【Move to another page】
Quote
https://ift.tt/2KDqeWF
Timeline of the war in Donbass (2017)
DagosNavy: /* January-March */ Add source
[[File:Map_of_the_war_in_Donbass.svg|right|thumb]]
This is a '''timeline of the [[War in Donbass]]''', from 1 January 2017. The timeline follows an ongoing conflict between Ukraine and anti-government pro-Russian separatists supported by Russian troops<ref></ref> in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine.
== January-March ==
* 7 January: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 72 occasions on Ukrainian positions on Orthodox Christmas Day. Six Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> In the northern section of the demarcation line, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Troitske, while Ukrainian redoubts at Novooleksandrivka and Novozvanivka were struck by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Around Donetsk city, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles, supported by 82 mm mortars, opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Troitske. Nearby [[Pisky, Yasynuvata Raion|Pisky]] and Avdiivka became the target of small arms and rocket launchers. The same kind of weapons were used against Ukrainian troops at Luhanske, in the area of Horlivka. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded. Another pro-Russian incursion was repelled at Avdiivka.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The official news agency of Donetsk People's Republic said that Ukrainian tanks shelled Leninske and Kominternove late on Christmas Eve.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 8 January: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 51 occasions on Ukrainian positions,<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> including on 11 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 30 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 10 occasions in Luhansk region.<ref name=":20170109nsdc">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that five Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 8 January.<ref name=":20170109nsdc" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 521 occasions on rebel positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. The Ukrainian military attacked Zheleznaya Balka, Zaitseve, Dzerzhinsky, Yasinuvata, Oleksandrivka, Luhanske, Kominternove, Leninske and Sahanka.<ref></ref> Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire two times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, according to local sources. Armoured fighting vehicles from Luhanske, supported by 120 mm mortars, engaged pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove. Kalinivka was attacked with small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars firing from Luhanske.<ref name=":1"></ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions 28 occasions. Pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Talakivka, in the region of Mariupol. In the same area, 122 mm artillery barrages landed in Shyrokyne, which also became the target of small arms and grenade launchers. Mortar volleys hit Hnutove, Vodiane, Shyrokyne and Troitske. Shyrokyne also came under fire from armoured fighting vehicles, while small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire was reported at Pavlopil and Hnutove. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Ukrainian forces at Troitske were the target of 82 mm mortar and sniper fire. The rebels fired heavy machine guns at Novozvanivka. Around Donetsk city, the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka came under small arms fire and was shelled with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. Nearby Marinka was fired at from armoured fighting vehicles. In the area of Horlivka, Ukrainian troops at Zaitseve were harassed with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire, while armoured fighting vehicles attacked Luhanske. Three soldiers were reported wounded.<ref name=":1" /> Later in the evening, the ATO HQ reported that three Ukrainian servicemen became missing along the demarcation line.<ref></ref> The servicemen were [[Ukrainian Naval Infantry|marines]] operating in the region of Mariupol. On 12 January the ATO spokesman said, that it is impossible to confirm or deny the deaths of three Ukrainian marines who went missing on 8 January without prior identification and forensic examinations.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The [[Ukrainian Navy|Ukrainian Naval Forces]] revealed the names of three marines [[Killed in action|killed]] on 13 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 12 January: According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 78 occasions on Ukrainian positions by the end of the day (including on 16 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 36 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 26 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":170113">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>). Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref></ref> The casualties occurred in the area around [[Popasna]].<ref></ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre on their Facebook page in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions 38 occasions. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Talakivka. Pavlopil, Hnutove and Shyrokyne came under small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne. Around Donetsk city and Horlivka, rebel troops fired small arms, rocket launchers and mortars at Kamyanka, Avdiivka, Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Troitske, Luhanske and Zaitseve. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm mortar barrages landed in Krymske and Ukrainian outposts at Zolote were fired at from small arms and grenade launchers. Ukrainian troops at Novooleksandrivka and Novozvanivka came under small arms fire. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 29 January: Beginning of the [[Battle of Avdiivka]]. The press center of the ATO HQ reported later in the morning that Ukrainian troops had suffered losses when pro-Russian forces launched an assault on Ukrainian positions in the industrial area of Avdiivka in the night of 28 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 22 occasions. In the region of Mariupol, rebel forces fired small arms and grenade launchers at Hnutove, Pavlopil, Vodiane, Shyrokyne and Talakivka, Shyrokyne was also attacked by armoured fighting vehicles. Around Donetsk city, pro-Russian forces broke through the Ukrainian lines in Avdiivka twice, but their assaults were beaten off. Mortar volleys landed in Kamyanka, Opytne and Avdiivka, while pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts in Pisky.<ref name=":6" /> Hostile tanks also attacked Novhorodske, west of Horlivka. In the same area, Luhanske and Zaitseve came under mortar fire.<ref name=":7">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Four Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five others were wounded amid heavy fighting in Avdiivka.<ref name=":6">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Five Ukrainian servicemen were killed, nine wounded and four injured in total in the Donbass.<ref></ref>
* 30 January: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters said that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 71 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 40 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 10 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":0">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>). The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and twenty-four wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 30 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref></ref> Two of the fatalities occurred in Avdiivka, one in Opytne.<ref></ref> Motuzyanyk also specified, that on 29 January not five but four Ukrainian soldiers were [[Killed in action|killed]].<ref name=":0" /> During his daily briefing to the press, deputy minister of defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, [[Eduard Basurin]], reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 2,411 occasions on their positions on this day According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm self-propelled artillery, 152 mm self-propelled artillery and BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers to pound pro-Russian positions at Shyroka Balka, Zaitseve, Dolomitne, Mykhailivka, Vasiliivka, Krasny Partizan, Yasinuvata, Makiivka, Spartak, Yakovliivka, Zhabicheve, Oleksandrivka, Staromykhailivka, Olenivka, Signalne, Dokuchaievsk, Novolaspa, Bela Kamyanka, Sakhanka, Leninske, Kominternove, Dzerzhinsky, Trudovske and Donetsk airport. Four pro-Russian soldiers were killed and seven wounded in action.<ref></ref> Two civilians were injured by shelling in Avdiivka.<ref name=":2017-01-30">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> One pro-Russian militant was captured by Ukrainian forces.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Several attacks of pro-Russian forces on Ukrainian positions, that started in the area of Avdiivka at around 5:00 am, were beaten back by the Ukrainian military. The fighting between the warring parties continued on 30 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five others wounded on the morning of 30 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 37 occasions. Around Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks engaged the Ukrainian strongholds of Avdiivka and Pisky. Krasnohorivka was shelled with 82 mm mortars, while Nevelske, Opytne and Avdiivka became the target of small arms, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. The same kind of weapons were used by the rebels to attack Luhanske, north of Horlivka. In the region of Mariupol, 152 mm artillery barrages landed in Vodiane, and 82 mm mortar volleys struck Lebedynske. Ukrainian troops at Pavlopil, Talakivka, Hnutove, Shyrokyne and Vodiane were engaged with small arms and grenade launchers. Three Ukrainian servicemen were killed, seventeen wounded, and three injured.