovo village in the Rostov region. The number of Ukrainian soldier being attended to by Russian doctors has grown to 16 men. Three Ukrainian border guards are in intensive care; the all received wounds of various degrees of severity. The character of wounds varies - caused by shells, frags and shrapnel, as well as fractures and burns. A source in the Militia provided information that the battle on the LPR territory is occurring only 10 kilometres away from the Russian village of Gukovo.

July 16, 2014 - Situation Report from the Militia

An accumulation of disparate parts of Ukie forces can be observed in the area of Amvrosievka - this is the outcome of our morning liberation of Marinovka (DPR). In the corse of a haphazard retreat in the direction of Mariupol, significant numbers of armoured vehicles in disrepair is being abandoned "on the march" (in quotations, as it is difficult to equate this flight to a march). The evacuation of non-military personnel has been substantially hampered. We have information that separate units of the Junta forces, in an attempt to breakout from the Saurovsk cauldron, are running, stripping of their camouflage and dropping personal arms, almost naked to their underwear. Those who have civilian clothes are hastily changing, hoping to get lost among the civilian population. In Lugansk, the situation remains tense. We have radio located and now are tracking an enemy fire corrector.

20:00 (MSK) - We have received and now are confirming information about the shooting down of a transport aircraft (An-26) over Lugansk. An intensive battle has ensued at the Lugansk airport. A KPVT can be heard working, there are explosions. Near the square adjacent to the airport terminal there is thick black smoke.

July 16, 2014 - Briefing from the Militia

Two Russian paratroopers have indeed been killed. What's more, the cause of the incident was not shelling from beyond the border. A group of Ukrainian militants (presumably, Praviy Sector or the Nazi Guard) ended up on the territory of the Russian Federation (it's known whether accidentally or intentionally) and shot at the positions of the paratroopers stationed at the border. Two of them were killed. Upon the group's exit from the Russian territory the attackers were dealt with by the Militia. The larger part of the attackers has been eliminated. We have been asked not to share some of the details, but, in general, it can be said that the guilty who been punished and are cooling off six feet under. In the Gukovo area, the Russian side of the border was against subject to shelling (mortars and, presumable, incomplete MLRS salvo packets). There is as yet no information about casualties; some people have been evacuated (there is a refugee camp near the border). Observers are noting that up to 20 common and resuscitation ambulances have moved out toward the place of the shelling, which suggests casualties. There is of course no military purpose or significance to these shillings; the impotent rage of the executioners suffering defeat is understandable, considering, of course that they won't remain near the border for much longer.

20:58 - July 16, 2014 - Briefing from Igor Strelkov

At 09:20, a Ukie Su-25 was shot down over Dmitrievka. "Prapor" [Note: Igor Strelkov's close friend in the Militia] was seriously wounded in his arm with two frags. It's his third time already during this war. - regarding the death of artist Pavel Ryzhenko I am grieving. He was a man full of light. When I he consulted with me, he then was already complaining that his arms were growing numb.

21:50 - Briefing from Igor Strelkov

From Snezhnoye, they are reporting that a second Su-25 was shot down with three shots from a portable anti-aircraft unit. This is the work of anti-airfact personnel of Battalion Oplot. Today at 08:40, local time, south of Mospino, in the settlement of Svetloye, saboteur-reconnaissance groups of the 2nd Battalion attacked the stronghold and the checkpoint of the enemy. One BTR, one Kamaz truck, 1 staff bus, and 1 ATGM system "Konkurs" were destroyed. The losses of the enemy (National Guard) exceeded 50 men. After the battle, the enemy abandoned the checkpoint. The remnant of the garrison left in the southerly direction. Our side suffered no losses. - What did you use to rout the executioners at the Svetloye settlement? We used 120mm mortars from very close range. What's more, we used them without targeting correction - by eyeballing the targeting - our fighters have enough experience by now.

July 16, 2014 - Hourly Briefings from Locations

23:05 (MSK) - According to unconfirmed information, the area of Nizhniye Kambrody was shelled using MLRS. Fierce battles are ongoing in the Shchastye area. Several aircraft left in in the direction of Starobelsk.

21:00 (MSK) - The enemy has been shelling Lugansk with massive artillery strikes without interruption for the past several hours.

21:15 (MSK) - Artillery shelling of Lisichansk was commenced, coming from Krivaya Luka.

