Ukraine War Update – 30-31 May 2015

Sunday, May 31, 2015  5:43 AM PDT

Azov reports about ongoing fight in Shyrokyne, another battle under way near Triokhizbenka

   (UNIAN) --- Fighting in the village of Shyrokyne, near the Ukrainian-controlled city of Mariupol in Donetsk region, is under way at the moment; Russian-backed militants are firing on Ukrainian troops from small arms, according to Press Secretary of the Azov Regiment Oleksandr Alferov, 112.ua reported.

   The situation in Shyrokyne is difficult despite the Orthodox holiday Pentecost / Photo from facebook.com/ato.news

   "At the moment, we hear gunfire again… The day isn't calm today," Alferov said.

   According to him, the situation is difficult today despite the fact that the Ukrainians mark the Orthodox holiday Pentecost on Sunday.

   "The terrorists continue firing from heavy machine guns. Therefore, the situation is tense, despite the holiday," he added.

   Another severe fighting is under way near the village of Triokhizbenka in Luhansk region.

   The battle near a destroyed bridge in Triokhizbenka has been lasting since 1100 Kiev time on Sunday, spokesman for the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters in Luhansk region Ruslan Tkachuk told Channel 5. Militants are using small arms and rifle-attached grenade launchers.

   What is more, the enemy started shelling the outskirts of the town of Schastia shortly after Sunday noon, using 82mm-caliber mortars and heavy machine guns.
Sunday, May 31, 2015  5:31 AM PDT

Russian army’s ration pack found near Mariupol.

   (Censor.NET) --- Mariupol residents have found ration pack labeled ‘Russian Army' during a visit to their relatives lose to Novoazovsk town.

   Censor.NET reports citing 0626
   There are food supply problems in the 'DPR'-controlled territories. That's why a lot of Mariupol families are trying to help their relatives on occupied territories.  During one of such visits, Russian army's ration pack (made by Moscow Voentorg Company) has been found.
   As you can see on the photos, the ration pack consists of a variety of canned rations, biscuits, chocolate, jam, applesauce and devices for food heating.

Sunday, May 31, 2015  4:01 AM PDT

One soldier killed and one more wounded over past 24 hours

   (Censor.NET) --- On May 30, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in fighting within the anti-terrorist operation in the Donbas.

   Speaker of the Presidential Administration in the ATO matters, Colonel Oleksandr Motuzianyk informed at a briefing, Censor.NET reports.
   "One Ukrainian soldier was killed and one wounded," he said.

Sunday, May 31, 2015  3:20 AM PDT

Azov battalion soldier wounded in Shyrokyne

   (Censor.NET) --- The terrorists shelled Azov battalion’s positions in Shyrokyne, at 9.30 p.m. on May 30.

   Censor.NET reports citing Azov Vkontakte page

   According to the report, the shelling lasted for about 40 minutes. One Azov soldier was wounded in the attack.
   Dmytro Horbunov, the M sector press officer, confirmed that the positions of Ukrainian soldiers at Shyrokyne village were shelled with grenade launchers, 82-mm and 120-mm mortars. Moreover, a terrorists' drone was spotted in the M sector for the first time over the last two days.

Sunday, May 31, 2015  2:17 AM PDT

Civilian wounded in terrorist shelling of Shchastia

   (Censor.NET) --- Yesterday, the militants continued shelling the town of Shchastia with different types of weapons from Vesela Hora village.

   A mine nearly hit an apartment house on Enerhetyky street in Shchastia, Censor.NET reports citing the official website of the head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration Hennadii Moskal.
   According to him, a local 66-year-old man was injured by shrapnel. He was taken to the hospital. There is no threat to his life.

   "Over the night, Shchstia was shelled from automatic grenade launchers, mortars, and small arms. The militants also fired at the area near the bridge over Siverskyi Donets River where Ukrainian troops are located. There is no information about killed or wounded," the report reads.
   Last night fighting was reported in Stanytsia Luhanska (shelling from machine-guns, mortars, and anti-tank grenade launchers), Krymske (local shootouts) and on Bahmutka highway near the 29th checkpoint (automatic shooting, sporadic explosions).

Sunday, May 31, 2015  1:48 AM PDT

Saakashvili promises making Odessa capital of Black Sea region

   (Interfax) --- The newly appointed head of Odessa Regional Administration Mikheil Saakashvili has promised to make Odessa the capital of the Black Sea region.

   "Odessa is the city with the potential that was unused as much as nowhere else. This is not weakness, this is a unique opportunity… This is the city and the region where many things can be done and everything will be possible," Saakashvili said, addressing Odessa region officials.

   He said that the core potential of Odessa is people. He said that it is honor for him to work in Odessa and with Odessa residents.

Saakashvili said that Odessa needs serious changes.

   "New rules are required, as well as new people and new directions to bring more tourists to Odessa and more investors, which is even more important," he said.

   He said that the main task is to leave artificial and forced conflicts in the past.

Saakashvili said that with people who have not only experience of work, "but also experience of deency and patriotism, we will build new Ukraine."

   "People think about relaxation in Odessa, but I came here not to relax, I don't have time. I will work and I invite everyone to work together so that people feel that something is really changed, as everyone is annoyed with talks – everyone needs changes. When they see them, then they believe in them," he said.

Sunday, May 31, 2015  1:39 AM PDT

Withdrawn heavy weapons disappear from holding sites – OSCE

   (Censor.NET) --- Movement of weapons violates the Minsk withdrawal lines.