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> A pro-Russian commander, two subordinates and two civilians were killed in Avdiivka, while a female civilian died to heavy shelling in Makiivka.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 31 January: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 86 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 45 occasions in the region of Mariupol and on 22 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-01">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed (in [https://ift.tt/352CSYI Tonenke]) and eighteen wounded (including 15 in Avdiivka) in action in the Donbass region on 31 January.<ref name=":2017-02-01" /> Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 3,016 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm self-propelled artillery, 152 mm self-propelled artillery and B-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The Ukrainian military targeted Donetsk city, Makiivka, Yasinuvata, Zaitseve, Nikolaevka, Krasny Partizan, Mykhailivka, Ozeryanivka, Shyroka Balka, Dolomitne, Holmivskyi, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Kruta Balka, Staromykhailivka, Oleksandrivka. Vasiliivka, Yakovlivka, Novomariivka, Bela Kamyanka, Sakhanka, Leninske, Dzerzhinsky and Kominternove. Two civilian residents were killed and five wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> In the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire on eight occasions. Armoured fighting vehicles from Krymske engaged pro-Russian positions at Sokolniki, which also became the target of 120 mm mortar fire. Lohvynove and Kalinivka were shelled with 152 mm artillery firing from Luhanske and Mironovske, respectively. Smile received 82 mm mortar fire from Krymske, while 120 mm volleys fired from Novozvanivka landed in Kalynove. Pervomaisk was shelled with 82 mm mortars firing from Popasna.<ref></ref> Fierce fighting continued on this date in and around the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka, where a call for a local ceasefire was largerly ignored by the warring parties.<ref></ref><ref></ref> ATO spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk expressed his "worries" about the right flank of the Ukrainian defences around Avdiivka, which was stormed by pro-Russian tanks. Motuzyanyk described the action as the largest tank offensive in the area since [[Second Battle of Donetsk Airport|the fall of Donetsk airport in rebel hands in January 2015]]. The tanks, gathered at Spartak, charged through the demarcation line at Butivka mining complex and Pisky.<ref></ref> The evacuation of civilian residents from Avdiivka was scheduled for 1 February due to the lack of essential services in the town after the relentless pro-Russian bombardment since 29 January.<ref></ref> The local hospital was already evacuated in the afternoon.<ref></ref> Almost one hundred BM-21 "Grad" artillery rockets landed in Avdiivka throughout the day.<ref name=":8">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Paul Zhebrivskyi, head of the civilian administration of Donetsk Oblast, declared the state of emergency in the war-torn town.<ref></ref>
* 2 February: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 114 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 72 occasions in the region of Mariupol and on 15 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-03">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and eighteen wounded in action in the Donbass region on 2 February. One employee of the [[State Emergency Service of Ukraine|State Emergency Service]] was killed and another wounded, Motuzyanyk added.<ref name=":2017-02-03" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> According to him, the fighting in all fronts was the most intense since 2014.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian sources in Donetsk city reported 14,348 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire over the last week, 8,103 of them involving mortars, tanks, artillery and multiple rocket launchers. There were 18 pro-Russian soldiers killed in action and another 26 wounded over the same period, while 6 civilians died and 34 were wounded by heavy shelling on residential areas.<ref></ref> Officials from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic said that Ukrainian forces broke the truce on 11 occasions within the republic borders. Pro-Russian positions at Kalinivka were shelled six times from Luhanske and Svitlodarsk with automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Kalynove was struck four times by 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery firing from Troitske, while 120 mm mortar volleys fired from Krymske landed in Slavyanoserbsk.<ref></ref> By 2 February in the morning at least 145 civilians,<ref></ref> and as of 5:00 pm 183 civilian residents, including 107 children, had been evacuated from Avdiivka.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 54 occasions. Incessant shelling continued on Avdiivka, where Ukrainian forces were repeatedly engaged by the rebels with small arms, rocket launchers, mortars, tanks and "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. Armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts in nearby Pisky, while Opytne and Marinka were shelled with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm guns. Sniper fire was reported at Marinka. Meanwhile, mortar volleys landed in Luhanske, north of rebel-held Horlivka. In the region of Mariupol, "Grad" single tube rocket launchers were fired at Shyrokyne, which also became the target of 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery along with Vodiane and Chermalyk. Chermalyk was also hit by antitank guided missiles. Berezove and Vodiane were fired at from small arms, grenade launchers and antiaircraft artillery. In the northern front, the rebels fired mortars at Krymske and small arms and rocket launchers at Novozvanivka. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, nine were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Two civilians were killed<!--2 refs combined--> by shelling and two injured in Avdiivka at around 7:30 pm.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> One female civilian was injured by shelling in [[Marinka, Ukraine|Marinka]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Separatist sources claimed that a [[OTR-21 Tochka]] struck a rearguard area in the outskirts of Donetsk city, killing one civilian and wounding another two.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 3 February: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 115 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 65 occasions in the region of Mariupol and on 29 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-04">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--3 KIA, 7 WIA--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and eight wounded in the Donbass region on 3 February.<ref name=":2017-02-04" /> Two of the fatalities occurred near Halytsynivka, the third serviceman was killed at [[Troitske, Yasynuvata Raion|Troitske]].<ref name=":2017-02-04" /> As of 7:00 am, 4 February, 244 civilians, including 114 children, were evacuated from Avdiivka, Motuzyanyk added.<ref name=":2017-02-04" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Separatist sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 1,912 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery and BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The main targets were Donetsk city, Makiivka, Zaitseve, Holmivskyi, Mykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Kruta Balka, Zhabicheve, Oleksandrivka, Dokuchaievsk, Novomariivka, Sakhanka, Tavrya, Kominternove, Leninske and Bezimenne. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded.<ref></ref> According to local officials, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire ten times within the borders of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Kalinivka was sheled from Luhanske with 122 mm and 152 mm artillery, while Kalynove was fired at from Troitske and Novozvanivka with 120 mm mortars. Pro-Russian positions at Lozove were also hit by 120 mm mortar volleys fired from Luhanske. Veselehorivka became the target of 82 mm mortars firing from Troitske and the village of Kalynove-Borshchevate came under 120 mm mortar fire from Popasna.<ref></ref> The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 66 occasions. In the disputed area surrounding Donetsk city, BM-21 "Grad" artillery rockets landed in [[Halytsynivka]]. Pro-Russian tanks attacked Pisky once again, while Avdiivka and Troitske were shelled with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery. Krasnohorivka and Marinka came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. North of Horlivka, Ukrainian forces at Luhanske were engaged with mortars, tanks and artillery. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Shyrokyne, and Vodiane was fired at from armoured fighting vehicles. Chermalyk was struck by antitank guided missiles. "Grad" multiple rocket launchers, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery pounded Ukrainian redoubts at Talakivka, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortar barrages landed in Novotroitske, Lebedynske, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne and Chermalyk, and rocket propelled grenades in Hnutove. Sniper fire was reported at Vodiane and Pavlopil. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces shelled Novozvanivka with 152 mm artillery, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars, Troitske and Popasna with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars and Krymske with rocket launchers. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, five wounded.<ref></ref> A British photographer was wounded by shelling in Avdiivka at around 4:00 am.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Ukraine awarded 94 servicemen of the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine|Armed Forces]] and the [[National Guard of Ukraine|National Guard]]—34 of them posthumously—for personal courage and selfless performance of military duty.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 4 February: The head of the Luhansk People's Republic militia, Colonel Oleg Anashchenko, was killed along with another person while riding on an official car in Luhansk city when the vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Pro-Russian authorities accused "Ukrainian intelligence agents" for his death.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 8 February: Colonel [https://ift.tt/2zlXr6H Mikhail Tolstykh], better known by his callsign Givi was killed early in the morning in Makiivka when his office was hit by an [https://ift.tt/2x6zm34 RPO-A Shmel] incendiary rocket.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref></ref> Military spokesman Eduard Basurin blamed Zorian Shkiryak, an adviser of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for his death.<ref></ref>