21:30 (MSK) - An MLRS worked off its volleys at the area of the Lugansk airport. According to unconfirmed information, the airport has been devastated; there is smoke rising in the Metallist district.

21:50 (MSK) - Marinovka is under the Militia's control. The Ukrainian Armed Forces abandoned settlement and ended up being encircled. Two Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner. There are also trophy armoured vehicles. Retreating, the Ukrainian forces left their heavily wounded and dead soldiers on the field of battle.

23:02 - July 16, 2014 - Information from LifeNews Journalists

The Militia shot down a Ukrainian aircraft on the border with Russia. A source in the law enforcement structures of the Rostov region told LifeNews that an airplane of the Ukrainian air force entered Russian airspace, performed a turn and departed in the direction of Ukraine; however, it was shot down by the Militia at the height of six thousand meters. The incident occurred at approximately 19:00 on July 16th. The fighter jet was observed over the territory of Russia. The plane could be seen as far away as Kujbyshevo. It was performing a turn around, intending to fly toward Ukraine; however, the militiamen were able to shoot it down. According to preliminary information, the pilot of the aircraft managed to catapult out. The shot down plane fell onto the territory of Ukraine.

23:11 - July 16, 2014 - Clarification from Igor Strelkov

[Ukrainian deserters] should be turning themselves in to the commandants' offices of the Militia. Upon voluntary surrender, and following an obligatory interrogation, the prisoners will be provided with accommodations and meals according to the norms set out for the fighters of the Militia. Thereafter, they will be able to decide for themselves whether to return home or to stay in the accommodation centres until the termination of hostilities. No one will be compelled to join the ranks of the Militia.

July 16, 2014 - Video Regarding the Capture of Marinovka (DPR)

Video: Interview with a Militiaman, Trophies, a Situation Report

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvrM0_pGq58

Igor Strelkov and Militia Briefings, July 14-16, 2014

Briefings Combined for end of July 14, July 15 and beginning of July 16, 2014
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov

July 14, 2014 – Notes from a Lugansk Militiaman

Over the past two weeks (starting with the 1st of July) LPR [Lugansk People’s Republic] militiamen inflicted substantial losses on the enemy, eliminating over 800 men, with 4 militiamen killed. In addition, over 50 armoured vehicles were destroyed (just over the last twenty-four hour period, 3 tanks and 1 APC were destroyed in the area of the Uralo-Kavkaz settlement). Ukrainian army buries its fighters with excavators, right on the hills beyond the Porechye settlement, where they have their deployment camp. Those people who will never see their sons or their husbands come back to them [should know] that their loved ones may be on one of the hills of the Krasnodon region. It is perplexing that the Kiev government is covering this up, as if it will not become known, sooner or later. These numbers were determined by asking various units (artillery, reconnaissance), and only that which they saw with their own eyes was added.

With respect to the settlement of Izvarino – what the Ukrainian mass media writes is pure nonsense. After all this time, we have no dead, and only several have been lightly wounded. The city of Krasnodon continues its tradition of being a hero city.

I want to say a few words about those Ukrainian soldiers who were allegedly forced to fight, and were told it’s either prison or the army. If you are given a choice between killing your own compatriots and being imprisoned, and you preferred to go and kill your compatriots, then you don’t deserve to be called human. The western regions twice overthrew the government, without consulting us; and so we thought – live however you like, and we will build our life the way we like. And that’s when you came and started killing us.

The only chance to keep a unitary state (and even then it’s science fiction), is to: prosecute the Junta, prohibit nationalist organization and to prosecute their leaders, refuse the association with the EU, join the Customs Union, and make Russian the second state language.

But I will tell you what’s really going to happen: Novorossiy will free DPR [Donetsk People’s Republic] and LPR and then arm volunteers in Kharkov, Zaporozhia, Odessa, Nikolayev, Dneptropetrovsk, Kherson, and Zakarpattia regions. And then there is no chance that the oligarchs and the nationalists will trial. I think that they understand this and will continue sending ever greater numbers of people to their death, all the while concealing the real statistics of the dead and the wounded.

02:04 – July 15, 2014 – Briefing from Igor Strelkov

Just now, in the area of Amvrosievka, we paid back Ukies for the shelling of Dmitrievka. A Ukrainian division of “Grad” systems returned back to base camp peart and upbeat (they got the job done! there will be bonuses!). And that’s when they were got their comeuppance, a hundred-fold! Right there and then.