   Latest report of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine as of 7.30 p.m. on May 29 reads, Censor.NET reports.
   The SMM observed discrepancies of recorded heavy weapons at a number of Ukrainian Armed Forces, 'DPR' and 'LPR' holding areas.
   The Mission found nine multiple launch rocket systems MLRS (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) missing from the 'LPR' holding sites, while six self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) and two D-30 towed howitzers (122mm) were missing from the 'DPR' holding areas. 'DPR' members nearby told the SMM that the weapons had temporarily been moved to a training area south of Ternove. The Mission stressed that movement of heavy weapons from the holding areas is non-compliant with the Minsk withdrawal lines.
   The observers stressed that their monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations. The SMM remained unable to travel to Shyrokyne due to security considerations.
   The SMM observed a continuing increase in the number of ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk airport. Over a seven-hour period from an observation point at the city's central railway station (8km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM heard a total of 179 explosions on 29 May (compared to 150 on 28 May, 13 on 27 May, and 73 on 26 May and 170 on 25 May).

Sunday, May 31, 2015  12:17 AM PDT

Clashes reported near Mykolaivka and Troitske

   (Censor.NET) --- Provocations by Russian-terrorist groups continued from 6 p.m. yesterday until Trinity Sunday morning.

   The most intense shelling was observed in the Donetsk sector, Censor.NET reports citing the ATO press center.
   The terrorists fired at Opytne, Pisky, Novotroitske, Marinka, and Hranite with different types of mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy machine guns. At night, Ukrainian troops clashed with sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the militants near Mykolaivka. The criminals were forced to retreat.
   In the Artemivsk sector, Kirove and Zolote were mortared and shelled with rocket-propelled grenades. A clash was reported near Troitske.
   In the Luhansk sector, the terrorists fired at Zolote-4 and Stanytsia Luhanska from automatic grenade launchers. In the Mariupol sector, they fired at Shyrokyne with small arms and mortars three times. After 11 p.m., combat silence was observed there.

Saturday, May 30, 2015  9:11 AM PDT

Terrorists continue destroying Shyrokyne

   (Censor.NET) --- Pro-Russian militants fired at ATO forces' positions in Shchastia, Shyrokyne, and near Donetsk on May 30.

   Censor.NET reports citing the ATO press center on Facebook.
   "The situation in the Donbas remained tense from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fire is reported in the Luhansk, Donetsk, and Mariupol sector. Shchastia town (Luhansk region) was shelled from heavy machine guns and small arms, while Shyrokyne was shelled from automatic grenade launchers," the report reads.
   In the Donetsk sector, Pisky and Hranitne were shelled with 122mm artillery and 120mm mortars. The terrorists fired at Avdiivka with automatic mounted grenade launchers. Sniper fire was also reported there.
   "In Pisky village, automatic mounted grenade launchers, the criminals fired with automatic mounted grenade launchers, sniper rifles, and small arms. The militants continued destroying Shyrokyne (Mariupol sector) using automatic grenade launchers and small arms," the press center added.

Saturday, May 30, 2015  8:03 AM PDT

OSCE observers saw armed child at 'DPR' checkpoint

   (Censor.NET) --- The militants of the self-proclaimed 'DPR' involve children in their activities.

   This was announced at today's briefing of the Presidential Administration ATO speaker Andrii Lysenko, who cited the SMM OSCE report as of May 28, Censor.NET writes.
   "At a checkpoint on the outskirts of 'DPR'-controlled Makiivka (10km east of Donetsk), the SMM observed a child, approximately 12-14 years old, wearing a camouflage uniform and holding an AK-47 rifle. The boy was guarding one of the checkpoints at the entrance to the town," Lysenko said.

Saturday, May 30, 2015  8:03 AM PDT

   ‘DPR’ leader Zakharchenko is reported to have health issues - OSCE

   (UTR.TV) --- This was reported by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) on May 28, Censor.NET informs citing Liga.

   Alexander Zakharchenko, the "prime minister" of the 'DPR' told the SMM that he was unavailable to attend meetings outside the country until the end of July due to health reasons.
   It was reported earlier that 'DPR' leader Alexander Zakharchenko and his 'LPR' counterpart Igor Plotnitsky have ignored meeting with a contact group in Minsk. 

Saturday, May 30, 2015  7:07 AM PDT

Two columns of armoured vehicles entered Donbas over past 24 hours

   (UTR.TV) --- Over the past 24 hours, dozens of Russian armoured vehicles crossed the border illegally.

   Channel 5, Censor.NET reports.

   "In reference to the border, two vehicles column have crossed it over the past 24 hours. And I'm not talking about the next 'humanitarian' convoy. What I am talking about are two columns of armoured vehicles, which means dozens of vehicles. The terrorists are definitely expanding military might," Halushko said. 

Saturday, May 30, 2015  6:09 AM PDT

Saakashvili becomes Ukrainian citizen – decree

   (Interfax) --- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree on admission of Ukrainian citizenship to Mikheil Saakashvili.

   According to a decree posted on the president's website on Saturday on admission of Ukrainian citizenship to Saakashvili as a person the admission of Ukrainian citizen for whom is of Ukraine's state interest, Saakashvili, born in Georgia and living in Kiev, acquires Ukrainian citizenship.

Saturday, May 30, 2015  4:52 AM PDT

Militants launch 14 attacks on ATO forces for past 24 hours

   KIEV, May 30 (Ukrinform). --- Militants continue to use mortars, grenade launchers, small arms, as well as weapons, prohibited by the Minsk agreements.

Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on the anti-terrorist operation, Colonel Andriy Lysenko, has said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

   "Over past 24 hours, 120-mm mortars were used to launch seven attacks, 122-mm artillery was used to launch five attacks, while Russian mercenaries used tanks twice," he said.

   According to Lysenko, the tensest situation remains in Donetsk direction: "The large number of attacks coming from various types of weapons recorded near the Donetsk airport, on the outskirts of Horlivka and south-west of Donetsk."

Saturday, May 30, 2015  3:45 AM PDT

Situation in Ukraine's eastern regions.

   KIEV, May 30 (Ukrinform). --- The situation in eastern Ukraine remains tense. Despite the declared ceasefire, Russian-backed terrorists continue to fire at Ukrainian army positions and settlements in Donbas.

   The map reflecting the situation in Donbas as of 12.00 on May 30 has been released by the information and analytical center of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council.

Saturday, May 30, 2015  3:31 AM PDT

Four Ukrainian servicemen wounded in ATO area for past 24 hours

   KIEV, May 30 (Ukrinform). --- No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, four were wounded as a result of fighting in the ATO area for past 24 hours.

   Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on the anti-terrorist operation, Colonel Andriy Lysenko, has said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

   "No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, four were wounded in the ATO area for past 24 hours," the spokesman said. 

Ukraine War Update - 29 May 2015

Friday, May 29, 2015  7:54 AM PDT

Putin's puppets in annexed Crimea filed a case against head of Mejlis Chubarov: "We are waiting for him"

   (Censor.NET) --- Putin's puppets in annexed Crimea initiated proceedings against head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov.

   So-called "prosecutor" of annexed Crimea Natalia Poklonskaia announced on Friday, Censor.NET reports citing the mouthpiece of the occupation authorities of Crimea KrymInform.

   "Investigation Department of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Crimea has filed a criminal case against Chubarov, who called to actions aimed at changing of the state's territorial integrity. The criminal proceedings are underway. The investigators will make procedural decisions within the case concerning citizen Chubarov," Poklonskaia noted.

   The prosecutor explained that the case was initiated under the article "Public calls for the actions aimed at violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation."

   "Chubarov has been put into the wanted list. We are waiting for him," Poklonskaia added.

Friday, May 29, 2015  6:44 AM PDT

One soldier and one volunteer killed in Donbas over the past day. Six soldiers wounded – ATO speaker

   (Censor.NET) --- On May 28, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in the course of armed hostilities. Another six soldiers were wounded.

   This was announced at today's briefing of the Presidential Administration ATO speaker Andrii Lysenko, Censor.NET reports.

   "Over the past day as a result of active hostilities one Ukrainian soldier was killed and six were wounded. Main casualties were suffered by the ATO forces on the outskirts of Donetsk," Lysenko said.

   Also a Ukrainian volunteer from the Lviv region was killed as a result of a mortar attack of the Opytne village, Lysenko said.

Friday, May 29, 2015  6:28 AM PDT

One of the leaders of Somalia terrorist group detained in Moldova - SBU.

   (Censor.NET) --- Counterintelligence of the Ukrainian Security Service together with the special services of Moldova have detained a "commander" of one of the cells of the Somalia terrorist group, known as the Academician. The militant arrived in the capital of Moldova by Russian airlines.

   "In the summer of last year the arrested militant, a resident of Odessa, underwent special military training in one of the centers near Makiivka of the Donetsk region under the guidance of regular personnel of the Russian GRU. After the course, he was awarded a fake military rank of "senior lieutenant," Censor.NET reports citing the press service of the SBU.

   "From August 2014 to May 2015 the militant was the commander of the unit which is part of the so called "Givi group" (known "DPR" terrorist). It was directly involved in shelling and coordination of fire on the positions of the anti-terrorist operation forces deployed in the area of the Donetsk airport, Snizhne, Ilovaisk, Debaltseve and Avdiivka," the agency stated.

   "During the search, the security service personnel seized a Ukrainian passport and documents proving his participation in the fighting on the side of the so-called "DPR ", "senior lieutenant ID", "DPR defense ministry" document proving his loss of paperwork in the course of fighting, "a leave pass" signed by the leader of his terrorist group. The militant also had with him several sets of uniforms with chevrons of the Somalia first separate battalion tactical group and Givi group, as well as patches of the Russian armed forces," the SBU noted.

   "The officers also confiscated items that suggest possible involvement of the militant in the sabotage and subversive activities by the Russian special services: military topographic maps of the Donetsk region and district of Amvrosiivka village indicating the locations of the Ukrainian troops, satellite image of a training range with landmarks, two memory sticks with specific information of the "DPR" "military groups" with classified "for official use only" and "secret", 19 PC memory cartridges, two SIM cards of a Ukrainian mobile operator, USB-modem of a Russian mobile operator, a key to a safe, and metal seal," the SBU added.

   The detained militant was taken to Ukraine. Operational and investigative activities are underway.

   "The Security Service of Ukraine will continue to carry out joint operations with Moldovan colleagues aimed at combating terrorism in both countries," the statement concludes.

Friday, May 29, 2015  6:12 AM PDT

Militants renew attacks near Donetsk airport, ‘situation difficult’

   (UNIAN) --- Russian-backed militants have renewed their attacks in the area of the Donetsk airport, National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said at a briefing in Kiev on Friday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

   According to Lysenko, the militants are firing 120mm mortars and 122mm artillery guns on Donetsk airport.

"The situation is also tense in the village of Marinka and in adjacent territories. In particular, the militants fired Grad multiple rocket launchers for half an hour on our positions in the village of Berezove of Marinskiy district," he said.

