Ukraine crisis. News in Brief. Sunday 21 June [Ukrainian sources]

SUNDAY

Please scroll down to view news items added during the course of the day

News -
News seems rather thin on the ground this morning.
I've read of Putin sending in more tanks and APC's, plus troops.
Update - sadly read that 2 more Ukrainian soldiers were killed by the Russian occupiers yesterday. 6 injured.

Weather -
Much cooler this morning. Only 14 at 10.00... quite a shock. Overcast also.
But doesn't look like rain where I am. Not sure of the forecast. Maybe near 20 - high. Two t-shirts needed.
Update - read of some hail in Kharkiv oblast. Very unusual for this time of year.
Apparently 2000 hectares of crops destroyed.

OSCE confirms terrorits use heavy weapons in hot spots (UkrInform)
http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/obse__pidtverdgue__vikoristannya_boyovikami_vagkogo_ozbroe_nnya_v_garyachih_tochkah_2066253
[So Putin is violating the Minsk II agreement - no surprise.
I also read that the osce had said that Putin's fighters had moved heavy weapons towards the front line. ]

10:40
The militants "DNR" staged a storming of the barracks in the Centre of Donetsk (Svidok.ua)
http://svidok.ua/ua/news/article/16226-bojoviki-dnr-vlashtuvali-shturm-kazarm-u-tsentri-donetska
Today, June 20, about 6 pm, the militants "DNR" staged a storming of the barracks of his companions at the address. Rosa Luxembourg, 2. This is reported by witnesses in social networks, reported 62. ua
Presumably these hostels, where currently quartered mercenaries to settle people from the village. Oktyabrsky.
"The soldiers with white bandages removed cars parked and people are advised to go home," "surrounded the dorm with machine-guns with white bandages, chevrons do not had spotted. On average, the dorm was the barracks "," there were 2 BTR, stopped in the yard at the Rose. Two grenade launchers went šmonaût′ porches and basements in the House next to the dormitory. Firing no, already there:) the door blew up.
[Not sure what is going on there... ?! ]

10:39
Ukrainian military purchased 55 Saxon armored cars (Channel 5)
http://www.5.ua/ato-na-shodi/Ukrainskym-viiskovym-prydbaly-shche-55-bronemashyn-Saxon-84638.html

10:41
In the Mar'ïns′ka area of destroyed more than a thousand homes (week. ua)
http://tyzhden.ua/News/139040
[Putin and Lavrov's humanitarian aid, courtesy of Shaun Walker's "DNR guys". ]
10:39
June 21 – the day of summer solstice (our Znam'ânŝina)
http://www.nashaznam.kr.ua/?p=2026
[longest hours of sunlight.]

10:49
Lukashenko: Belarus will do everything to put an end to the war in Ukraine (capital)
http://www.capital.ua/ru/news/48701-lukashenko-belarus-sdelaet-vse-dlya-prekrascheniya-voyny-v-ukraine
[The wording says it all.
He doesn't say "the war between Russia and Ukraine".
Luka is a dictator like Putin. He will do everything he can to stay in power.
And if that means supporting fellow Dictator Putin, and 100,000 Ukrainians being killed, he'll do it. Scumball.]

10:42
McCain: the fact that Ukraine is not a member of NATO, our mistake, but you can fix it (Glavnoe.ua)
http://glavnoe.ua/news/n231063
[Hot air from the American senator. He can't do anything. Obama would probably block any real help to Ukraine anyway.]
10:28
Lithuanian Ambassador: we are ready to set an example and give Ukraine arms (Charter ' 97)
http://www.charter97.org/ru/news/2015/6/21/156412/
[I simply don't believe this. 99% chance it is hot air.]

11:02
Terrorists DNR unexpectedly announced the evacuation of people (' 97)
http://www.charter97.org/ru/news/2015/6/21/156414/
"According to our calculations, we must evacuate 1200 − 1300 people who directly are in the combat zone. I think that in two weeks we'll make it happen. Not less than 20% of that number are children up to 18 years, "said the head of the Kuibyshev district administration of Donetsk Ivan Prikhodko.
[A bit worrying...
What are they planning? Putin has ordered a mega-offensive?
But normally Putin and Lavrov love civilian deaths... strange. ]
11:00
ATO fighters posted a video of "hunting" enemy drones at Pisky (ZN.ua)
http://zn.ua/UKRAINE/boycy-ato-opublikovali-video-ohoty-na-vrazheskie-bespilotniki-v-peskah-180159_.html
Video of where forces ATU conduct search and shooting enemy drones in the sands through which militants adjusts artillery fire. "The enemy is constantly Scouting our positions and adjusts artillery fire. So every night from the Falcon military vision and masterly possession of weapons went to the forefront to clear sky from "air Hunter". This work is not easy: you need to find a subtle enemy in the darkness of the sky and hit in his motor.