July 15, 2014 – Commentary by a Militiaman Regarding the Ukie Army

So you say: “Ukraine will claim victory.” But what is Ukraine? Ukraine is a colony, a marionette controlled from without. And her defenders are essentially the defenders of that parasitic, oligarchic and slaveholding system, for which the majority of people are a biomass, consumable material …

With respect to claims that we hide behind the backs of women and children … This a complete falsehood. The positions of the militiamen are will known to Ukrainian intelligence. And the Ukrainian forces have plentiful opportunities specifically to attack the firing positions of the militiamen. As well as to engage with us in direct combat. However, you, the Ukrainian forces, were always pathologically afraid and remain afraid of doing this. And, guided by American advisors, you are using their tactical instructions.

Unlike you, however, Americans hit strangers with direct fir, which you are lobbing shells at those whom you call your own, you shell residential districts, children, you fire artillery knowing full well through drones and your reconnaissance that there is no Militia there.

Like Nazis, intentionally and calculatingly, you kill children, women, defenceless civilians, and the elderly, most of whom have no relation to the Militia whatsoever and are simple laymen. Those very laymen, the majority of whom do not care where to live – in Ukraine or in Novorossiya. In other words, you kill them because they do not care. You only need those who are like you, who are ready to be slaves to the West. And contrary to all common sense, for some reason you call yourself independent Ukrainians.

Regarding belief in God. The Blessed Virgin Mary has two worldly abodes: the Holy Mount Afon and Russia. Through your hatred toward Russia, toward Novorossiya, you demonstrate to the Orthodox faith that you are, in essence, Satanists. While we defend the faith of Christ. We are ontological enemies … We do not betray our guys because they simply are not afraid of you and do not conceal themselves. You understand the reason why. Our fighters are certain of our victory. Novorossiya will exist, Glory be to Christ and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

By the way, Motorola’s fighters had a good and long laugh after reading your post, particularly the part where you describe how close you got to our checkpoints …

July 15, 2014 – Excerpt from a Militiaman’s Letter

Hello. Right now I am in Krasnodon … Just got back from Izvarino. Yesterday our guys shot down the Su jets. During the day, Ukies were targeting their SAU-Nonas and mortars at our checkpoints, so we changed our deployment position. Ukies got everything got completely murdered, suffering large losses in their armoured corps. While I was there, we totaled one of there T-64s and a BTR-70. Our APC, in which we came there, was also destroyed. We have insignificant losses, by the commander forbid me to publish the numbers – it’s a military secret. Our group, specifically, did not sustain any casualties. The battles were difficult, so now I am catching up on sleep …

09:46 – July 15, 2014 – Briefing from Igor Strelkov

- regarding Ukrainian airstrikes on the city of Snezhnoye at 06:30 this morning:

Igor Strelkov: Several civilians died. Not one militiaman was harmed. Altogether, there were either 4 or 5 heavy shells. Looks like the lesson we taught the commanders of Ukie artillery last night fell on deaf ears … I received reports of a shelling. Perhaps an airstrike also took place.

- regarding Kurginyan:

Igor Strelkov: Jeez, I did not read or listen to him at all. All this hysteria around his statements left me completely indifferent. I am being serious! Understand this, comrades: my judgment criteria regarding this media attack are very different from yours! You think of me as some sort of political figure who can be harmed in his POLITICAL pursuits by Kurginyan’s hysteria. But I DON’T DEAL IN POLITICS. And don’t intend to (certainly not in the nearest future, and, in general, I have very little desire to). I am fighting. To the best of my ability, I command our brigade and all the attached units and detachments, deal with supply and coordination matters, etc. They have to drag me to all these press-conferences on a rope – almost like a “trained bear.” Pretty categorical: “We need you and that’s it!” In reality, they annoy the hell out of me, equally as the cobbled-together "image of the indomitable hero."

That’s why I took Kurginyan’s libel calmly and indifferently. These days, our fighters don’t watch TV, don’t spend their time on the Internet, and have no clue who this Kurginyan is or what he blurted out. And if someone were to tell them, they know anyways that it’s all a lie. Kurginyan’s statement is like a mosquito bite – yes, it’s unpleasant, but you scratch it away and forget about it.

July 15, 2014 – Information from the Residents of Snezhnoye



As a result of an airstrike by the Ukrainian army at 06:30 in the morning, the building of the taxation department was blown up, along with one entire section of an apartment building at 14 Lenin street. The city has been cordoned off by police and firefighters. Ambulances are at the scene. Several civilians were killed, and there are many wounded. A city hospital doctor reports that “the exact number of casualties is still unknown; the clearing of debris has just begun – it was early morning and people were still at home.”