   "The militants are firing not only on the Ukrainian military. In the morning, they fired 120mm mortars on the village of Hranitne," Lysenko said.

   In addition, a firefight with the use of small arms took place near the town of Horlivka last night. The militant also fired rocket-propelled grenades near the village of Kirove.

Friday, May 29, 2015  4:54 AM PDT

2nd Special Forces brigade deployed at the Mariupol direction, - InformNapalm.

   (Censor.NET) --- The topic of Russian Special Forces operating in Ukraine has been discussed earlier, but people started to talk about this more actively after capture of two military servicemen from the 3rd Tolyatti Brigade in the Luhansk region and the death of three servicemen from the 16th Tambov Special Forces Brigade.

   During an OSINT investigation conducted by InformNapalm's team, servicemen from the 2nd Special Purpose Brigade of GRU (military unit 64044, Pskov) were revealed operating in the Mariupol direction, Censor.NET informs.

   In particular, a photo with geo location "Novoazovsk, Ukraine," which location was switched off soon after, has been found in VKontakte social network. However, we managed to save an online screenshot in an archive https://archive.is/aKOZN. Analysis of the user's profile showed that it belongs to Nikolai Semenov https://vk.com/id106286742, the veteran of the Russian Armed Forces, who already participated in the aggression against Georgia in 2008.

   Many photos in Semenov's albums point to his belonging to Special Forces, in particular, identification marks of Airborne Forces (that are frequently used in Special Forces of GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate) for concealment of one's belonging), special armament (modern samples or those withdrawn from operational use, but still in use with Special Forces), and a photo with chevron of the 61st Brigade of Naval Infantry of Northern Fleet (?) on it. But the most interesting photo is the one with unofficial flag of the 2nd Special Purpose Brigade of GRU on the background, whose veteran and serviceman Semenov is. Other data also indirectly point to Semenov's belonging to the 2nd Brigade: his circle of friends - servicemen from Pskov, whose profiles do not contain much information and with their faces mostly hidden. One of such "friends" is Nikita Petrov, (https://vk.com/id96938938), who was in Donbas together with Semenov, judging by a photo dated February 2015.
   "We understand that the data provided by us is not as convincing as we would like it to be, and it will be a chance for demagogy to skeptics. But people who conduct open-source intelligence and detect facts of Russian aggression will probably agree with our stance. If the abovementioned profiles of servicemen from the 2nd Brigade from Pskov are cleaned up, this will be a direct signal of covering up the traces. If they remain untouched, it will be possible to retrieve the photos deleted before. Not so many options," the authors of the article wrote.

Friday, May 29, 2015  4:34 AM PDT

Kremlin washes hands of captured Russian special forces soldiers, calls them ‘mercenaries’

   (UNIAN) --- Russia has denied that its special operations soldiers Alexander Alexandrov and Yevgeniy Yerofeev, who were captured while on a mission in Ukraine on May 16, are active duty Russian servicemen, and called them "mercenaries" and "LNR policemen."

   Russia’s official position on its soldiers was announced by consul Alexei Gruby at a meeting with the Russian soldiers' lawyers - Konstantin Kravchuk and Oksana Sokolovskaya, Ukrainian news broadcaster TSN reported on Friday.

   According to Alexandrov’s defense lawyer, a meeting with the consul took place on May 28.

   "According to Gruby, Russia's official position today is that these servicemen, whose contract [with the Russian Armed Forces] expired in December 2014, are mercenaries and have nothing to do with the army," Kravchuk said, according to the TSN.

   The consul said that Russia had done everything possible to prevent the movement of "mercenaries" beyond the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, as this is harmful to the image of Russia, according to the diplomat.

   In addition, Gruby said that he would visit Alexandrov and Yerofeev in the hospital and try to arrange communications with their families. The consul even promised to arrange for the possible visit of their relatives to Kiev to make sure that the prisoners have not suffered any pressure or mistreatment.

   The Russian detainees are reported to be outraged by the Kremlin’s official position in calling them "mercenaries" and "LNR police," which they say is untrue.

Friday, May 29, 2015  12:56 AM PDT

Counterintelligence Prevents a Terrorist Attack In Stanytsia Luhanska

   (UTR.TV) --- Terrorists continue shelling ATO forces in all directions. 

   According to ATO press service, since 18:00 yesterday pro-Russian fighters have been attacking Shyrokyne with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Since 20:00, it has been quiet on Mariupol direction.

   On Donetsk direction, illegal armed gangs attacked Pisky, Opytne and Marinka using 120mm mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms.

   On Luhansk direction, the militants attacked Stanytsia Luhanska, Shchastia, Zolote-4 and Trokhizbenka, mostly using grenade launchers.

   On Artemivsk direction, the militants attacked Kirove with grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. After midnight, it has been quiet on Artemivsk direction too.

   “On May 28 in Stanytsia Lugansk military counterintelligence group received operative information that the terrorists had planned to blast an explosive device near the premises of Pension Fund in Stanytsia Luhanska, amidst a large crowd of people who were supposed to hold a public assembly demanding to open a pedestrian crossing through the destroyed bridge.” – reported the press service. Ukrainian military engineers demined the improvised radio-controlled bomb, made of a 120mm mine, thus preventing the terrorist attack.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  23:38 PDT

Ukrainian Forces Dig In For Potential Conflict In Kharkiv

   (RFE/RL) --- Military forces in Kharkiv have dug a network of trenches to provide shelter if fighting with separatists should reach the northeastern Ukrainian city. But even within the military ranks, there's disagreement on whether the defensive measures are necessary -- or largely for show.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  18:38 PDT

Separatist Leader Pledges To Retake Ukrainian Towns

   (RFE/RL) --- A self-proclaimed leader of the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine has pledged to take control of cities controlled by Ukraine's government.