11:17
The terrorists shot at area checkpoints; border guard wounded at Mariinka (Commander-in-chief)
http://glavcom.ua/news/303064.html
Today, in 11:12 "Commander in Chief"
Over the past 24 hours in the area of ATO militias 7 times fired at garrisons of the border units, including roadblocks, located on road corridors.
This was reported on the site Area. Twice firing subjected roadblock "Marinka", which together serve border guards and members of the APU. The bandits opened fire from ACOG and sniper rifles, "the statement said. Still 3 times the Russian mercenaries attacked the positions of border guards near Mariinka. The fire raged from AGS, mortars and sniper weapons.
As a result of the shelling, one border policeman was slightly wounded by shrapnel. For medical assistance, he was sent to one of the hospitals of the district. Also LNG terrorists fired on the checkpoint "Yosipovka", which are border guards and military mat. "From 7.00 to 11.00 on Sunday mortar terrorists beat in the direction control point" Gnutovo ".

11:17
The Kremlin said that will solve the conflict in the Donbass, along with the United States (Commander-in-chief)
http://glavcom.ua/news/303056.html
In his opinion, "Norman" format is very fragile and just supplement it with the American side would be risky.
That is why the selected bilateral negotiations with the United States on the format, the head of the Kremlin administration. He said that the situation in Donbass have share the guilt of the United States.
[The Kremlin are always trying to get America involved in the conflict.
Why? I presume so they can carve up Ukraine and decide things themselves.
This statement sugggests the Kremlin wants to ditch the Norman format, and Minsk II, and involve the Americans instead. Just Russia and the Americans. No Ukraine.
Ukraine needs to decide for itself. The war is between Russia and Ukraine. The Americans are simply not involved in any way. The supply of socks aside.
I hope the Americans are not stupid enough to respond positively to this Russia request.  
America can best help by further strengthening sanctions, and starting to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine - like anti-tank weapons.
But yes, I realise both are very unlikely.]

11:22
The "DNR" declare [one] dead in shelling of peaceful settlement (ACH)
21.06.2015, 11:20
Today in Donetsk from projectile killed a civilian.
This follows from a statement by the city administration of Donetsk.
According to the report, about 23:00 shell landed in a House on the street Chernogorodski.
As a result, killed a man, one woman was injured.

[Combined with the order for an evacuation, this is wierd.
Some new tactic of Putin? He plans a "response to defend civilians" ?  
People in Donetsk have started protesting, saying that Shaun Walker's "DNR guys" are shelling from residential areas.
Hiding behind civilians. ..
Or maybe this is just to give Walker and David Blair something to write about. And other Russian "journalists".. ]

11:45
At night the terrorists shelling positions of the troops at the Donetsk airport (out loud)
http://vgolos.com.ua/news/vnochi_terorysty_provely_shkvalnyy_obstril_pozytsiy_viysk_bilya_donetskogo_letovyshcha_183812.html

11:15
To pave ground corridor to the Crimea, Putin needs 14 days of war; intelligence of the United States (Zik.ua)
http://zik.ua/ua/news/2015/06/21/shchob_proklasty_suhoputniy_korydor_do_krymu_putinu_treba_14_dniv__rozvidka_ssha_600689

11:59
Militants blew up a road bridge in Troitska (the Telegraph)
http://telegraf.com.ua/ukraina/obshhestvo/1943249-boeviki-vzorvali-avtomobilnyiy-most-v-troitskom.html
[Bridge over the River Lugan.
More mindless vandalism by Putin, Lavrov and their terrorists. ]




11:55
In Kharkiv region. hail destroyed 2ooo hectares of crops, RNGS (RBC-Ukraine)
http://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/harkovskoy-obl-grad-unichtozhil-tys-ga-posevov-1434873050.html
[amazing - hail in mid-June?! ]

12:58
Ukrainian partisans inflicted damage invaders (' 97)
http://www.charter97.org/ru/news/2015/6/21/156425/
According to speaker ATO Anton Mironovich, fighting terrorist activity after two days of relative calm again went up the Hill-83 violations of silence for 20 June. Moreover, we are talking mainly about major artillery calibers; on all fronts, through the night and morning, writes real-vin.com.
Including militants LNR to midnight lupili of 120 mm mortars, 122 and 152-mm howitzers on Zolotoi , and Bakhmutka. After midnight the powerful shelling tumbled on the Ukrainian position from Popasnaya and Troitska.
But blogger Sputnik ATO reports: "in krasnodon (occupied territory) in Luhansk oblast burned a factory for the manufacture of moulds for the occupiers. Locals believe that it is the work of Ukrainian partisans.

