Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Friday 3 February. [Ukrainian sources]
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:23 am
FRIDAY
Please scroll to view news items added during the day.
NEWS:
Former deputy head of the General Staff told how Ukraine will not become a bargaining chip in a deal with Putin Trump. America's USS Porter enters Black Sea. "Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine," US Ambassador to the United Nations Haley. Lukashenko said the fear of Putin's desire through western Belarus. Putin responded to Lukashenko's harsh attack by the Kremlin to the border zone. One civilian killed, one wounded as Russian terrorists hit humanitarian aid point in Avdiivka. Yelchenko to Churkin: "This is the picture of a 26-years old officer Andriy Kyzylo killed on 29 January near Avdiivka. Look in his eyes, Mr. Ambassador. It is your weapons and your compatriots who killed him". Human shields in Donetsk: Grad launches near residential areas, - Bellingcat investigation. "Avdiivka is Ukrainian Aleppo": Ukrainians protest at Russian embassies in Riga, Rome and Lisbon.
WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
-1c / 33f HI | RealFeel® -2c / 28f
Precipitation 77%
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain; roads and sidewalks will be slippery in the morning
Please scroll to view news items added during the day.
NEWS:
Former deputy head of the General Staff told how Ukraine will not become a bargaining chip in a deal with Putin Trump. America's USS Porter enters Black Sea. "Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine," US Ambassador to the United Nations Haley. Lukashenko said the fear of Putin's desire through western Belarus. Putin responded to Lukashenko's harsh attack by the Kremlin to the border zone. One civilian killed, one wounded as Russian terrorists hit humanitarian aid point in Avdiivka. Yelchenko to Churkin: "This is the picture of a 26-years old officer Andriy Kyzylo killed on 29 January near Avdiivka. Look in his eyes, Mr. Ambassador. It is your weapons and your compatriots who killed him". Human shields in Donetsk: Grad launches near residential areas, - Bellingcat investigation. "Avdiivka is Ukrainian Aleppo": Ukrainians protest at Russian embassies in Riga, Rome and Lisbon.
WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
-1c / 33f HI | RealFeel® -2c / 28f
Precipitation 77%
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain; roads and sidewalks will be slippery in the morning
"Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine," US Ambassador to the United Nations Haley
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:25 am
"Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine," US Ambassador to the United Nations Haley
New U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley in her first speech said that the anti-Russian sanctions should be in force for as long as Moscow will not give up control over Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.
Presidential press secretary Sviatoslav Tseholko said on Facebook citing Haley's statement, Censor.NET reports.
"The United States stands by the people of Ukraine suffering for more than three years from occupation and military intervention of Russia.
"U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley made a strong speech in the U.N. Security Council: 'The United States continues to condemn and call for an immediate end to the Russian occupation of Crimea. Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine.'
"She also stated that the Minsk agreements was a clear way to resolve the situation in the Donbas," Tseholko wrote.
ua.censor.net.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові
America's USS Porter enters Black Sea
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:29 am
America's USS Porter enters Black Sea
USS Porter, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, entered the Black Sea on Feb. 2.
Censor.NET reports citing U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / U.S. 6th Fleet official website.
The ship entered the Black Sea "in order to conduct maritime security operations and enhance capability and interoperability with allies and partners in the region."
Porter is scheduled to participate in the annual Romanian-led multinational exercise Sea Shield 2017.
"Porter has routinely operated in the Black Sea over the past few years, demonstrating our continued commitment to security and stability in the region. Our upcoming operations are meant to help us improve interoperability, sharing of information and experiences, and the ability to work together toward peace and prosperity," the press service says.
ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
Former deputy head of the General Staff told how Ukraine will not become a bargaining chip in a deal with Putin Trump
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:30 am
Former deputy head of the General Staff told how Ukraine will not become a bargaining chip in a deal with Putin Trump
Former Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Igor Romanenko said determining whether to become a bargaining chip in a deal between the US and Russia depends on Ukraine itself.
Such an opinion he voiced in an interview with "apostrophe".
Asked whether the faithful assumption of some experts that Ukraine rozminyuyut on Syria, the expert said that the matter is not so simple.
"Alavitska minority seized power in Syria for a long time do not last long. Although if the US cease support, the situation is more complicated for the moderate opposition. It is clear that Putin is afraid to Syria to Russia did not like Afghanistan to the Soviet Union" - said Romanenko.
He noted that Ukraine significantly strengthened as a state and can not be a bargaining chip for other countries. General believes that the strength of the country to decide their fate themselves.
"I think we have built up to such an extent that behave with them will not allow," - concluded Romanenko.