   Aleksandr Zakharchenko said on May 29 in the rebel-controlled Ukrainian city of Donetsk that separatist forces will regain control over Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka, and Krasnoarmiyisk, which were briefly held by the rebels last year.

   He said "as soon as we realize" that retaking the towns by political means is not possible, "a decision will be made to liberate these territories."

   Zakharchenko, who calls himself the head of state and prime minister of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic, has previously pledged that rebel military forces would retake areas in Ukraine's Donetsk region not currently held by the separatists.

   More than 6,100 people have died in fighting between Ukrainian forces and the Russian-backed separatists.

Russia To Buy At Least 50 Tu-160 Blackjack Bombers

A Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber flies over the 

Red Square during the Victory Day parade in Moscow, 

Russia, May 9, 2015. 

Reuters/Host Photo Agency/RIA Novosti

   (BTI) --- Russia will purchase at least 50 Tupolev Tu-160 “Blackjack” heavy strategic bombers when the aircraft's production is renewed, Russian Air Force Commander Col. Gen. Viktor Bondarev announced Thursday. The Tu-160 strategic bombers will be produced simultaneously with the country’s new bomber, called PAK DA.

   “The production of the aircraft will be restarted,” Russia’s TASS news agency quoted Bondarev as saying. "To cover all the outlay of the production, at least 50 aircraft will be purchased in course of time.”

   According to Bondarev, the revival of the Tu-160 production will not interfere with the production of the PAK DA aircraft, which is expected to make its first flight in 2019. The PAK DA bombers are likely to be part of the Russian Air Force in 2023-2025 and would replace existing bombers including the Tu-160, Tu-22M3 “Backfire” and Tu-95 “Bear.”

   In late April, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had reportedly ordered the resumption of the production of Tu-160 bombers at the Kazan aviation plant in the Republic of Tatarstan in the Volga Federal District. The director of the Kazan aviation plant said Tuesday that the modernization of 16 existing Tu-160 bombers is expected to be completed in 2019, instead of 2020 as previously estimated, IHS Jane's Defence Weekly reported.

   According to the report, the modernization of Tu-160 bombers includes two major phases. The first phase, which is now completed, involves strengthening the aircraft’s armament, to carry 12 conventional long-range cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs. The second phase focuses on replacing the jet’s radar, electronic navigation and communication systems, IHS Jane's Defence Weekly reported, adding that the aircraft's engines will also be upgraded at a later date.

   In addition to Tu-160 and PAK DA, Russia is also working on its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, known as PAK FA, which will enter service in 2016.

   “We’re completing the aircraft tests and from 2017 they will be serially supplied,” Bondarev said, according to TASS. The PAK FA jets “will not be in any way inferior to US F-22 and F-35 fighters and will surpass them by all practical parameters.”

Lithuania minister urges pressure on Russia to stop arms at Ukraine border

   UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) --- Lithuania's foreign minister confirmed on Thursday reports that Russia has been massing troops and weaponry near the border of Ukraine and urged pressure on Moscow until it stops supporting Ukrainian rebels.

   Reuters reported this week that Russia's army was massing troops and hundreds of pieces of weaponry including mobile rocket launchers, tanks and artillery at a makeshift base near the border with Ukraine.

   Asked about that report, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said it was true that Moscow was moving troops and hardware in the vicinity of Donetsk, Mariupol and elsewhere.

   "We are concerned about these concentrations of troops, and these are big numbers," he said in an interview. "These groups, the separatists, are equipped better than some European armies."

   Lithuania, a former Soviet republic, is a member of NATO and the European Union. It is on the United Nations Security Council through the end of this year.

   Earlier in May, NATO military commander General Philip Breedlove said he believed the separatists were taking advantage of a ceasefire that went into effect in February to re-arm and prepare for a new offensive, but he gave no details.

   Linkevicius echoed Breedlove's remarks and said the Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine had used the lull in fighting to regroup and reposition, not for de-escalation.

   Russia has denied that its military is involved in the conflict in Ukraine's east, where separatists have been fighting forces loyal to the pro-Western government in Kiev.

   Russia's defense ministry said it had no immediate comment when asked about the build-up of troops and weapons.

   Linkevicius said it was vital to keep pressure on Russia in the form of sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

   "If we will not continue our pressure ... that would be a signal (for Russia) to act," he said. "If they will not stop supporting, stop delivering weapons, including heavy weapons, tanks ... we cannot talk about any progress, any change in policy."

Russian opposition leader hospitalized after sudden 'illness'

   MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian opposition leader is in intensive care in a Moscow hospital, and a lack of clarity about the cause of his sudden illness has raised fears of foul play.

   The First City Hospital said 33-year-old Vladimir Kara-Murza remained in grave condition Thursday, two days after he was admitted. The Interfax news agency, citing the hospital's chief doctor, said he appeared to be suffering from pancreatitis and double pneumonia.

   His father, a prominent journalist also named Vladimir, told Interfax that doctors haven't ruled out foul play, but there was no evidence that his son had been deliberately poisoned.

   Kara-Murza was a close associate of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated in February, and works with a civic organization founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former oil tycoon and Kremlin opponent.

   U.S. Ambassador John Tefft said on Twitter that ""We are concerned about Vladimir Kara-Murza and urge that he receive the best medical care now."