* 18 February: The ATO HQ reported that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 105 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 41 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 50 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 14 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-19" />)<!--6 WIA, 3 injured-->.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><!--censor.net contains link to relevant ATO Facebook page--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that nine Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and injured, one serviceman went [[Missing in action|missing]] in the Donbass region on 18 February.<ref name=":2017-02-19">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Two major clashes between the warring parties took place around Avdiivka, Motuzyanyk added.<ref name=":2017-02-19" /> During his daily briefing to the press, deputy minister of defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 2,453 occasions on their positions over the past 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery to attack pro-Russian positions at Mikhaylivka, Dolomitne, Ozeryanivka, Dokuchaievsk, Starolaspa, Novolaspa, Belaya Kamyanka, Novomariivka, Staromariivka, Telmanove, Leninske, Sakhanka, Kominternove, Oktyabr, Bezimennne, Nova Tavrya, Yasinuvata, Krasny Partizan, Yakovliika, Zhabicheve, Spartak, Novonikolaevka, Novozhilivka, Olenovka, Luhanske, Staromykhailivka, Oleksandrovka, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The same source claimed that a Ukrainian assault on Spartak from Pisky and Opytne was repulsed by pro-Russian forces. Three attackers were killed and ten wounded.<ref></ref> Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire ten times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, according to local sources. Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles from Novozvanivka and Troitske opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Kalynove, supported by automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles also shelled Sokolniki and Almazne, which also became the target of automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless guns and 82 mm mortars. Rebel forces at Lohvynove were engaged three times with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles.<ref></ref> In the area of Donetsk city, an engagement involving mortars, tanks and artillery between the warring parties was reported at Avdiivka, where Ukrainian forces were also fired at by small arms, heavy machine guns and grenade launchers. The same kind of weapons were used to attack the Ukrainian strongholds of Pisky, Troitske, Opytne and Nevelske. In the area of Horlivka, Ukrainian troops at Novoluhanske received sniper fire, while Zaitseve, Luhanske and Novoluhanske were the target of small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts at Shyrokyne, while mortar barrages landed in Pavlopil and Vodiane. Rebel forces fired small arms and grenade launchers at Hnutove, Talakivka, Shyrokyne, Pavlopil and Vodiane. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Novooleksandrivka and Krymske, which also became the target of antitank guided missiles. Rocket propelled grenades hit Ukrainian positions at Stanytsia Luhanska.<ref name=":2017-02-192">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Later in the night, a 36-rocket barrage from a BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers struck the surroundings of Vodiane. The strike lasted 30 minutes.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 28 February: The ATO HQ reported that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 117 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 44 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 47 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 26 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-01">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--2 KIA, 2 WIA, 1 injured--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Andriy Lysenko, reported at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and four wounded in the Donbass region on 28 February.<ref name=":2017-03-01" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> During his daily briefing to the press, deputy minister of defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 1,774 occasions on their positions over the last 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery to pound rebel positions at Zaitseve, Dolomitne, Ozeryanivka, Verkhnyotoretske, Vasiliivka, Zheleznaya Balka, Mykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Kruta Balka, Oleksandrivka, Dokuchaievsk, Sakhanka, Leninske, Kominternove, Oktyabr, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport. Sources from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported 20 Ukrainian violations of the truce inside the republic borders. Ukrainian forces used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilles guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles to engage pro-Russian positions at .Lozove, Nyzhne Lozove, Lohvynove, Kalinivka, Mariivka, Molodezhne and Kalynove. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, one was wounded. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian forces at Butivka mining complex. Avdiivka, Troitske and Kamyanka came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The rebels also fired small arms and rocket launchers at Avdiivka, Nevelske and Verkhnyotoretske. In the area of Horlivka, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Zaitseve, Luhanske and Novoluhanske. Zaitseve and Luhanske were also fired at by small arms and grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, the separatists shelled Vodiane with mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Mortar fire was also reported at Hnutove and Shyrokyne, while Ukrainian troops at Pavlopil, Talakivka and Hnutove became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne and Novotroitske. In the northern front, Krymske was pounded by 152 mm artillery, while Ukrainian troops at Stanytsia Luhanska and Novooleksandrivka were harassed by small arms fire.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 1 March: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters said that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 118 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 46 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 52 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 20 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-02">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--1 KIA, 9 WIA--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian servicemen was killed and nine others were wounded in the Donbass region on 1 March.<ref name=":2017-03-02" /> Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 1,520 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. The main targets were Staromykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Kruta Balka, Vasiliivka, Zaitseve, Dolomitne, Dokuchaievsk, Styla, Yasne, Sakhanka, Leninske, Kominternove, Bezimenne, Naberezhne, Oktyabr, Spartak, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport. Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported 19 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire inside the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilles guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles to target rebel positions at Frunze, Lozove, Nyzhne Lozove, Lohvynove, Kalynove, Kalynove-Borshchevate, Mikhaylivka and Kalinivka. The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 58 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk, rebel forces kept up their pressure on Avdiivka. Pro-Russian tanks and armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on the Ukrainian stronghold, supported by rocket launchers.and mortars. Novoselivka, Kamyanka and Pisky became the target of small arms and grenade launchers. The same kind of weapons were used by the separatists around Horlivka to pound Zaitseve and Novhorodske. In the region of Mariupol, 122 mm artillery barrages hit Vodiane and Shyrokyne, while at Novotroitske, Bohdanivka, Pavloipil and Chermalik came under mortar fire. The separatists also fired small arms, and rocket launchers at Talakivka, Pavlopil, Lebedinske and Shyrokyne. Heavy shelling was reported in the northern sector of the demarcation line. Troitske was shelled by 152 mm howitzer, and Krymske by 122 mm artillery. Novozvanivka, Zolote, Orekhove and Troitske were shelled with 82 mm mortars .