Full text of the interview with Lieutenant General Igor Romanenko , see the "apostrophe".
apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
Lukashenko said the fear of Putin's desire through western Belarus
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:32 am
Lukashenko said the fear of Putin's desire through western Belarus
Russian authorities fear that Belarus will become a priority western political vector.
This was during a meeting on February 3 with the media said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, reports "Interfax".
He explained that the deterioration in relations with Russia is that "Russia was the suspicion that Belarus will go to the West."
According to Lukashenko, the Russian media Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makeieva "began to beat it, he leads the West."
"No Mackay no talks without the consent of the President. In Russia, everyone should understand that this agreed position, which pushed me my friend Putin," - said the Belarusian President.
He added that while the president is "no stone towards the Russian people will not be abandoned."
"Russia is sacred" - said Lukashenko.
As reported, "Apostrophe", the President of Belarus believes that the country will do without Russian oil, when will depend on its independence.
apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
Putin responded to Lukashenko's harsh attack by the Kremlin to the border zone
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:33 am
Putin responded to Lukashenko's harsh attack by the Kremlin to the border zone
Putting frontier zone on the Russian-Belarusian border meets all international agreements.
Thus, the press service of Russian President responded to the statement of the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko abuse from Moscow.
"No border regime is not introduced. This is the introduction of border areas adjacent to the border areas. This is due to the need to regulate visiting border areas of third country nationals" - said in a statement.
It is emphasized that this decision "carefully agreed for compliance with all international agreements."
Also in the Kremlin responded to Lukashenko other harsh statements made today.
Thus, the statement noted that disputes arising in relations between Russia and Belarus, "should be resolved in a calm manner, through business negotiations."
Recall President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the establishment of the border zone with Belarus declared that "Russia is pushing in the tail and mane contracts" and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid of Western aspirations Minsk.
apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
One civilian killed, one wounded as Russian terrorists hit humanitarian aid point in Avdiivka
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:35 am
One civilian killed, one wounded as Russian terrorists hit humanitarian aid point in Avdiivka
The head of the Donetsk military and civil administration Pavlo Zhebrivskyi commented on the aftermath of the latest militant’s strikes on Avdiivka.
Censor.NET reports the official's statement on Facebook.
"Those boneheaded Rascists (acronym for Russian Fascists - Ed.) have just fiercely shelled Avdiivka. The humanitarian assistance points came under direct hits.
"They also shelled the tent camp and the warming center at the stadium in the town's center next to our current location. The school No. 2, where the humanitarian aid collection point was operating, also came under militants' strike.
"According to preliminary data, we have one person killed and one more injured. The shelling continues," the Donetsk region head wrote.
He later added: "The shelling of Avdiivka is still underway. The house at 19 Molodizhna Str. came under direct hit which damaged gas and heat pipelines. According to preliminary information, no casualties were caused there. One projectile hit rescue vehicle of the State Emergency Service."
The fighting in the vicinity of Avdiivka has been underway since late Saturday, Jan. 28.
After three days, Ukrainian soldiers managed to take enemy positions and improved their tactical set-up in the area. Unfortunately, casualties were reported among the military.
On Jan. 30, enemy strikes left the government-controlled town of Avdiivka without electricity, water and heat.
In the evening of Jan. 30, a state of emergency was declared in Avdiivka.
As reported by the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) Staff press center, militants carry out not stop attacks on Ukrainian positions near the town.
A regional coordination center to aid local population has been set up.
According to the National Police, six civilians had been wounded and 26 houses damaged as of morning, Feb. 1. A female body of a civilian was found in Avdiivka downtown on Feb. 1.
The Donetsk regional civil-military administration said the sides had agreed to cease fire until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
Yelchenko to Churkin: "This is the picture of a 26-years old officer Andriy Kyzylo killed on 29 January near Avdiivka. Look in his eyes, Mr. Ambassador. It is your weapons and your compatriots who killed him"
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:40 am
Yelchenko to Churkin: "This is the picture of a 26-years old officer Andriy Kyzylo killed on 29 January near Avdiivka. Look in his eyes, Mr. Ambassador. It is your weapons and your compatriots who killed him"
Yesterday's UN Security Council discussed the situation in the east of Ukraine.
Ukraine's Permanent Representative in UN Volodymyr Yelchenko said Ukraine forces continue respecting the cease-fire and have a strict order to open fire only in response to attacks and assault actions of Russia-backed militants, Censor.NET reports citing the text of Yelchenko's speech.
"Ukraine continues to be fully committed to implementing the Minsk agreements in their entirety. The President of Ukraine has stressed on many occasions that there is no military solution in the Donbas; Ukrainian government is strongly focused on the peaceful and diplomatic means in this regard. Ukrainian forces continue respecting the ceasefire; they have a strict order to open a fire only in response to attacks and assault actions of Russia-backed militants.