Eyewitnesses reported the following: “Around 06:30 in the morning, we heard aircraft approach, they fired rockets, which hit a five-storey residential building; one of its sections completely collapsed.”

Video: Airstrikes on Snezhnoye, July 15, 2014 (Part I)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xX36YKXa0M

Video: Airstrikes on Snezhnoye, July 15, 2014 (Part II)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uns9dEutVD8

10:45 – July 15, 2014 – Commentary from Igor Strelkov

- regarding the Austrians’ claims to the lands of the former Ukraine:

Igor Strelkov: They won’t get Galicia, they will get jack-all. Galicia is reserved for “nezalezhnaya” [Note: Ukrainian for independent, here referencing Ukraine]. You don’t really expect us to give Ukies Kiev, the “mother of all Russian cities,” do you? The liberation of Kiev from the occupying gang of pedophiles, cultists and other scum is the one of the foremost tasks of our campaign.

At the same time, I do not rule out that the liberation of Kiev will be accomplished through a joint operation of the Novorossiya Militia and the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Once, of course, a few of the most fervent admirers of Ukrainian nationalism among the generals get hung off aspen trees.

- regarding the “veracity” of Ukie mass media:

Igor Strelkov: The more they lie, the faster they will meet their end. And lie they do – they have been lying constantly from the very beginning. What’s more, falsehood lies at the very core of their so-called “revolution” and the ATO. God see it all. Only complete atheists and Satanist scum could hope that such impudent lies will help them win.

12:02 – July 15, 2014 – Briefing from the Militia

Metallist is now being ferociously attacked by the 30th – this is the mechanized brigade of the punitive forces that hails from Novograd-Volynsk (Zhitomir region). Our forces stand like a wall and are not giving an inch. I expect there to be lot of Crosses of St. George.

At 02:00 at night, local time, militiamen gave Ukies a fine beating at the Dolzhanskiy border crossing. In addition, Sabovka, Alexandrovka and Roskoshnoye were liberated from the punitive forces. LPR forces are now establishing checkpoints there.

A gas depot is burning near Lugansk.

In Lugansk, over the past three days, 17 civilians died and 73 people received shrapnel and gunshot wounds.

July 15, 2014 – Briefing from the Militia

Militiamen have entrenched themselves in the settlement of Stepanovka, next to the Russian border. This settlement is a new outpost for the Militia and is located three and a half kilometres from the border. The tactic used to defend against artillery strikes, which do not stop day and night, is the same, tried and true and battle-tested – digging trenches.

The Ukrainian army is not used to the fact that militiamen here continue engaging in saboteur activity and are ready to fight back in case the Ukrainian forces attempt to break through to the Donetsk-Lugansk highway and take it under their control. And that’s the reason why fortifications have been built here.

Among other things, the enemy is utilizing approximately 20 tanks, which are constantly relocated. All the time, columns of the Ukrainian army are fired on by our saboteur-reconnaissance groups. Just yesterday, they destroyed a Ukie supply column.

July 15, 2014 – LPR Militia Briefing (First Half of the Day)

After the attack on Lugansk that occurred yesterday evening, when, as a result of shelling with Grad systems (the Artyomovks district of the city was hit, presumably from the outskirts of Alexandrovka) and airstrikes (the Gayevogo district was bombed) 12 died and 64 people were wounded and received various degrees of mutilations, the rest of the night was relatively calm.

According to our operational information, the entire past night units of the LPR army were sweeping the city and squeezing out mobile saboteur groups. Minor skirmishes occurred in the Kamennobrodskiy district. As well, an artillery duel took place in the area of the Metallist settlement. Reports were coming in of mortar shelling of the territories bordering on the railway station; they have yet to be confirmed.

Overnight, from approximately 19:00 and until 00:00, the enemy continued intensive shelling of Lisichansk.

We have received information from Krasnodon that, pressed by the units of the LPR army and the allied units of DPR, the units of the enemy located there are hastily leaving the previously occupied positions. Lugansk fighters are conducting a sweep of the strategic heights.

16:28 – July 15, 2014 – Commentary from Igor Strelkov

Igor Strelkov: We are hearing rumours here that today the Militia allegedly left Karlovka and Maryinka (a suburb of Donetsk). They say that I ordered the retreat.