13:05
Yesterday two soldiers died in the ATO zone
http://tyzhden.ua/News/139048
"During the last 24 hours as a result of active warfare, provocation two Ukrainian soldiers were killed, another six were injured," said Lysenko.
Recall that during the day most of the militants fired again at Donetsk.
Also, according to the OSCE, near Donetsk airport intensified attacks.

13:25
In Gorlovka [terrorists] shot 22-year-old birthday boy for violating curfew (NewsOboz)
http://newsoboz.org/proisshestviya/za-narushenie-komendantskogo-chasa-v-gorlovke-rasstrelyali-21062015005422
[Shaun Walker and Putin's "guys" doing a good job at killing civilians.
Bet you Walker doesn't write about this for Russiaprofile and The Guardian. Scumball]

In English
======

OSCE confirms use of heavy artillery by Donbas rebels
http://zik.ua/en/news/2015/06/21/osce_confirms_use_of_heavy_artillery_by_donbas_rebels_600695
[They should just call them Putin's thugs, no more, no less.]

Russia using its gas weapon against Ukraine
http://zik.ua/en/news/2015/06/21/russia_using_its_gas_weapon_against_ukraine_600669
Lithuania is prepared to supply the natural gas to Ukraine from its recently built LNG-built but Russia is trying to prevent this, Lithuania Ambassador in Ukraine Marjus Yanukosis said June 20, speaking on Kanal 5 TV , UNN reported....

A posting from the Russian press.
A supporter of Nalavno, Russian opposition figure, was attacked in Magadan.
He had his teeth knocked out.
The police arrested his friends, rather than the bandits.
Such is life in fascist Russia.
======

In Magadan, a supporter of Navalny teeth knocked out, and police detained his companions
http://newsru.com/russia/21jun2015/taralov.html
[Police will get a good bonus from Putin for this, no doubt. ]

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday risked further angering the Kremlin by suggesting that English lessons replace Russian ones in schools to improve the country's standard of living.

"English should become the second language to be taught in schools," Poroshenko said on a visit to Lviv, a nationalist bastion of political support for the new pro-Western leader where Russian speakers make up a minority.

"There is a connection between people's standard of living and their level of knowledge of English," he said. "The more Ukrainians speak English, the better off Ukraine will be."

Russian has historically been the second language in Ukraine, a country linguistically split into the Ukrainian-speaking west and Russian-speaking east, where pro-Moscow separatists have declared independence in two regions..................

Read further at link: news.yahoo.com

U.S. Sen. John McCain has said during a visit to Ukraine that it is shameful that Washington's European allies have not done more to assist Ukrainian forces in their quest to defeat Russian-backed separatists in the east.

McCain was part of a delegation of U.S. senators that met Saturday with senior Ukrainian officials, including President Petro Poroshenko, after visiting troops and volunteers working on the front line.

The U.S. Senate this week approved a bill that includes provisions to supply Ukraine with $300 million worth of defensive military equipment. Approval from Congress and the White House is still pending....................

Read further at link: ap.org

Crash Investigation Results Flight MH17 "Malaysian Airlines" will be destructive for Russia.

Such an opinion in an interview to "5 channel" expressed Ambassador at Large MFA of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, - the "Gordon" .

"He tells the truth, which we already know. He will be destructive for Russia. Russian stuffing another 21 own version of what is happening to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of the audience," - the diplomat noted.

Kuleba reminded that the report should be published by July 17 - the anniversary of the disaster.

glavnoe.ua: In Russian

Private lenders during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine issued $ 40 billion of loans, the prime minister said Yatsenyuk, reports "Interfax-Ukraine" .

As noted, the authorities plan to repay them and gradually reduce the country's external debt.

"Private lenders three years issued $ 40 billion, and we are the world promised in the next 4 years, $ 25 billion. At the same time, getting these loans, we have given our lenders, and we were able to reduce the external debt of the country, so as not to transfer these debts next generation "- said Yatsenyuk in the program" 10 minutes with Prime Minister. "

The head of government noted that Ukraine was able to return in 2014 to foreign creditors $ 14 billion, taking into debt is much less.