<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 2 March: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 116 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 30 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 59 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 27 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-03">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--1 KIA, 15 WIA, 7 injured--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Andriy Lysenko, reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and twenty-two were wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 2 March.<ref name=":2017-03-03" /> One civilian was injured by shelling in [[Zolote]] on 2 March, another civilian, a seventy-year-old female was injured in [[Krasnohorivka]] on 1 March.<ref name=":2017-03-03" /> The [[National Police of Ukraine|National Police]] reported that that five civilians had been killed and thirteen wounded in Avdiivka during the first two months of the year.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian officials in Donetsk city reported 11,480 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire over the last week, 3,994 of them involving mortars, tanks and artillery. One pro-Russian soldier was killed and another wounded. The same sources said that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 1,859 occasions on their positions over the past 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. Sources from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic said that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on 18 occasions within the republic borders. Pro-Russian positions at Smile, Molodezhne, Lohvynove, Kalinivka, Kalynove, Zholobok, Berezovske, Kalynove-Borshchevate and Pervomaisk became the target of small arms, grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-2 armoured fighting vehicles and 152 mm artillery. The same sources reported 94 Ukrainian violations of the truce over the past week. According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 78 occasions; one Ukrainian servicemen was killed, eight were wounded. West of Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks continued their attacks on Ukrainian redoubts at Avdiivka and Butivka mining complex, supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Troitske and Avdiivka also became the target of antiaircraft guns, while rocket propelled grenades landed in Kamyanka, Opytne, Marinka and Pisky. Sniper fire harassed Ukrainian troops at Kamyanka and Marinka, and small arms fire was reported at Nevelske. In the area of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles, supported by heavy machine guns, opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Luhnaske. Ukrainian troops at Novhorodske received sniper fire. In the region of Mariupol 20 BM-21 "Grad" artillery rockets struck Ukrainian positions at Vodiane. Mortar barrages landed in Hnutove and Vodiane, while Shyrokyne, Starohnativka, Lebedinske, Talakivka. Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne and Lebedinske. Armoured fighting vehicles opened fire at Shyrokyne, Novohryhorivka and Hnutove. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces shelled Novozvanivka with 152 mm artillery, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortars landed in Novoaleksandrivka, Novozvanivka, Katerinivka, Krymske and Malynove.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 3 March: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarterssaid that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 115 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 39 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 49 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 27 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name="LN2017-03-04">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref name=":2017-03-04">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--2 WIA--><ref name=":17">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman and one border guard were wounded in the Donbass region on 3 March.<ref name="LN2017-03-04" /><ref name=":2017-03-04" /> Separatist officials in the city of Donetsk reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 1,948 occasions on their positions over the past 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery to attack pro-Russian positions at Zaitseve, Horlivka, Yasinuvata, Kruta Balka, Spartak, Kominternove, Telmanove, Sakhanka, Dokuchaievsk, Bezimenne, Oleksandrivka, Trudovske, and Donetsk airport. The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 62 occasions; one Ukrainian soldier was wounded. Around Donetsk city, heavy artillery rounds hit a Ukrainian outpost part of the combined center for control of the ceasefire in Avdiivka. The artillery fire also damaged an OSCE observation post. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on other areas of the town, Earlier in the day, Avdiivka had been pounded by small arms, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars along with Butivka mining complex, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Nevelske, Opytne and Verkhnetoretske. The same kind of weapons were fired at Luhanske and Zaitseve. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske was shelled by 122 mm artillery, while 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Vodiane and Shyrokyne. Pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Shyrokyne, and rebel troops fired small arms and heavy machine guns at Vodiane, Novotroitske, Shyrokyne, Talakivka and Novohryhorivka. Snipers fired at Ukrainian troops at Novotroitske and Vodiane. In the northern section of the demarcation line, mortar fire was reported at Katerinivka, Krymske and Novoaleksandrivka, while heavy machine guns, grenade launchers and antitank guided missiles were fired at Krymske, where Ukrainian positions were engaged by Pro-Russian tanks.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref name=":17" /> The prime minister of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, announced thet the republic will impose their own "trade blockade" on Ukrainian goods. He said they will give preference to Russian products, specially coal. Zakharchenko also declares the nationalization of all private companies within the jurisdiction of the republic.<ref></ref><ref></ref>
* 6 March: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 122 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 35 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 64 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 23 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-07">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--1 KIA, 4 WIA, 1 injured--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and five others were wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 6 March.<ref name=":2017-03-07" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 2,927 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery and BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The main targets were Staromykhailivka, Trudovske, Signalne, Luhanske, Kruta Balka, Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Holmivskyi, Zaitseve, Telmanove, Sakhanka, Bezimenne, Kominternove and Leninske. Local sources recorded ten Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian positions at Kalinivka, Prvomaisk, Kalynove, Frunze, Annivka and Smile using small arms, rocket launchers, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, Zu-23-2 antiaircraft guns and armoured fighting vehicles. According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions 40 occasions; one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded. Around Donetsk city, fighting continued in Avdiivka for the ninth consecutive day. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on the Ukrainian redoubts in the town, which was also pounded by small arms, snipers, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm artillery. Shelling was also reported at Opytne and Marinka, while Ukrainian troops at Kamyanka were harassed by sniper fire. In the area of Horlivka, Zaitseve and Luhanske came under rebel fire. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedynske, Shyrokyne, and Novohryhorivka were shelled by grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. Shyrokyne was also attacked by pro-Russian tanks and Novotroitske by heavy machine gun fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian forces at Novozvanivka, while rocket propelled grenades landed in Zhovte and Krymske.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> A civilian was killed by shelling in [[Kurdiumivka]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 31 March: Deputy chief of the counterintelligence department in the Donetsk region, [[Security Service of Ukraine|Ukrainian Security Service]] (SBU) Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Kharaberiush, was killed by an improvised explosive device while driving his car in the streets of Mariupol. Intelligence sources blame pro-Russian separatists for his assassination.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
== References ==
== External links ==
* [http://mediarnbo.org/ INFORMATION ANALYSES CENTER] of the [[National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine]], provides daily updates, maps, etc., on the current situation <small>(in Ukrainian, Russian, and English)</small>
* [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]] Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, [https://ift.tt/1GTMpDj Daily and spot reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine]
[[Category:Timelines of the War in Donbass]]
This is a '''timeline of the [[War in Donbass]]''', from 1 January 2017. The timeline follows an ongoing conflict between Ukraine and anti-government pro-Russian separatists supported by Russian troops<ref></ref> in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine.