Paraphrasing a well-known joke, allow me to report:

First of all, it was not today, it was yesterday.

Second of all, it was not Karlovka and Maryinka, but Stepano-Krynka (a settlement to the east of Ilovaisk).

Third of all, we did not leave, but took control and are currently reinforcing our positions.

- regarding the following news in the mass media: “Currently, there is an active battle for the Donetsk airport. The Militia is using heavy armaments and tanks. According to preliminary information, they managed to shoot down two military transport aircraft of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that were attempting to land at the airport.”

Igor Strelkov: And what about flying saucers? Did we shoot those down too? There were no aircraft. And we did not have any tanks either. These are news from a parallel dimension. As for what happened – we shelled their trenches with mortars and artillery. The enemy sustained manpower losses.

With respect to yesterday shelling of Dmitrovka with Grad systems: 1 militiaman and 9 civilians died. This is confirmed information.

Just now, Ukie air forces bombed Shakhtersk and its surroundings.

July 15, 2014 – Situation Report from the Militia

It has been several days now since Slavyansk was occupied by Ukrainian fascists. They shot the reel for the Ukie patriots and for the Western public in advance, and now reality has come – reality, which was anticipated even during the period of the heroic defence of Slavyansk. We knew then that the city was doomed. Historically, this is not the first situation like that; the same happened following the heroic defence of Odessa, which drew German and Romanian forces onto itself, enabling the preparation for the defence of Sevastopol. So it was before, so it will probably happen again.

In Slavyansk right now a humanitarian catastrophe is in full swing. Here and there, there is electricity (at the railway station, at the fish farm, in the Artyom district, and in Golubovka); electricians work privately, restoring the electrical grid where the line is undamaged, but they get no support. The market is partially working, but there are no foodstuffs to trade – only canned goods. Those with private farms are the only ones surviving; it is difficult to imagine what the residents of high-rises are eating. Bread is being delivered from Krasniy Liman; in general, food deliveries are very poor. People hide in their home, afraid, and the occupation authorities do not take an interest in them, except only to identify and arrest the resident of Slavyansk that fought against the Junta. There are problems with the water supply: if you have a well nearby, then you have water, if you don’t – you have none.

Last night, Ukrainian fascists conducted an artillery strike with large-calibre MLRS at the underground gas storage facility in Lugansk; it is still burning.

In the area of Amvrosievka, the Militia destroyed a division of MLRS, together with their support transport vehicles and the personnel of the enemy. It was only yesterday that these Junta forces took active part in exterminating the civilian population of Donbass.

A new large batch of wounded Nazi bastards arrive in Dnepropetrovsk from the frontlines in Novorossiya; medical services of the city are working in emergency mode.

16:09 (MSK) – A ground attack craft passed over Dzershinsk, heading toward Gorlovka.

16:25 (MSK) – A Ukrainian aircraft just took a turn bombing Saur-Mogila. Are Ukies continuing to claim that they have suspended air force operations? Looks like Ukies are now going to try dealing with Saur-Mogila; artillery is working and there is large number of aircraft – they are bombing Saur-Mogila, and, earlier, they bombed Ilovaisk.

19:03 - July 15, 2014 – Briefing from Alexey Mozgovoi

Over the past little while, the fighters of our units eliminated: 1 tank, 2 BMP APCs, 3 BTR APCs, 3 mortar units, 1 anti-aircraft system, 2 machine gun units, 6 snipers, and approximately 100 personnel. As well in the course of the air assault on Loskutovka, a ground attack craft of the Ukrainian air forces was shot down (the pilot catapulted over the occupied territory, which is where the airplane also fell).

Our battalion suffered no personnel losses. And yet, according to Ukie mass media, during the air assault on Loskutovka, they destroyed an entire unit of Chechens from our battalion. As a Commander-in-Chief of the Lugansk People’s Militia, I would like to reassure all the residents of Chechnya, and, in particular, Messr. Kadyrov, that not one of your countrymen died. And could not have died, for the sole reason that there is not one Chechen in the ranks of our Militia.

Once again, the Ukrainian command destroyed a figment of their imagination.

July 15, 2014 – Photography from the Militia

One of the columns of the punitive forces destroyed in the last couple of days. This column was hit with Grad systems by the Militia.