Lithuania wants NATO battalion as 'security guarantee'

   UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Lithuania's foreign minister says his government wants a NATO battalion deployed permanently in the country as a "security guarantee" — not a provocation against Russia which has stepped up military action in the Baltic states.

   Linas Linkevicius said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that Lithuania's relations with Russia are "not simple, not easy," but he expressed hope that the two countries can have "normal relations" in the future.

   The three Baltic States — Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — are former Soviet republics that regained independence amid the collapse of the Soviet Union over two decades ago and are now members of NATO and the European Union. They have been alarmed by Moscow's intervention in Ukraine and the increasing activity of Russian forces in the Baltic Sea.

   Lithuania has been especially outspoken against Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and has been equally outspoken in support of the current Ukrainian government's decision to move toward Europe. Its request earlier this month, along with Latvia and Estonia, for a NATO battalion of 700-800 troops in each country, is also certain to anger Russia if approved.

   NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said the request would be "assessed carefully."

   Linkevicius insisted the request is "not an escalation of tensions" with Russia. Rather, he said, it will implement the decision taken by NATO at its summit in Wales in September to increase the Western military alliance's footprint in Eastern Europe, particularly the Baltic states.

   "It's not because we are preparing for war," Linkevicius said. "No. We are just trying to guarantee our security."

   If NATO decides to station a battalion in Lithuania, it would be near Russia's westernmost enclave of Kaliningrad, which is sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania and has important military bases.

   In early December, Russia flexed its muscle by airlifting state-of-the art Iskander missiles, which can be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, to Kaliningrad for military drills. They were pulled back afterward, but the deployment clearly served as a demonstration of the Russian military's readiness to quickly raise the ante in a crisis.

   Some observers contend that having a NATO battalion anywhere near Kaliningrad would be provocative, but Linkevicius countered with a laugh: "You know the existence of Lithuania is very provocative because it's very close to Kaliningrad."

   There had been some confidence-building measures between the two countries, including verification visits, but Russia cut the channels of communications, the minister said.

   Linkevicius said Lithuania would like to see confidence-building measures restored, stressing that both sides need to talk more, inform each other more, and explain what they're doing.

   He said Lithuania is not intervening in events in any other country but is trying to assist Ukraine.

   "It's a big European country with a vision to belong to Europe so we have to respect that vision and let's help them," Linkevicius said. "We are doing our best, but we are a small country. ... Everyone should do their best in order to help them because their success would be the success of us, our values, and their failure would be respectively our failure."

Baltics mull joint air defence system against Russia

A Polish Air Force MiG-29 fighter takes off at the Zokniai

air base near Siauliai, Lithuania on April 17, 2015

(AFP Photo/Petras Malukas)

   Panevezys (Lithuania) (AFP) --- Defence ministers for the three Baltic states said Thursday they are mulling a joint air defence system in response to security concerns over Russia's activity in the region.

The ministers of NATO-members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania met in the northern Lithuanian city of Panevezys along with their Ukrainian counterpart, at a time when their relations with Russia are at a post-Soviet low over the Ukraine crisis.

   "We plan to analyse the possibility of developing a medium-range air defence system to strengthen our defence capabilities," Lithuanian Defence Minister Juozas Olekas told reporters.

   "External threats lead us to cooperate more," he said, referring to neighbour and Soviet-era master Russia, which has spooked the region with its intervention in Ukraine.

   NATO has been guarding the skies over the three small Baltic states since 2004, when they joined the defence alliance but lacked the air power to monitor their own airspace.

   Under Moscow's thumb until 1991, the Baltic trio has been on high alert since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine last year.

   Pro-Russian separatists have since been battling Ukrainian government forces for over a year in a conflict that has claimed nearly 6,300 lives and left well over a million people homeless.

   "The situation remains complicated and absolutely unpredictable," Ukrainian Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak told reporters.

   He added that since the inking of a fragile February ceasefire agreement 100 of their soldiers have died and 500 have been wounded.

   "We consider there is a high risk of further escalation of the situation."

   The Baltics said earlier this month that they will formally ask the NATO defence alliance to deploy several thousand permanent troops in their region as a deterrent to Russia.

Ukraine War Update - 28 May 2015

Thursday, May 28, 2015  7:19 AM PDT

Over 200 entrepreneurs from Ukraine visited Canada - Emma Turos

   KIEV, May 28 (Ukrinform). --- Over the past two years, more than 200 Ukrainian entrepreneurs visited Canada with assistance rendered by Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce.

   Managing Director of the Ukrainian Office at Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce Emma Turos told entrepreneurs at Kherson regional state administration meeting, regional Ukrinform correspondent reported.

   "Our personal position is that Ukrainian entrepreneurs will be able to travel to Canada. We make our best to achieve the goal. Over the past two years, more than 200 people from Ukraine visited Canada. They include trade missions and individuals. This is a business link. It is one company visiting another based on our invitations. Encounters were held on the very high level," she said.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  7:15 AM PDT

"This could turn into a full continental war" - Turchynov on Russia’s resumption of military actions in Donbas

   (Censor.NET) --- The resumption of active hostilities in the East of Ukraine by Russia may lead to the start of a continental war.

   This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov during the VIII Kiev Security Forum on Thursday, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax-Ukraine.

   "We must clearly understand that if hostilities resumed, it will be at a higher and more dangerous level, these hostilities could escalate into a full continental war," Turchynov said.

   He stressed that Russia continues to accumulate armed forces at the border with Ukraine and in Crimea to eliminate the Minsk agreement and start military actions at any moment.

