January 23, 2015
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO) reported at 12:30 PM Kyiv time that Kremlin-backed terrorists continued to try to capture strategic positions from which to carry out further military operations. The Russian Federation continues to strengthen its military contingent in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin-backed terrorist forces are being rotated out for soldiers of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
On the move … a pro-Russian armoured vehicle heads toward Slovyanoserbsk, eastern Ukraine, on January 21, 2015. Picture: AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov Source: AP
The number of Russian troops in areas under the control of Kremlin-backed terrorists has reached over 9,000 – the highest number since the beginning of the conflict. Kremlin-backed terrorists continued shelling Ukrainian positions with Grads (truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers), artillery, mortars, and tanks. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Kremlin-backed terrorists shelled Ukrainian positions 115 times in the last 24 hours.
The RNBO reported at 12:30 PM Kyiv time that in the last 24 hours 3 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded. The Ministry of Defense reported at 5 PM Kyiv time that in battles near Opytne and Vodyane, Donetsk oblast, Ukrainian soldiers killed more than 50 Kremlin-backed terrorists. Ukrainian soldiers captured 2 enemy armored personnel carriers and artillery, and destroyed 4 enemy tanks
Kremlin-backed terrorist “leader” of the so-called Donetsk “Peoples’ Republic,” A. Zakharchenko, stated that they “will not make any attempts at ceasefire talks anymore,” the BBC reported.
Briefing prepared by Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Comments