"On the contrary, Russia as the party to the conflict in Donbas and its proxies blatantly violate Minsk agreements from the very beginning. They continued their attacks and occupied several Ukrainian towns and localities. As for now, Russian proxies occupied about 1700 sq.km leaving far beyond the contact line agreed in Minsk on September 19, 2014," Yelchenko said.
Yelchenko detailed into Avdiivka shelling and its aftermath, the damages to the infrastructure and the humanitarian crisis that the city residents are facing. Russian militants, he said, are preventing repair crews from accessing the facilities that need repair.
"Destroying critical infrastructure and thus creating humanitarian disaster is a terrorist tactics aimed primarily at civilians. This tactic obliterates the Russian propaganda myth about "peaceful miners" who fight against authorities with their shotguns. Locals would never do this to their neighbors, but those who came to Ukrainian soil as aggressors to destroy Ukrainian statehood do not hesitate to damage factories, houses, powerlines. This tactic is not new for the Russian forces.
"The mentioned Russia's actions may qualify as a war crime. Ukraine will add evidence related to the recent escalation and indiscriminate attacks on the civilian infrastructure to our claim against Russia on terrorism to International Court of Justice. This is the first but very important step in bringing Russia to justice for its mounting violations of the UN Charter and international law.," the ambassador said.
Yelchenko showed a photo of Russian-shelled Avdiivka apartment house: " Inhabitants rushed out into freezing cold. It was -20 C degrees outside. This is beyond evil."
Yelchenko also demonstrated a photo of Avdiivka-killed Captain Andrii Kyzylo and asked Russian Permanent Representative to look into his eyes.
"Ukraine pays a dramatically high price losing its best sons and daughters in this war.
"We do care about our people. Death of every single soldier or civilian is yet another scar on the soul of Ukraine. This is the picture of a 26-years old officer Andriy Kyzylo killed on 29 January near Avdiivvka. Look in his eyes, Mr. Ambassador. It is your weapons and your compatriots who killed him," Yelchenko said.
See more: Avdiivka came under heavy artillery strike, Russian militants intensified attacks on Marinka, Krasnohorivka in evening, Donetsk region police chief says. PHOTOS
The fighting in the vicinity of Avdiivka has been underway since late Saturday, Jan. 28.
After three days, Ukrainian soldiers managed to take enemy positions and improved their tactical set-up in the area. Unfortunately, casualties were reported among the military.
On Jan. 30, enemy strikes left the government-controlled town of Avdiivka without electricity, water and heat.
In the evening of Jan. 30, a state of emergency was declared in Avdiivka.
See more: Rescuers evacuate 132 persons including 70 children from Avdiivka, - Sate Emergency Service. PHOTOS
As reported by the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) Staff press center, militants carry out not stop attacks on Ukrainian positions near the town.
A regional coordination center to aid local population has been set up.
According to the National Police, six civilians had been wounded and 26 houses damaged as of morning, Feb. 1. A female body of a civilian was found in Avdiivka downtown on Feb. 1.
The Donetsk regional civil-military administration said the sides had agreed to cease fire until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
Human shields in Donetsk: Grad launches near residential areas, - Bellingcat investigation. VIDEO+SATELLITE IMAGERY
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:51 am
Human shields in Donetsk: Grad launches near residential areas, - Bellingcat investigation. VIDEO+SATELLITE IMAGERY
The anti-terrorist operation (ATO) Staff reported that on Jan. 31 militants in Donetsk fired at least 100 Grad rockets. Bellingcat OSINT group provides evidence that at least half of these launches were recorded on cameras by local residents.
Recent satellite imagery and witness accounts confirm the geolocation, revealing the firing locations for Russian-separatist Grad launches, Censor.NET reports referring to Bellingcat.
Grads near Auchan
Social media accounts from a local pro-Ukrainian VK.com group in Donetsk monitoring outgoing and incoming shelling (see here, and here) suggest that combined Russian-separatists forces have been constantly firing Grads from the separatist-controlled Donetsk bypass highway near the Auchan hypermarket:
"10 mins ago four Grads fired three packages each from the bypass road and bailed out… BITCHES!!!"
"Grad firing from bypass near Auchan" (source)
The same is reported by a popular pro-Ukrainian blogger, who likely uses a similar group as a source:
"11:15 Grads fired off their salvos from the bypass near Auchan and were off immediately"
As often is the case with shelling, social-media users reported incoming fire from government-controlled Avdiivka, including Grad MLRS, roughly at the same time as outgoing Grad fire was reported from Donetsk:
"4:16 Grads again, near the church, loud and scary!!!"