July 15, 2014 – Information from the Militia

Using Grad systems, militiamen opened fire at the deployment positions of the Ukrainian punitive forces in the area of the Yubileyniy settlement and the strategic city of Alexandrovsk. Following the shelling, Alexandrovsk was entered by an assault armoured column of the Militia. Alexandrovsk is now ours and has been swept and purged of the enemy forces. Militiamen are hastily building new checkpoints and fortifications.

July 15, 2014 – Infromatnion from the Militia

The army of Novorossiya received of T-80 main battle tanks (breakout tanks), as well as a certain number self-propelled artillery systems 2S1 Gvozdika.

Video: 2S1 Gvozdika Self-Propelled Artillery Systems of the Militia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J93t4oIIeAw

July 15, 2014 – Briefing from Bratislav Zhivkovich, Commander of Serbian Chetniks

Serbs are successfully fighting against the “National Guard” and the punitive forces of Praviy Sector. Serbian fighters have suffered no losses to date. Recently, a new volunteer group from Serbia arrived. The “Yovan Shevich” unit has grown to 35 volunteers. We have been calling it the Slavic Chetnik Unit because, apart from Serbs, the unit also includes volunteers from other Slavic nations. Chetniks coordinate their activities with the command of the army of Novorossiya and are one of the most battleworthy units of the Militia.

22:11 – July 15, 2014 – Briefing from the LPR Press-Centre

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are hastily abandoning their previously occupied position near Krasnodon. They have also left Aleksandrovka and have begun a withdrawal from the city of Shchastye.

22:33 – July 15, 2014 – Briefing from the Militia HQ

Militiamen successfully blew up the communications tower at the Donetsk airport. The operation was conducted in the evening of July 15. A group of militiamen entered the territory of the aiport and deployed explosives at the base of the communications toward and in the building containing the control centre of the airport. Militiamen utilized 8 kilograms of plastic explosive. Two explosion, which destroyed the noted constructions, were carried out using trigger unit KPM-1A. Previously, Ukrainian air force used the antennae on the airport communications tower to correct the airdrops of cargo, including ammunition, at the airport.

Video: Militiamen Blew Up the Communications Tower at the Donetsk Airport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx5behhw5I4

Video: The DPR Militia's Special Operation in Blowing up the Communications Tower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndlsizwL4I4

July 15, 2014 – Video from the Enemy

US-made helicopters in the skies over Dnepropetrovsk. At 00:14, several helicopters of the Iroquois make can be seen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_UH-1_Iroquois

Video: American Military Helicopters in the Skies over Dnepropetrovsk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyOGEMOPRzs

22:51 – July 15, 2014 – Information from Mass Media

In the Sverdlovsk area, LPR militiamen are shelling punitive forces of the 72nd Brigade using artillery and mortars. In Sverdlovsk itself, militiamen and their armoured vehicles have been deployed. Artillery shelling using Grad systems of the Junta forces’ positions near Saur-Mogila also took place.

23:12 – July 15, 2014 – Briefing from the Militia

We are holding strong in Karlovka. We have sufficient armaments and are constantly receiving reinforcements. Fighting against us are Praviy Sector units, Battalions Dnepr and Donbass, as well as the Cascade unit composed of Polish mercenaries. Currently, almost all the civilians have been evacuated, and those that have stayed, 60 in total, remain here because they have nowhere to go and no ability to leave.

July 16, 2014 – Information from a Military Analyst

Yesterday, Junta forces rolled back from Izavarino and Krasnodon (slightly earlier, information was received that the enemy is retreating from Aleksandrovka and Shchastye), having failed in their main task of blockading the former Ukrainian border with the Russian Federation. Having sustained significant losses and experiencing supply problems, on the 15th day of their offensive, Junta forces retreated 30-40 kilometres from Izvarino, south of which lies a kind of a lifeline. As a result, coupled with a growing defeat of the southern grouping of the punitive forces and the Ukrainian army’s failure to relieve the blockade of the Lugansk airport, the LPR Militia has won the strategic defensive operation that lasted over two weeks, while the Junta suffered their heaviest defeat since the beginning of the war. Essentially, the march of the mechanized forces in an attempt to relieve the airport was a gamble intended to reverse the course of the poorly unfolding operation. To resume the offensive, the Junta urgently needs an operational pause because the situation will continue getting worse for the Ukrainian troops. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that a ceasefire request will be made in the near future, a request which will certainly be refused by the Militia.