== January-March ==
* 7 January: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 72 occasions on Ukrainian positions on Orthodox Christmas Day. Six Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> In the northern section of the demarcation line, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Troitske, while Ukrainian redoubts at Novooleksandrivka and Novozvanivka were struck by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Around Donetsk city, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles, supported by 82 mm mortars, opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Troitske. Nearby [[Pisky, Yasynuvata Raion|Pisky]] and Avdiivka became the target of small arms and rocket launchers. The same kind of weapons were used against Ukrainian troops at Luhanske, in the area of Horlivka. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded. Another pro-Russian incursion was repelled at Avdiivka.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The official news agency of Donetsk People's Republic said that Ukrainian tanks shelled Leninske and Kominternove late on Christmas Eve.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 8 January: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 51 occasions on Ukrainian positions,<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> including on 11 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 30 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 10 occasions in Luhansk region.<ref name=":20170109nsdc">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that five Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 8 January.<ref name=":20170109nsdc" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 521 occasions on rebel positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. The Ukrainian military attacked Zheleznaya Balka, Zaitseve, Dzerzhinsky, Yasinuvata, Oleksandrivka, Luhanske, Kominternove, Leninske and Sahanka.<ref></ref> Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire two times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, according to local sources. Armoured fighting vehicles from Luhanske, supported by 120 mm mortars, engaged pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove. Kalinivka was attacked with small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars firing from Luhanske.<ref name=":1"></ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions 28 occasions. Pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Talakivka, in the region of Mariupol. In the same area, 122 mm artillery barrages landed in Shyrokyne, which also became the target of small arms and grenade launchers. Mortar volleys hit Hnutove, Vodiane, Shyrokyne and Troitske. Shyrokyne also came under fire from armoured fighting vehicles, while small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire was reported at Pavlopil and Hnutove. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Ukrainian forces at Troitske were the target of 82 mm mortar and sniper fire. The rebels fired heavy machine guns at Novozvanivka. Around Donetsk city, the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka came under small arms fire and was shelled with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. Nearby Marinka was fired at from armoured fighting vehicles. In the area of Horlivka, Ukrainian troops at Zaitseve were harassed with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire, while armoured fighting vehicles attacked Luhanske. Three soldiers were reported wounded.<ref name=":1" /> Later in the evening, the ATO HQ reported that three Ukrainian servicemen became missing along the demarcation line.<ref></ref> The servicemen were [[Ukrainian Naval Infantry|marines]] operating in the region of Mariupol. On 12 January the ATO spokesman said, that it is impossible to confirm or deny the deaths of three Ukrainian marines who went missing on 8 January without prior identification and forensic examinations.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The [[Ukrainian Navy|Ukrainian Naval Forces]] revealed the names of three marines [[Killed in action|killed]] on 13 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 12 January: According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 78 occasions on Ukrainian positions by the end of the day (including on 16 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 36 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 26 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":170113">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>). Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref></ref> The casualties occurred in the area around [[Popasna]].<ref></ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre on their Facebook page in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions 38 occasions. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Talakivka. Pavlopil, Hnutove and Shyrokyne came under small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne. Around Donetsk city and Horlivka, rebel troops fired small arms, rocket launchers and mortars at Kamyanka, Avdiivka, Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Troitske, Luhanske and Zaitseve. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm mortar barrages landed in Krymske and Ukrainian outposts at Zolote were fired at from small arms and grenade launchers. Ukrainian troops at Novooleksandrivka and Novozvanivka came under small arms fire. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 29 January: Beginning of the [[Battle of Avdiivka]]. The press center of the ATO HQ reported later in the morning that Ukrainian troops had suffered losses when pro-Russian forces launched an assault on Ukrainian positions in the industrial area of Avdiivka in the night of 28 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 22 occasions. In the region of Mariupol, rebel forces fired small arms and grenade launchers at Hnutove, Pavlopil, Vodiane, Shyrokyne and Talakivka, Shyrokyne was also attacked by armoured fighting vehicles. Around Donetsk city, pro-Russian forces broke through the Ukrainian lines in Avdiivka twice, but their assaults were beaten off. Mortar volleys landed in Kamyanka, Opytne and Avdiivka, while pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts in Pisky.<ref name=":6" /> Hostile tanks also attacked Novhorodske, west of Horlivka. In the same area, Luhanske and Zaitseve came under mortar fire.<ref name=":7">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Four Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five others were wounded amid heavy fighting in Avdiivka.<ref name=":6">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Five Ukrainian servicemen were killed, nine wounded and four injured in total in the Donbass.<ref></ref>
* 30 January: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters said that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 71 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 40 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 10 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":0">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>). The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and twenty-four wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 30 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref></ref> Two of the fatalities occurred in Avdiivka, one in Opytne.<ref></ref> Motuzyanyk also specified, that on 29 January not five but four Ukrainian soldiers were [[Killed in action|killed]].<ref name=":0" /> During his daily briefing to the press, deputy minister of defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, [[Eduard Basurin]], reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 2,411 occasions on their positions on this day According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm self-propelled artillery, 152 mm self-propelled artillery and BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers to pound pro-Russian positions at Shyroka Balka, Zaitseve, Dolomitne, Mykhailivka, Vasiliivka, Krasny Partizan, Yasinuvata, Makiivka, Spartak, Yakovliivka, Zhabicheve, Oleksandrivka, Staromykhailivka, Olenivka, Signalne, Dokuchaievsk, Novolaspa, Bela Kamyanka, Sakhanka, Leninske, Kominternove, Dzerzhinsky, Trudovske and Donetsk airport. Four pro-Russian soldiers were killed and seven wounded in action.<ref></ref> Two civilians were injured by shelling in Avdiivka.<ref name=":2017-01-30">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> One pro-Russian militant was captured by Ukrainian forces.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Several attacks of pro-Russian forces on Ukrainian positions, that started in the area of Avdiivka at around 5:00 am, were beaten back by the Ukrainian military. The fighting between the warring parties continued on 30 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five others wounded on the morning of 30 January.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 37 occasions. Around Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks engaged the Ukrainian strongholds of Avdiivka and Pisky. Krasnohorivka was shelled with 82 mm mortars, while Nevelske, Opytne and Avdiivka became the target of small arms, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. The same kind of weapons were used by the rebels to attack Luhanske, north of Horlivka. In the region of Mariupol, 152 mm artillery barrages landed in Vodiane, and 82 mm mortar volleys struck Lebedynske. Ukrainian troops at Pavlopil, Talakivka, Hnutove, Shyrokyne and Vodiane were engaged with small arms and grenade launchers. Three Ukrainian servicemen were killed, seventeen wounded, and three injured.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> A pro-Russian commander, two subordinates and two civilians were killed in Avdiivka, while a female civilian died to heavy shelling in Makiivka.