Donetsk, Dec 29 – DAN. DPR intelligence recorded the deployment of Ukrainian MLRS Uragan and Akatsia self-propelled howitzers to the contact line on Donetsk and Mariupol axes, DPR Operations Command deputy commander Eduard Basurin told a news briefing at Donetsk News Agency on Thursday.
“Our intelligence keeps recording the strengthening of Ukrainian army positions near the contact line,” Basurin said.
Three MLRS Uragan were spotted arriving at Elizavetovka (Donetsk axis, 18 km from the contact line). Two Akatsia 152mm howitzers were revealed in Starognatovka village area (outside Volnovakha, 4.5 km from the contact line).
“Minsk agreements violation data were passed to OSCE mission and Joint Centre for Control and Coordination representatives,” Basurin added.
DPR intelligence reports Kiev’s regular deployment of military equipment to the conflict zone. Under The Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements signed by the Contact Group on February 12, 2015, the sides have to withdraw their artillery systems of 100 mm calibre or more to a distance of 50 kilometres apart from each other, multiple launch rocket systems Tornado, Uragan and Smerch to a distance of 70 kilometres and Tactical Missile Systems Tochka to a distance of 140 kilometres. The Addendum to the Minsk Agreements signed in September provides for the parties’ withdrawal of their artillery systems of a calibre less than 100 mm, as well as tanks and mortars. *jk