"11:10 Chaotic impacts on Turgenyeva, like in 2015"
"14:54 Grads fired from Donetsk as soon as the repair brigades went out, those bitches!"
Furthermore, a pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda reporter describes hearing Grads (archived) while at a mourning service for killed Vostok commander Ivan "Grek" Balakai on Jan. 31 (see DRFLab report on the circumstances of his death). Later, a friend of the reporter confirmed to her that Grads were constantly firing the night before (Jan. 30) and are based near the Auchan hypermarket. A video from the ceremony posted on the VK community of the Vostok battalion where the deceased commander used to serve confirms that the church is located in the residential area south of the hypermarket (47.989551 37.911307).
These reports are noteworthy because the stated location near the Auchan hypermarket (47.996948 37.910538) suggests outgoing fire near a residential area. The Donetsk Bypass and an oncological hospital (47.997286 37.901797) are also in the general area.
Additionally, the church referenced by the Komsomolskaya Pravda reporter is in the same area, marked by yellow in the map below. A comparison of a video produced showing the church service for "Grek" and Yandex Panorama (street view) imagery shows that they are the same church, located near the residential area where Grads were fired.
Figure 1: Location of the Auchan hypermarket (red) and church where service was held for "Grek" (yellow). Digital Globe, Google Earth
See more: Avdiivka came under heavy artillery strike, Russian militants intensified attacks on Marinka, Krasnohorivka in evening, Donetsk region police chief says. PHOTOS
Rockets on video
Beside these reports, six videos were uploaded showing the usage of multi-launch rocket systems (MLRS) near Donetsk on Jan. 31, 2017 and Feb. 1, 2017. Two videos show launches at night and were published on Jan. 31, 2017. Three videos published on Jan. 31, 2017 show launches during the day, and another video showing a launch during the day was published on Feb. 1, 2017. All six videos could be geolocated to the area near of the Auchan hypermarket (video 1+2 / 3+4 / 6).
ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові
"Avdiivka is Ukrainian Aleppo": Ukrainians protest at Russian embassies in Riga, Rome and Lisbon
Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:57 am
"Avdiivka is Ukrainian Aleppo": Ukrainians protest at Russian embassies in Riga, Rome and Lisbon
Ukrainian communities of Portugal, Latvia, and Italy picketed Russian embassies in their countries.
Ukrainians in Portugal have addressed the country's president to stiffen sanctions against Russia, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
The demonstration was attended by 30 people. A godson of one of the organization members was killed in Avdiivka in the recent escalation.
Similar event was held in Rome on Thursday. It was announced by head of Christian Union of Ukrainians in Italy Oles Horodetskyi on Facebook.
ua.censor.net.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові
Kremlin gives Zakharchenko an ultimatum
Fri Feb 03, 2017 12:37 pm
Kremlin gives Zakharchenko an ultimatum
Military supervisors have threatened ringleaders "DNR" to resign in the event of loss of control Yasinovatskiy terrorist bridgehead. On February 3 sets Main Intelligence Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in Facebook, reports Observer.
According to intelligence, military and political Russian leadership is trying to force the leaders of the temporarily-occupied territory of Ukraine to the intensified fighting.
"On the morning of February 3 meeting was held with the participation of the so-called Khartsyzk "The head of DNR" Alexander Zakharchenko, Russian military supervisors and representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. The representative of the Russian Federation in the form of an ultimatum warned the leadership of so-called "DNI", in the case of loss of control "Yasinovatskiy springboard" they will be removed from their posts ", - the report says.
onpress.info , In Russian / На русском
Residents of the occupied Donetsk pray, to be true: the house of the leader of "DNI" seen a lot of protection and lorries - called probable cause Zakharchenko escape
Fri Feb 03, 2017 12:44 pm
Residents of the occupied Donetsk pray, to be true: the house of the leader of "DNI" seen a lot of protection and lorries - called probable cause Zakharchenko escape
In occupied Donetsk, near the house of the leader "DNR" was something incomprehensible. On the morning of February 1, the area at the entrance Zakharchenko seen a lot of protection.
In addition to protecting the leader of "DNI" terrorists near the house is a huge amount of KAMAZ, it said. Journalist Alex Matsuka in the social network says it is not clear: whether the occupier decided to escape and is loading his things, whether there is discharge. Across the region rastavleny lot of protection.
Subscribers journalist on Facebook suggest that suicide is actually most likely going to escape due to the dismal failure of the separatists at Avdeevka, which has killed some militants notorious "DNR". "The main thing that worked the elevator button" - yazvyat about a possible escape and cowardly leader "DNI" panellists.
onpress.info, In Russian / На русском
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