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 31 January: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 86 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 45 occasions in the region of Mariupol and on 22 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-01">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed (in [https://ift.tt/352CSYI Tonenke]) and eighteen wounded (including 15 in Avdiivka) in action in the Donbass region on 31 January.<ref name=":2017-02-01" /> Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 3,016 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm self-propelled artillery, 152 mm self-propelled artillery and B-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The Ukrainian military targeted Donetsk city, Makiivka, Yasinuvata, Zaitseve, Nikolaevka, Krasny Partizan, Mykhailivka, Ozeryanivka, Shyroka Balka, Dolomitne, Holmivskyi, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Kruta Balka, Staromykhailivka, Oleksandrivka. Vasiliivka, Yakovlivka, Novomariivka, Bela Kamyanka, Sakhanka, Leninske, Dzerzhinsky and Kominternove. Two civilian residents were killed and five wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> In the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire on eight occasions. Armoured fighting vehicles from Krymske engaged pro-Russian positions at Sokolniki, which also became the target of 120 mm mortar fire. Lohvynove and Kalinivka were shelled with 152 mm artillery firing from Luhanske and Mironovske, respectively. Smile received 82 mm mortar fire from Krymske, while 120 mm volleys fired from Novozvanivka landed in Kalynove. Pervomaisk was shelled with 82 mm mortars firing from Popasna.<ref></ref> Fierce fighting continued on this date in and around the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka, where a call for a local ceasefire was largerly ignored by the warring parties.<ref></ref><ref></ref> ATO spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk expressed his "worries" about the right flank of the Ukrainian defences around Avdiivka, which was stormed by pro-Russian tanks. Motuzyanyk described the action as the largest tank offensive in the area since [[Second Battle of Donetsk Airport|the fall of Donetsk airport in rebel hands in January 2015]]. The tanks, gathered at Spartak, charged through the demarcation line at Butivka mining complex and Pisky.<ref></ref> The evacuation of civilian residents from Avdiivka was scheduled for 1 February due to the lack of essential services in the town after the relentless pro-Russian bombardment since 29 January.<ref></ref> The local hospital was already evacuated in the afternoon.<ref></ref> Almost one hundred BM-21 "Grad" artillery rockets landed in Avdiivka throughout the day.<ref name=":8">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Paul Zhebrivskyi, head of the civilian administration of Donetsk Oblast, declared the state of emergency in the war-torn town.<ref></ref>
* 2 February: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 114 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 72 occasions in the region of Mariupol and on 15 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-03">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and eighteen wounded in action in the Donbass region on 2 February. One employee of the [[State Emergency Service of Ukraine|State Emergency Service]] was killed and another wounded, Motuzyanyk added.<ref name=":2017-02-03" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> According to him, the fighting in all fronts was the most intense since 2014.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian sources in Donetsk city reported 14,348 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire over the last week, 8,103 of them involving mortars, tanks, artillery and multiple rocket launchers. There were 18 pro-Russian soldiers killed in action and another 26 wounded over the same period, while 6 civilians died and 34 were wounded by heavy shelling on residential areas.<ref></ref> Officials from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic said that Ukrainian forces broke the truce on 11 occasions within the republic borders. Pro-Russian positions at Kalinivka were shelled six times from Luhanske and Svitlodarsk with automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Kalynove was struck four times by 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery firing from Troitske, while 120 mm mortar volleys fired from Krymske landed in Slavyanoserbsk.<ref></ref> By 2 February in the morning at least 145 civilians,<ref></ref> and as of 5:00 pm 183 civilian residents, including 107 children, had been evacuated from Avdiivka.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 54 occasions. Incessant shelling continued on Avdiivka, where Ukrainian forces were repeatedly engaged by the rebels with small arms, rocket launchers, mortars, tanks and "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. Armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts in nearby Pisky, while Opytne and Marinka were shelled with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm guns. Sniper fire was reported at Marinka. Meanwhile, mortar volleys landed in Luhanske, north of rebel-held Horlivka. In the region of Mariupol, "Grad" single tube rocket launchers were fired at Shyrokyne, which also became the target of 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery along with Vodiane and Chermalyk. Chermalyk was also hit by antitank guided missiles. Berezove and Vodiane were fired at from small arms, grenade launchers and antiaircraft artillery. In the northern front, the rebels fired mortars at Krymske and small arms and rocket launchers at Novozvanivka. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, nine were wounded.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Two civilians were killed<!--2 refs combined--> by shelling and two injured in Avdiivka at around 7:30 pm.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> One female civilian was injured by shelling in [[Marinka, Ukraine|Marinka]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Separatist sources claimed that a [[OTR-21 Tochka]] struck a rearguard area in the outskirts of Donetsk city, killing one civilian and wounding another two.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 3 February: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 115 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 65 occasions in the region of Mariupol and on 29 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-04">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--3 KIA, 7 WIA--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and eight wounded in the Donbass region on 3 February.<ref name=":2017-02-04" /> Two of the fatalities occurred near Halytsynivka, the third serviceman was killed at [[Troitske, Yasynuvata Raion|Troitske]].<ref name=":2017-02-04" /> As of 7:00 am, 4 February, 244 civilians, including 114 children, were evacuated from Avdiivka, Motuzyanyk added.<ref name=":2017-02-04" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Separatist sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 1,912 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery and BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The main targets were Donetsk city, Makiivka, Zaitseve, Holmivskyi, Mykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Kruta Balka, Zhabicheve, Oleksandrivka, Dokuchaievsk, Novomariivka, Sakhanka, Tavrya, Kominternove, Leninske and Bezimenne. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded.<ref></ref> According to local officials, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire ten times within the borders of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Kalinivka was sheled from Luhanske with 122 mm and 152 mm artillery, while Kalynove was fired at from Troitske and Novozvanivka with 120 mm mortars. Pro-Russian positions at Lozove were also hit by 120 mm mortar volleys fired from Luhanske. Veselehorivka became the target of 82 mm mortars firing from Troitske and the village of Kalynove-Borshchevate came under 120 mm mortar fire from Popasna.<ref></ref> The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 66 occasions. In the disputed area surrounding Donetsk city, BM-21 "Grad" artillery rockets landed in [[Halytsynivka]]. Pro-Russian tanks attacked Pisky once again, while Avdiivka and Troitske were shelled with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery. Krasnohorivka and Marinka came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. North of Horlivka, Ukrainian forces at Luhanske were engaged with mortars, tanks and artillery. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian tanks opened fire on Shyrokyne, and Vodiane was fired at from armoured fighting vehicles. Chermalyk was struck by antitank guided missiles. "Grad" multiple rocket launchers, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery pounded Ukrainian redoubts at Talakivka, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortar barrages landed in Novotroitske, Lebedynske, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne and Chermalyk, and rocket propelled grenades in Hnutove. Sniper fire was reported at Vodiane and Pavlopil. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces shelled Novozvanivka with 152 mm artillery, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars, Troitske and Popasna with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars and Krymske with rocket launchers. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, five wounded.<ref></ref> A British photographer was wounded by shelling in Avdiivka at around 4:00 am.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Ukraine awarded 94 servicemen of the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine|Armed Forces]] and the [[National Guard of Ukraine|National Guard]]—34 of them posthumously—for personal courage and selfless performance of military duty.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 4 February: The head of the Luhansk People's Republic militia, Colonel Oleg Anashchenko, was killed along with another person while riding on an official car in Luhansk city when the vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Pro-Russian authorities accused "Ukrainian intelligence agents" for his death.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 8 February: Colonel [https://ift.tt/2zlXr6H Mikhail Tolstykh], better known by his callsign Givi was killed early in the morning in Makiivka when his office was hit by an [https://ift.tt/2x6zm34 RPO-A Shmel] incendiary rocket.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref></ref> Military spokesman Eduard Basurin blamed Zorian Shkiryak, an adviser of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for his death.<ref></ref>