   Earlier, Turchynov stated that Putin was trying to hide the direct participation of Russian military and its losses in the war against Ukraine in the Donbas.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  6:46 AM PDT

Russia's aggression against Ukraine also aimed at destabilizing its neighbours - NATO

   (Interfax) --- Russia's aggression against Ukraine is aimed at destabilizing not only Ukraine, but also its neighbouring countries, NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow has said.

   Russian aggression in Ukraine is only part of the picture of its destabilizing behavior against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine's neighbours as well, Vershbow said during the 8th Kiev Security Forum on Thursday.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  6:41 AM PDT

Putin is trying to hide direct involvement of Russian military and their losses in Donbas - Turchynov

   (Censor.NET) --- Putin is trying to hide the direct participation of the Russia’s soldiers and its losses in the war against Ukraine waged in the Donbas.

   This was stated by Secretary of the National Security Council (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov commenting on the Putin's Presidential Decree on classifying data on losses of the Russian army in peace time, Censor.NET reports citing the press service of the Council.

   According to him, in any regular country, "where the citizens are treated with respect this would have been impossible." "This is a clumsy attempt to hide what the whole world already knows about - the war that Russia is waging against our country," he said.

   "This is a sign of disrespect and contempt for its own military, who were first forced to fight against Ukrainians, and then secretly buried in unmarked graves. It is also a manifestation of an open disregard for the families who having lost their breadwinners, stay powerless and helpless in Russia," Turchynov summed up.

   Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin classified information about casualties among servicemen of the Defense Ministry during special operations in peacetime.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  5:00 AM PDT

No military casualties over past day, - ATO speaker

   (Censor.NET) --- No Ukrainian soldiers were killed in combat activities on May 27.

   No one was wounded among the Ukrainian military. This was announced by the Presidential Administration speaker on ATO matters Andrii Lysenko at a briefing, Censor.NET reports.

   According to him, the enemy's activity decreased significantly yesterday.
   "The number of cease-fire violations by the terrorists decreased by more than two times," he specified.
   As reported earlier, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in the anti-terrorist operation area on May 26, eight were wounded.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  4:45 AM PDT

Russia has again sent the so-called “humanitarian convoy” to Donbas

   (UTR.TV) --- Another so-called humanitarian convoy from Russia entered Ukrainian territory today. This was informed by Russian Ministry of Emergencies.

   They say that customs checks have been made on the border checkpoints “Donetsk” and “Matveev Kurhan”. The column consists of about 100 trucks. Russian side states they are transporting food, building materials and medicine. That is already the 28th column of trucks of Russian Emergencies ministry, with the so-called humanitarian aid to Donbas. Ukrainian side stated numerous times that cargo from Russia is being supplied with violations of all possible international norms, since Ukrainian border guards are not allowed to check the cargo. There are also indications that these trucks transport weapons for pro-Russian forces, fighting in Donbas.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  1:15 AM PDT

Militants Shelled Berezove In Donetsk Area with Grads At Night

   (UTR.TV) --- Overnight into May 28 militants continued to shell the Ukrainian position on different directions. 

   This was reported by the ATO Staff press center.

   Almost all artillery fire militants concentrated on the Donetsk area, shelling Pisky, Taramchuck, Berezove, and Marinka. Opytne, Novotroitske and mine Butovka were shelled with grenade launchers. Avdiivka was attacked with heavy machine guns.

   At night, a clash with enemy saboteur group occurred in the area of Berezove. MLRS “Grad” were also used there.

   In Luhansk area, militants attacked Orihove, Zhovte, Shchastia, Triohizbenka, and Bolotiane with mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms.

   In Artemivsk direction, terrorists focused mortar fire on Lozova, Troitske and Novozvanivka. There was also a clash with enemy saboteur group. In addition, there was a battle in the area of Nelypivky. In both cases, Ukrainian military gave a fitting rebuff to the invaders and forced them to flee.

   In Mariupol direction, Russia-backed militant forces shelled Shyrokyne with 120 mm mortars and Mykolayivka with 82 mm ones. The night passed quietly in Mariupol.

Thursday, May 28, 2015  12:05 AM PDT

Ukrainian soldiers engaged in three firefights with terrorists last night. The enemy was forced to flee - ATO press center

   (Censor.NET) --- The evening and night of May 27 were pretty much like the previous nights - restless. The invaders continued shelling the positions of the Ukrainian troops at different directions.

   This is reported by Censor.NET citing the press center of the ATO.

   "The modern barbarians concentrated most of their artillery fire at the Donetsk direction, shelling Pisky, Taramchuk, Berezove, and Marinka. Grenade launchers were used against Opytne, Novotroitske, and Butivka mine. Heavy machine guns were used against Avdiivka," the report says.

   According to the headquarters, a clash with an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group took place near Berezove last night. The criminals also used Grad multiple rocket launchers in the area.

   It is also noted that at the Luhansk direction the terrorists fired mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and small arms at Orikhove, Zhovte, Shchastia, Triokhizbenka, and Bolotne.

   "At the Artemivsk direction the militants opened mortar fire on Lozova, Troitske, and Novozvanivka. Here a clash with a sabotage and reconnaissance group of the enemy also took place. A fire fight occurred in the area of Nelipivka. In both cases, our soldiers gave an adequate response to the invaders, who did not resist too long and were forced to flee," the headquarters reported.

   At the Mariupol direction Russian-terrorist mercenaries used 120-mm mortars against Shyrokyne and 82-mm mortars against Mykolaivka: "The night in the Mariupol area passed in tense silence."