"Last year we took a $ 9 billion, and returned to our foreign creditors $ 14 billion, which we did not take. It Yanukovich (former president Viktor Yanukovych - Ed) so widely and generously (taking loans - Ed), "- said Yatsenyuk.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

OSCE Chairman, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, said that the war in Donbass stopped and ceasefire violations are the exception. He said this to journalists on Sunday in Belgrade after a meeting with the future special representative in Ukraine Martin Saydikom transmit "RIA Novosti"

"Stopped the war, there ceasefire violations, but these are the exceptions," - said Dacic.

Also, the OSCE chairman promised to increase numerically mission in Ukraine, composed during the summer reaches 650 people.

In addition, Dacic said that in the near future Saydik will take over as the special representative of the OSCE in the tripartite contact group in Ukraine instead of retiring, Heidi Tagliavini.

"It will be my personal representative, in terms of decision-making, we will be in constant contact," - said Dacic.

OSCE Chairman said that Saydik on June 23 will be in Minsk on trilateral meeting of the contact group.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Militants in the Donbass 48 times per day fire on positions of the antiterrorist operation. At the headquarters regard the situation in the zone of the ATO as a complex with signs of further aggravation. It is reported by the press center of the ATO to Facebook.

The headquarters said that militants are increasingly using weapons banned Minsk Agreement.

"So, for today's pro-Russian militants hybrid gangs were applied 48 times fire strikes on the strong points and roadblocks forces ATO. In addition, from tanks and mortars hit on urban infrastructure and development Pervomaisky, near Donetsk. Total in this direction were 34 cases of the use of weapons against Ukrainian soldiers, "- said in a statement.

120-mm mortars, howitzers, 152 mm caliber weapons and tanks militants often fire at Avdeevka, experienced, sand, water, mine "Butovka" birch and Karlovka. In the area of ​​Marinka snipers were active fighters and fired 120-mm mortars.

"Lugano, near Artemovsk, fired the powerful 152-mm artillery systems. By Myronivsky occupants beaten mortar. A near Crimea was reflected armed provocation of sabotage and reconnaissance group NFP ", - stressed in the headquarters of the ATO.

At the headquarters regard the situation in the zone of the ATO as a complex with signs of further aggravation.

They estimate that during this week 565 militants shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

"This figure is virtually identical to the statistics of attacks by bandits last week. And compared to May it is characterized by a marked deterioration of the situation by the NFP across the demarcation line, "- added to the staff.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Lithuania is ready to supply gas to Ukraine with a newly built LNG-terminal, but it is hampered by Russia, said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to Ukraine Marius Janukonis.

"Ukraine has made a very important step for energy security - and it is the reverse, and an increase in energy efficiency. We are also ready for its part to help in this process, we are talking about gas transit from Lithuania, from the terminal LNG, which we just built, "- said Janukonis.

He noted that on the way to this, there are certain political issues.

"Unfortunately, the Russian" Gazprom ", which owns the pipelines, using political pressure on energy and economic projects", - he explained.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Kremlin propagandists, Vladimir Solovyov, known for his ardent anti-Ukrainian stance, contrary to the previously broadcasted by himself the idea that Russia will not leave his supporters in the lurch, changed the rhetoric, saying that the Russian separatists nothing from the Donbas not promised and therefore nothing should .

Responding to a question from the audience, how to make sure that no pro-Russian militants felt betrayed, Solovyov said that they had been betrayed, because they have no one promised.

"That is the fundamental point. The people that come up with something yourself, "- said Solovyov.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Russia considers the territory of its neighbors, as their property, which prevents the reduction of tension in Europe and creates more difficulties for Russia, the president of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili.

"Russian politicians are sending a very clear message: basically, we are talking about Russia's attitude to the neighboring countries. She sees them as its territorial property, which is eligible for tough action by the use of military force and shall respond to any tensions in these countries, "- he said, speaking at the session" area hesitation: the European Neighbourhood Policy "at the forum in Bratislava GLOBSEC , reports "Georgia Online».

According to him, it is not only hinders the solution of the question, but creates more problems and threats to the future of the region and brings difficulties and Russia. No one knows where the problems arise in the future, but we have announced range of potential dangers.

"Half of the Eurasian continent - Russia's neighbors. Hitherto existing examples show that, if there is any problem, complexity, instability, provoked from inside or outside, Russia responds first. So when we talk about the forecasts, in the case of some tension in all the countries neighboring Russia, it is already possible to think that it will grow into a big problem, "- said the President of Georgia.