* 18 February: The ATO HQ reported that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 105 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 41 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 50 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 14 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-02-19" />)<!--6 WIA, 3 injured-->.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><!--censor.net contains link to relevant ATO Facebook page--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that nine Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and injured, one serviceman went [[Missing in action|missing]] in the Donbass region on 18 February.<ref name=":2017-02-19">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Two major clashes between the warring parties took place around Avdiivka, Motuzyanyk added.<ref name=":2017-02-19" /> During his daily briefing to the press, deputy minister of defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 2,453 occasions on their positions over the past 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery to attack pro-Russian positions at Mikhaylivka, Dolomitne, Ozeryanivka, Dokuchaievsk, Starolaspa, Novolaspa, Belaya Kamyanka, Novomariivka, Staromariivka, Telmanove, Leninske, Sakhanka, Kominternove, Oktyabr, Bezimennne, Nova Tavrya, Yasinuvata, Krasny Partizan, Yakovliika, Zhabicheve, Spartak, Novonikolaevka, Novozhilivka, Olenovka, Luhanske, Staromykhailivka, Oleksandrovka, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The same source claimed that a Ukrainian assault on Spartak from Pisky and Opytne was repulsed by pro-Russian forces. Three attackers were killed and ten wounded.<ref></ref> Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire ten times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, according to local sources. Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles from Novozvanivka and Troitske opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Kalynove, supported by automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles also shelled Sokolniki and Almazne, which also became the target of automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless guns and 82 mm mortars. Rebel forces at Lohvynove were engaged three times with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles.<ref></ref> In the area of Donetsk city, an engagement involving mortars, tanks and artillery between the warring parties was reported at Avdiivka, where Ukrainian forces were also fired at by small arms, heavy machine guns and grenade launchers. The same kind of weapons were used to attack the Ukrainian strongholds of Pisky, Troitske, Opytne and Nevelske. In the area of Horlivka, Ukrainian troops at Novoluhanske received sniper fire, while Zaitseve, Luhanske and Novoluhanske were the target of small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts at Shyrokyne, while mortar barrages landed in Pavlopil and Vodiane. Rebel forces fired small arms and grenade launchers at Hnutove, Talakivka, Shyrokyne, Pavlopil and Vodiane. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Novooleksandrivka and Krymske, which also became the target of antitank guided missiles. Rocket propelled grenades hit Ukrainian positions at Stanytsia Luhanska.<ref name=":2017-02-192">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Later in the night, a 36-rocket barrage from a BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers struck the surroundings of Vodiane. The strike lasted 30 minutes.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 28 February: The ATO HQ reported that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 117 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 44 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 47 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 26 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-01">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--2 KIA, 2 WIA, 1 injured--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Andriy Lysenko, reported at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and four wounded in the Donbass region on 28 February.<ref name=":2017-03-01" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> During his daily briefing to the press, deputy minister of defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 1,774 occasions on their positions over the last 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery to pound rebel positions at Zaitseve, Dolomitne, Ozeryanivka, Verkhnyotoretske, Vasiliivka, Zheleznaya Balka, Mykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Kruta Balka, Oleksandrivka, Dokuchaievsk, Sakhanka, Leninske, Kominternove, Oktyabr, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport. Sources from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported 20 Ukrainian violations of the truce inside the republic borders. Ukrainian forces used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilles guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles to engage pro-Russian positions at .Lozove, Nyzhne Lozove, Lohvynove, Kalinivka, Mariivka, Molodezhne and Kalynove. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, one was wounded. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian forces at Butivka mining complex. Avdiivka, Troitske and Kamyanka came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The rebels also fired small arms and rocket launchers at Avdiivka, Nevelske and Verkhnyotoretske. In the area of Horlivka, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Zaitseve, Luhanske and Novoluhanske. Zaitseve and Luhanske were also fired at by small arms and grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, the separatists shelled Vodiane with mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Mortar fire was also reported at Hnutove and Shyrokyne, while Ukrainian troops at Pavlopil, Talakivka and Hnutove became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne and Novotroitske. In the northern front, Krymske was pounded by 152 mm artillery, while Ukrainian troops at Stanytsia Luhanska and Novooleksandrivka were harassed by small arms fire.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 1 March: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters said that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 118 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 46 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 52 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 20 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-02">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--1 KIA, 9 WIA--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian servicemen was killed and nine others were wounded in the Donbass region on 1 March.<ref name=":2017-03-02" /> Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 1,520 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. The main targets were Staromykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Kruta Balka, Vasiliivka, Zaitseve, Dolomitne, Dokuchaievsk, Styla, Yasne, Sakhanka, Leninske, Kominternove, Bezimenne, Naberezhne, Oktyabr, Spartak, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport. Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported 19 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire inside the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military used small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilles guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles to target rebel positions at Frunze, Lozove, Nyzhne Lozove, Lohvynove, Kalynove, Kalynove-Borshchevate, Mikhaylivka and Kalinivka. The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 58 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk, rebel forces kept up their pressure on Avdiivka. Pro-Russian tanks and armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on the Ukrainian stronghold, supported by rocket launchers.and mortars. Novoselivka, Kamyanka and Pisky became the target of small arms and grenade launchers. The same kind of weapons were used by the separatists around Horlivka to pound Zaitseve and Novhorodske. In the region of Mariupol, 122 mm artillery barrages hit Vodiane and Shyrokyne, while at Novotroitske, Bohdanivka, Pavloipil and Chermalik came under mortar fire. The separatists also fired small arms, and rocket launchers at Talakivka, Pavlopil, Lebedinske and Shyrokyne. Heavy shelling was reported in the northern sector of the demarcation line. Troitske was shelled by 152 mm howitzer, and Krymske by 122 mm artillery. Novozvanivka, Zolote, Orekhove and Troitske were shelled with 82 mm mortars .