Wednesday, May 27, 2015  14:01 PDT

Presidential Administration confirms militants’ artillery strike on Horlivka

   (Censor.NET) --- Information concerning the shelling of Horlivka in the Donetsk region committed by the militants has been confirmed.

   Presidential Administration spokesperson on ATO issues Oleksandr Motuzianyk said on the air of Channel 5, Censor.NET reports citing RBC-Ukraine.

   "Information regarding the shelling of Horlivka conducted by the militants has been confirmed. This is not an isolated case when we see them (the militants - Ed.) deliberately shelling towns and villages they temporarily control. These actions are aimed to put blame on the Ukrainian servicemen which is untrue. Their another goal is to destroy the infrastructure there as much as possible to have reasons to justify the future so-called humanitarian convoys arriving to the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine from the Russian Federation," Motuzianyk said.

   He also noted that the situation has deteriorated at the Luhansk direction in recent days.

   "Apparently, the militants consider this direction one of the most promising. The militants keep shelling our positions in this area almost along the entire line of contact. If one takes a look at the map, it's the villages of Syze, Zolote, Popasna, Shchastia, and Stanytsia Luhanska. They are basically using small arms, grenade launchers and the weapons banned by the Minsk agreements there, in particular, 120-mm mortars. The attacks with the use of tanks and anti-aircraft guns were recorded as well," the presidential administration representative said. 

Russia MiG-31 Fighter Shoot Down Russian Cruise Missile During Exercises

   (IBT) --- A Russian MiG-31 fighter plane intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile that another Russian bomber fired as part of a simulated mission, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday. Approximately 250 Russian military aircraft participated in snap-readiness drills this week in the country’s Northwest, the latest in a series of training exercises that have drawn the ire of Western nations in recent months.

   “The cruise missile was destroyed at an altitude of 300 meters above the ground from a distance of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the target,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, as quoted by Russian-owned outlet Sputnik News. The snap-readiness drills were expected to take place through Thursday.

   Russian officials have emphasized pilot training and aerial combat exercises in recent months as part of President Vladimir Putin’s plan to modernize the nation’s armed forces by the end of the decade. Approximately 12,000 Russian troops and 250 military aircraft were tapped to participate in this week’s training. Participating military personnel were trained in aerial combat tactics, reconnaissance and simulated missions, such as countering a hypothetical enemy missile bombardment, Russian outlet TASS reported.

   The United States, the European Union and members of the NATO military alliance have been critical of the pronounced uptick in Russian military activity and aggression since last year. Russia has drawn international condemnation for its annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and purportedly direct involvement in the eastern Ukraine conflict, which has killed more than 6,100 people.

   Concern over Russia’s actions has led NATO to seek increased cooperation with Eastern European nations that border Russia, such as Latvia and Moldova. Moreover, NATO has expressed concern about the motivation behind Russia’s snap-readiness drills.

   “We are concerned by the size, scale and frequency of Russia’s snap exercises,” a NATO official told CNN on condition of anonymity. “Three of them have included over 80,000 troops. Some of them have been used to deploy troops to annex Crimea, mass forces on Ukraine’s border and support the [pro-Moscow rebels in Ukraine].”

Russia's nuclear threats 'deeply troubling': NATO chief

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks on 

adapting to a changed security environment at the Center 

for Strategic and International Studies in Washington 

on May 27, 2015 (AFP Photo/Mandel Ngan)

   Washington (AFP) --- Russia's provocative rhetoric on nuclear weapons and its dramatic expansion of flights by nuclear bombers are "deeply troubling" and "dangerous," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

   Russia's plans to deploy nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad -- near Poland's border -- and its threat to move nuclear forces in Crimea would "fundamentally change the balance of security in Europe," Stoltenberg said in speech during a visit to Washington.

   In blunt language, the NATO chief delivered a scathing critique of Russia's behavior over the past year -- including Moscow's armed intervention in Ukraine -- and vowed the transatlantic alliance would redouble its commitment to "collective defense."

   "Russia's recent use of nuclear rhetoric, exercises and operations are deeply troubling," he told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.

   Russian President Vladimir Putin's "admission that he considered putting Russia's nuclear forces on alert while Russia was annexing Crimea is but one example," said the former Norwegian prime minister.

   The NATO alliance also was concerned about Russia's compliance with nuclear arms agreements and stepped up global flights by strategic bombers.

   "Russia has also significantly increased the scale, number and range of pro-active flights by nuclear capable bombers across much of the globe," Stoltenberg said.

   The Russian bomber flights spanned "from Japan to Gibraltar, from Crete to California, and from the Baltic sea to the Black Sea," he said.

   Russia was failing to draw on the lessons of the Cold War, including that "when it comes to nuclear weapons, caution, predictability and transparency are vital," he said.

   "Russia's nuclear sabre rattling is unjustified, destabilizing and dangerous," he said.

   Stoltenberg also criticized Russia for staging large snap military exercises, which he said was a violation of international agreements requiring governments to share information about planned drills and to invite observers.

   One snap exercise was used to move Russian forces to annex Crimea in February 2014 and others were employed to support separatists in eastern Ukraine and to stage a military build-up on Ukraine's border, he said.

   Russia is conducting yet another snap exercise near Ukraine this week that involved 250 aircraft and 700 pieces of heavy equipment, he said.

   Citing Russia's actions in Ukraine and elsewhere, Stoltenberg said Moscow "is asserting its military power, stirring up aggressive nationalism, claiming the right to impose its will on its neighbours and grabbing land."