Russia is reviewing the 'legality' of Baltic states' independence

   (Business Insider) --- Russia is going to review whether or not it was legal for the Soviet Union to recognize the Baltic states as independent nearly 25 years ago, according to a report by Interfax.

   A "source familiar with the situation" told Interfax on Tuesday that the Russian Prosecutor General's office began checking the legality of the recognition of the independence of the Baltics. 

   Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were Soviet republics until the dissolution of the USSR back in 1991.

   The report comes one week after the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine in 1954 — back when Nikita Khrushchev was in power — was declared unconstitutional.

   The source stated that the investigation was launched following requests from two parliamentary deputies, adding that there would be no legal consequences if the recognition of the three Baltic states was to be found illegal. 

   Lithuania's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius called the investigation an "absurd provocation," according to the BBC.

   The report also comes at a time when there's increased tension between Russia and the Baltics.

   Over the last year, the Baltic states have been on high alert following the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They perceive Russia's increased militarization as a threat to their security interests (and possibly independence.)

   Meanwhile, Russia hasn't been happy that Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia joined NATO back in 2004. And NATO's increased presence in the Baltic states recently hasn't pleased Moscow either.

Russia counters NATO forces with more than 20 attack helicopters along border

   (IBT) --- Russia is strengthening its forces on the country’s western border, and the Kremlin will further reinforce its army in the region with more than 20 attack helicopters by the end of 2015, Russia’s Western Military District announced Tuesday.

   The move comes amid growing tensions between Moscow and the West as NATO forces step up military presence in areas close to Russia's borders in Eastern Europe.

   “New army aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge electronics that allow them to perform training and combat tasks 24 hours a day in any weather conditions,” Russia’s Sputnik News quoted Col. Oleg Kochetkov, chief of Russia’s Western Military District’s press service, as saying.

   The attack choppers will include new Mi-28Ns, Mi-26Ts and Mi-8MTV5s, manufactured by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The helicopters will be deployed in Russia’s westernmost regions of Leningrad, Pskov and Smolensk, Sputnik News reported.

   Tuesday’s announcement followed last week’s media reports that NATO may include about 40,000 troops in its rapid response Spearhead Force, with most of those troops expected to be stationed in Eastern Europe. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter also said Monday that the country will help NATO with aircraft, weapons and forces to help it protect Europe from security threats.

   Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry is also planning to upgrade the entire fleet of the country’s Ilyushin-38 anti-submarine planes, TASS news agency reported Tuesday, citing naval aviation commander Igor Kozhin.

   “The contract is in the discussion phase. It is impossible to name any specific figures at this point (number of planes and dates), but the entire fleet is to undergo upgrade,” TASS quoted Kozhin as saying.

   The Ilyushin-38 maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft will be upgraded to the Ilyushin-38N with an advanced search and target track system, called “Novella-P-38,” Kozhin said, adding that the upgraded aircraft will be ready for its maiden flight by 2020.

Ukraine War Update - 29 June 2015

Monday, June 29, 2015  7:29 AM PDT

Unit of Russia's 6th tank brigade redeployed to Rostov region border between Russia and Ukraine.

   (Censor.NET) --- During OSINT monitoring of Ukraine-bordering part of the Rostov region, redeployment of new units of the 6th separate tank brigade (military unit 54096, deployed in Nizhniy Novgorod, Mulino) of the Western Military District was revealed.

   This was announced by investigative blogger Iraklii Komakhidze in his article for InformNapalm, Censor.NET reports.

   According to received information, the unit was redeployed to the Rostov region before June 20, 2015. It allegedly consists of a tank company, temporarily deployed in Myasnikovskyi district. Rostov region, including mechanized infantry, artillery, and support units.

Information on personnel is being specified. It is possible that together
with tank men, a full tactical group of the 6th tank brigade has been redeployed to the Rostov region, including mechanized infantry, artillery, and support units.

   As reported earlier, this is not the first trip of Mulino tank men to the Rostov region. In fall 2014, a combined unit of the 6th tank brigade with large-dotted marking signs was seen in one of the field camps of the Russian group of troops in Matveevo-Kurganskyi district of the Rostov region. Hit and burned tanks of the same brigade were noticed in Ukraine. Moreover, there is a video by Ukrainian soldiers that shows militant of this tank brigade being interrogated.