<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 2 March: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 116 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 30 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 59 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 27 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-03">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--1 KIA, 15 WIA, 7 injured--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO, Andriy Lysenko, reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and twenty-two were wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 2 March.<ref name=":2017-03-03" /> One civilian was injured by shelling in [[Zolote]] on 2 March, another civilian, a seventy-year-old female was injured in [[Krasnohorivka]] on 1 March.<ref name=":2017-03-03" /> The [[National Police of Ukraine|National Police]] reported that that five civilians had been killed and thirteen wounded in Avdiivka during the first two months of the year.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian officials in Donetsk city reported 11,480 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire over the last week, 3,994 of them involving mortars, tanks and artillery. One pro-Russian soldier was killed and another wounded. The same sources said that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 1,859 occasions on their positions over the past 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery. Sources from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic said that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on 18 occasions within the republic borders. Pro-Russian positions at Smile, Molodezhne, Lohvynove, Kalinivka, Kalynove, Zholobok, Berezovske, Kalynove-Borshchevate and Pervomaisk became the target of small arms, grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-2 armoured fighting vehicles and 152 mm artillery. The same sources reported 94 Ukrainian violations of the truce over the past week. According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 78 occasions; one Ukrainian servicemen was killed, eight were wounded. West of Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks continued their attacks on Ukrainian redoubts at Avdiivka and Butivka mining complex, supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Troitske and Avdiivka also became the target of antiaircraft guns, while rocket propelled grenades landed in Kamyanka, Opytne, Marinka and Pisky. Sniper fire harassed Ukrainian troops at Kamyanka and Marinka, and small arms fire was reported at Nevelske. In the area of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles, supported by heavy machine guns, opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Luhnaske. Ukrainian troops at Novhorodske received sniper fire. In the region of Mariupol 20 BM-21 "Grad" artillery rockets struck Ukrainian positions at Vodiane. Mortar barrages landed in Hnutove and Vodiane, while Shyrokyne, Starohnativka, Lebedinske, Talakivka. Sniper fire was reported at Shyrokyne and Lebedinske. Armoured fighting vehicles opened fire at Shyrokyne, Novohryhorivka and Hnutove. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces shelled Novozvanivka with 152 mm artillery, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortars landed in Novoaleksandrivka, Novozvanivka, Katerinivka, Krymske and Malynove.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 3 March: The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarterssaid that pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 115 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 39 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 49 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 27 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name="LN2017-03-04">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref name=":2017-03-04">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--2 WIA--><ref name=":17">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman and one border guard were wounded in the Donbass region on 3 March.<ref name="LN2017-03-04" /><ref name=":2017-03-04" /> Separatist officials in the city of Donetsk reported that Ukrainian troops opened fire on 1,948 occasions on their positions over the past 24 hours. According to the statement, the Ukrainian military used small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery to attack pro-Russian positions at Zaitseve, Horlivka, Yasinuvata, Kruta Balka, Spartak, Kominternove, Telmanove, Sakhanka, Dokuchaievsk, Bezimenne, Oleksandrivka, Trudovske, and Donetsk airport. The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions on 62 occasions; one Ukrainian soldier was wounded. Around Donetsk city, heavy artillery rounds hit a Ukrainian outpost part of the combined center for control of the ceasefire in Avdiivka. The artillery fire also damaged an OSCE observation post. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on other areas of the town, Earlier in the day, Avdiivka had been pounded by small arms, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars along with Butivka mining complex, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Nevelske, Opytne and Verkhnetoretske. The same kind of weapons were fired at Luhanske and Zaitseve. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske was shelled by 122 mm artillery, while 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Vodiane and Shyrokyne. Pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Shyrokyne, and rebel troops fired small arms and heavy machine guns at Vodiane, Novotroitske, Shyrokyne, Talakivka and Novohryhorivka. Snipers fired at Ukrainian troops at Novotroitske and Vodiane. In the northern section of the demarcation line, mortar fire was reported at Katerinivka, Krymske and Novoaleksandrivka, while heavy machine guns, grenade launchers and antitank guided missiles were fired at Krymske, where Ukrainian positions were engaged by Pro-Russian tanks.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref name=":17" /> The prime minister of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, announced thet the republic will impose their own "trade blockade" on Ukrainian goods. He said they will give preference to Russian products, specially coal. Zakharchenko also declares the nationalization of all private companies within the jurisdiction of the republic.<ref></ref><ref></ref>
* 6 March: The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 122 occasions on Ukrainian positions (including on 35 occasions in the outskirts of Donetsk city, on 64 occasions in the region of Mariupol, and on 23 occasions in Luhansk region<ref name=":2017-03-07">Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>).<!--1 KIA, 4 WIA, 1 injured--><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The spokesman of the Presidential Administration on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and five others were wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 6 March.<ref name=":2017-03-07" /><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces opened fire on 2,927 occasions on their positions using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured fighting vehicles, tanks, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery and BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The main targets were Staromykhailivka, Trudovske, Signalne, Luhanske, Kruta Balka, Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Holmivskyi, Zaitseve, Telmanove, Sakhanka, Bezimenne, Kominternove and Leninske. Local sources recorded ten Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian positions at Kalinivka, Prvomaisk, Kalynove, Frunze, Annivka and Smile using small arms, rocket launchers, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, Zu-23-2 antiaircraft guns and armoured fighting vehicles. According to the information published by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian positions 40 occasions; one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded. Around Donetsk city, fighting continued in Avdiivka for the ninth consecutive day. Pro-Russian tanks opened fire on the Ukrainian redoubts in the town, which was also pounded by small arms, snipers, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm artillery. Shelling was also reported at Opytne and Marinka, while Ukrainian troops at Kamyanka were harassed by sniper fire. In the area of Horlivka, Zaitseve and Luhanske came under rebel fire. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedynske, Shyrokyne, and Novohryhorivka were shelled by grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. Shyrokyne was also attacked by pro-Russian tanks and Novotroitske by heavy machine gun fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian forces at Novozvanivka, while rocket propelled grenades landed in Zhovte and Krymske.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> A civilian was killed by shelling in [[Kurdiumivka]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* 31 March: Deputy chief of the counterintelligence department in the Donetsk region, [[Security Service of Ukraine|Ukrainian Security Service]] (SBU) Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Kharaberiush, was killed by an improvised explosive device while driving his car in the streets of Mariupol. Intelligence sources blame pro-Russian separatists for his assassination.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
== References ==
== External links ==
* [http://mediarnbo.org/ INFORMATION ANALYSES CENTER] of the [[National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine]], provides daily updates, maps, etc., on the current situation <small>(in Ukrainian, Russian, and English)</small>
* [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]] Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, [https://ift.tt/1GTMpDj Daily and spot reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine]
[[Category:Timelines of the War in Donbass]]
April 25, 2020 at 01:05PM