00:23 – July 16, 2014 – Briefing from Igor Strelkov

Enormous columns of retreating Ukie forces are withdrawing across the dam in the area of Kozhevnya (south of Dmitrievka). They are attempting to escape the “cauldron.” There are tanks, SAU-Nonas, refueling trucks, transport columns – all mixed-up. This is bad. But, I hope, not all of them will have the chance to escape.

Note: Kozhevnya is a settlement in the Shakhtersk region of DPR, 8 kilometres from the border with Russia.

01:14 – July 16, 2014 – Briefing from the Militia

We have received confirmed information. In the cauldron on the southern direction of the front, there are 5 battle units of the Kiev Junta: the 79th separate aero-mobile brigade, territorial Battalion Shakhtersk, the 24th separate aero-mobile brigade, Battalion Azov, as well as the 72nd separate Kiev mechanized guard brigade of the Red Banner. It was the fighter of the latter unit that told Ukrainian Channel 112 about the catastrophe among the Junta forces. Right now, as already reported by Strelkov, almost the entirety of this “cauldron” has picked up and left their positions and has begun chaotically moving, in disordered columns, intending to break out of the encirclement. The Militia now is implementing measures to counteract the enemy’s attempt to breakout from the encirclement.

July 16, 2014 – Situation Report from the Militia

Ukies gained nothing from their assault on Saur-Mogila and lost an aircraft. Howitzers of the Militia opened fire at their positions, and an hour later Ukies retreated.

In Starobelsk (an LPR regional centre occupied by Ukies) frightened Ukie-warriors attacked OSCE monitors. The latter were forced to flee across the fields in their white Jeeps.

This morning, near Amvrosievka, the 3rd Battalion of the 72nd brigade of the occupying troops was shelled with Grad systems, inflicting losses of 4 “200th” [KIA/Killed in Action] and over 10 wounded. Casualties were sustained by the 7th, the 8th and the 9th companies. Today, DPR militiamen blew up the communications tower at the Donetsk airport, using which the Ukrainian air force guided the delivery of cargo, including ammunition, to the airport.

22:56 (MSK) – At the border crossing checkpoint Izvarino (in the Lugansk region), militiamen shelled Ukrainian spetsnaz personnel from Kirovograd. According to a source from the ATO command, the punitive forces lost 8 men and 10 were wounded. Ukies are also reporting that they ended up encircled near Izvarino, One of their self-propelled artillery systems was hit and only 3 men out of 40 trucks survived.

23:07 (MSK) – In the Sverdlovsk area of the Lugansk region, our militiamen shelled the executioners of the 72nd brigade with artillery and mortars. In Sverdlovsk itself, there are lot of militiamen and armoured vehicles. The shelling of the executioners’ positions near Saur-Mogila (DPR) is continuing. Junta Battalions are in a state of panic.

0:24 (MSK) – A bridge was blown up near Gorlovka, on the road toward Ochertino. Active fighting has begun near Amvrosievka – we are squeezing Ukies out of there. Near Krasnodon, we have encircled a unit of the National Guard, the executioners have sustained losses, both killed and wounded.

01:14 (MSK) – An aircraft is flying over Donetsk. Ground attack craft, numbers 1-3, flew over Makeevka, heading toward Kharzisk, and, from there, possibly toward Ilovaisk or Shakhtersk One of the jets flew a circle over Makeevka.

02:42 – July 16, 2014 – Briefings from the Militia

Junta has finally lost all initiative across the entire military theatre. The complete routing of the southern cauldron is almost fait accompli. The defeat of the punitive forces near Lugansk is obvious to everyone. Accordingly, in the nearest days we can expect a sweep of the southern border and attempts to complete the sweep of the Lugansk and the Donetsk airports. After all the trophies are put to use [by the Militia], the forces of the Militia and the punitive army will, at the very least, become equal (over the last two days, our heavy armour forces have been “replenished” to the tune of dozens of units), which will enable us to commence wide scale offensive operations.

Over the last several days we have been receiving information that the Junta forces are hurriedly reinforcing checkpoints in the Zaporozhia (in Berdyansk, Ukies are creating fortifications by digging in armoured vehicles) and in the Kharkov regions. Probably for a good reason.

03:11 – July 16, 2014 – Briefing from Igor Strelkov

The march of the enemy is being accompanied. Not all of them will reach their coveted base near Amvrosievka. Not that it is any better around the base itself, anymore. A lot of explositions.