   After fall-winter rotation, tanks of the Mulino brigade have not been Rostov region. Chances are that the remaining equipment was taken away for repair. Now, tanks of the 6th tank brigade were redeployed to the Ukrainian border again within another rotation.
   "Names and faces of Russian soldiers from the 6th tank brigade were concealed in order to secure them from FSB-related wipers [who delete social network images and content after it is being revealed - ed.], so we have chances to follow the unit further," Komakhidze wrote.

seen in the

Monday, June 29, 2015  5:52 AM PDT

Russian-backed militants launch more than 100 attacks in 24 hours

   (Ukraine Today) --- Five Ukrainian soldiers wounded in east Ukraine over last 24 hours

   Ukrainian military spokesmen say Russian-backed militants continue to step up their attacks on Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine, launching more than 100 assaults over the past 24 hours.

   The bulk of the attacks came last evening, with the militants firing about 70 times on the positions of Ukrainian forces and on Ukrainian-held towns in just six hours, from 18:00 to midnight on Sunday.

   The number of militant attacks reported by the Ukrainian military has been steadily growing over the last month, and has now reached levels not seen since before a ceasefire was supposed to have come into effect on February 15.

Monday, June 29, 2015  5:25 AM PDT

No servicemen killed over the past day. Five soldiers were wounded - ATO speaker

   (Censor.NET) --- There were no losses among the Ukrainian servicemen in the area of the anti-terrorist operation yesterday, five soldiers were injured.

   Presidential Administration speaker on ATO Andrii Lysenko said at a briefing, Censor.NET reports citing 112 Ukraine television channel.

   "The Ukrainian servicemen have not suffered battle losses for the last 24 hours, five soldiers have been wounded," he said.

   Lysenko also reported that the militants are trying to move closer towards the line of contact. In addition, the terrorists continue conducting aerial reconnaissance.

   According to the speaker, the intensity of attacks on the part of the illegal armed groups is growing. The terrorists also keep using weapons prohibited by the Minsk Agreements.

Monday, June 29, 2015  4:57 AM PDT

Clash with terrorists took place near Novotoshkivske. They retreated after suffering losses, - ATO press-center

   (Censor.NET) --- The situation in the zone of the ATO remains tense showing signs of worsening in certain areas. However, it is controlled by the Ukrainian army.

   Censor.NET informs citing the situation report by the ATO press-center.

   According to the HQ, militants of the pro-Russian hybrid gangs have intensified their criminal activities greatly in the evening and at night having previously showed its relative decrease during the previous day.

   "The invaders opened fire on positions of the Ukrainian troops and infrastructure facilities of cities and villages about 70 times from 6 p.m. till midnight yesterday. The enemy has committed 101 armed provocations against the ATO forces during just one day," the statement reads.

   "Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Avdiivka, Opytne, and Butovka mine in the Donetsk region were repeatedly fired at from 82-mm and banned 120-mm mortars. The enemy tanks were also employed in attacks on these villages.

   "Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, Krymske, and Novotoshkivske in the Luhansk region were repeatedly shelled from mortars and grenade launchers.

   "A group of 35 militants of the illegal armed group was spotted near Novotoshkivske in the evening. The perpetrators engaged in battle with the Ukrainian soldiers. But our soldiers did not leave them a slightest chance to succeed. The bandits retreated having suffered losses.

   "There were attacks recorded not far from Artemivsk as well. The Kremlin mercenaries were trying to overcome our defenders deployed in Kirove, Maiorsk, and Leninske using mortars, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and small arms.

   "The Russian-terrorist forces used 120-mm mortars prohibited by the Minsk agreements, rocket launchers, and small arms six times committing attacks on the outskirts of the Mariupol.

   "The invaders kept committing crimes with the use of weapons after midnight. Most of the 15 reported cases were carried out near Donetsk," the press center reported.