As you know, Georgia is permitted countrymen to fight in the army terrorized Russia Ukraine.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Police detained 20 tons of Polish meat, which is carried on smuggling occupied Donbass.

It is reported by the press service of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. In particular, the patrol police detained two trucks transporting 20 tonnes of Polish meat. Truck routes ran through Cherkasy Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The final destination, according to the accompanying documents, was to be Artemovsk. "Waggons detained in the town of Dzerzhinsk while trying to illegally cross the boundary line. In the process of clarifying the circumstances of carriers have admitted that the meat had planned to deliver to the city of Makeyevka in the factory "Kolbiko" - said in a statement. According to the press service of the State Administration, to help smuggle illegal goods into the occupied territory has agreed to locals who work for his promised reward of 10 thousand. UAH.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

The head of the Russian Presidential Administration Sergei Ivanov voiced his version of why the head of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has signed the Minsk Agreement.

He constantly speaks of the "Ukrainian domestic" conflict.

"Ideal - is the Minsk Agreement. The president did not knowingly say that "if we have something did not suit in February at the talks in Minsk, I would not put my signature." But he did it. So, it comes from the fact that the basis of the Minsk Agreement is ideal solutions Ukrainian domestic conflict. I emphasize: Domestic Ukrainian, "- he said in an interview with the program" Vesti on Saturday "Sergei Brilev."

He also stressed that Russia had a "major impact" on suicide, as a result they "changed their position."

"They have already voted for independence earlier, and now said:" We are ready to remain a part of Ukraine, "- said Ivanov.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

In Kiev on Monday night explosions occurred near two offices "Sberbank of Russia", reports portal "Ukraine criminal"

An unknown device has been undermined at a bank branch at the address: Str. Akhmatova, 46-A.

According to eyewitnesses, demolished the door, letters, signs. Information about the victims specified. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry declared a plan for "cordon" covered street Akhmatova and Urlovskaya.

The second explosion occurred at about the same time, about 1.00 on June 22 near Kurenivka.

"Bezobolochnoe explosive device. Destructions, so plaster and partly of glass. A typical provocation (("- said in his facebook volunteer Dmitry Vitov.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Russia can not and does not want to prevent the influx of mercenaries in the armed militias in the Donbas. This was stated by Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev.

"We have this (to become volunteers and sent to the Donbass - Ed.) Did not call and do not encourage this. But realistically, it is impossible to prevent this. After all, two million refugees from the Ukraine did not just come to Russia - they have relatives and friends there ... ", - Patrushev said in an interview with "Kommersant" .

According to him, the conflict in Ukraine can be solved without war, if you follow the Minsk agreements, but they are not implemented.

"... We are ready to provide and support the Ukrainian refugees ..." - said the secretary of the Russian Security Council.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Adviser to the Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Shkiryak Zoryan said that the situation in the zone of the antiterrorist operation may indicate the onset of preparing militants. Thus he wrote to Facebook.

"Given the situation, what is happening today in all areas of the eastern front, we can say that Russian-terrorist forces may conduct training to the planned offensive. Significant concentrations of enemy heavy equipment, tanks, MLRS, artillery cannon on the demarcation line indicates the Kremlin's desire to move on to a new stage of escalation of the military conflict in the Donbass "- wrote Shkiryak.

However, according to him, the militants are serious problems with manpower.

"They are scared, because from the beginning of June are huge losses in killed and wounded. Since the events in Marinka, the militants have lost more than 400 people dead and about 600 wounded. At the morgue and hospitals of Donetsk and Luhansk - sold out. Are everywhere, even in emergency rooms. Treat nothing, unsanitary conditions and chaos ", - he added.

Shkiryak also noted that Putin could again apply a regular part of the Armed Forces in an attempt to break into the territory in several parts of the front line.

"Now the military personnel of the Russian army on the territory of Ukraine more than 10 thousand. Most likely it will be a blow to Shirokino (Lebedinsky) Marinka - Artemovsk, village Luganskaya- Happiness" - he stressed.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

In the Internet there was a video from surveillance cameras branch "Sberbank of Russia" in Kiev, next to which there was an explosion.

The video shows that the man in the jacket puts a door separating the bag and leaves.

Some time later a loud explosion.

An unknown device has been undermined at a bank branch at the address: Str. Akhmatova, 46-A.

The second explosion occurred at about the same time, about 1.00 on June 22 near Kurenivka.



As reported by "Commander" in Kiev explosions near the offices of "Sberbank of Russia".

glavcom.ua: In Russian