   The HQ also noted that "yesterday, a number of media have spread false information that Ukrainian army has allegedly left Mariupol": "By reason of incompetence or lack of understanding of military terminology, some outlets, in particular the online ones, have played into our enemy's hands and misled a certain part of society. In fact, the bandits has shelled and destroyed the observation post of the Joint Centre for the Control and Coordination of the Ceasefire near Berdianske village, June 26. Therefore, the observers were forced to change their place of deployment. Any checkpoint or stronghold of the ATO forces was not meant."

   "Any Ukrainian soldier serving in the outskirts of Mariupol as well as along the entire demarcation line has not made a single step back from one's position. Despite numerous attacks conducted by the pro-Russian gangs from the temporarily occupied territories, the situation in this sector is under the full control of the ATO forces. And we are not going to surrender a single inch of our land," the press center added.

Monday, June 29, 2015  1:10 AM PDT

Rebels mount surveillance cameras on roofs of civilian houses to follow up movements of Ukrainian army

   (Zik) --- Donbas rebels mount cameras on the roofs of private houses in the touchline area to follow up on the movements of Ukrainian army, Ukraine army spokesman says.

   They use surveillance results to continuously shell Ukraine army concentrations of heavy weapons and personnel along the entire touchline, TCH reported. 

   June 28, the hottest areas were near Opytne, Butivska mine and Zenith. 

Monday, June 29, 2015  12:45 AM PDT

Russian serviceman posts video how AA Buk missiles were deployed to Donbas

   (Zik) --- A Russian soldier, one of the drivers of a platform on which an AA Buk missile launcher that downed the Malaysian passenger jet was transported to Donbas, posted his video footage on the internet, gogetnews.info reports June 29.

   The footage was placed on the “In Contact” networks by a Russian army driver belonging to 147th haulage battalion. 

   The Malaysian jet, carrying 298 passengers and crew, was shot down over Donbas by an AA missile, investigators proved. The only weapon available in Donbas and capable of downing a plane flying at the height of 10 km is the Buk missile system.

Monday, June 29, 2015  12:03 AM PDT

Frictions rising between local rebels and Russian mercenaries

   (Zik) --- Russian troops disguised as mercenaries deploy weapons amid residential areas, much to the regret of local terrorists. Conflicts between the Russians and locals are getting stronger, said Ukraine army spokesman June 28, speaking to journalists.

   According to intelligence reports, those insisting on deploying artillery and tanks amid residential areas in Donbas are the Russian mercenaries.

   The locals who are members of the rebel troops have no say against the Russians.

   Meanwhile, more and more locals defect the rebel forces because of the lack of funding. In Horlivka, for instance, rebel troops have not been paid in 3 months.

   All this makes it more difficult for the Kremlin to rely on local separatists, forcing Moscow to send more Russian troops disguised as advisers or mercenaries.

   The Russians and local leaders continue plundering Donbas. Farmers, to continue in business, have to pay UAH1,000 for each hectare of their land to rebels.

US warship visits Georgia amid Ukraine crisis

   Batumi (Georgia) (AFP) --- A US warship arrived Sunday in Georgia's Black Sea port of Batumi on a training mission, the US embassy said, sending a message of support to the NATO aspirant amid the conflict in Ukraine.

   The US 6th Fleet's guided missile destroyer USS Laboon "will conduct routine combined training with the Georgian Coast Guard," the US embassy in Tbilisi said.

   The port call "reaffirms the United States' commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners like Georgia, while working toward mutual goals of promoting security and stability in the Black Sea region," the embassy said in a statement.

   Moscow's seizure of Crimea from Kiev's rule and its support for Ukrainian rebels have alarmed Georgia, which fought and lost a brief war with Russia in 2008.

   The Ukraine crisis has triggered the worst confrontation between Russia and the West since the Cold War, and the US said last week it would deploy heavy weapons in central and eastern Europe in a move that angered Moscow.

   Georgia's bid to join NATO and the European Union infuriated its former imperial master Russia, which bitterly opposes the alliance's expansion into former Soviet republics.

   US warships delivered humanitarian aid to Georgia in the wake of the Russia-Georgia conflict in August 2008.

   Moscow criticised the decision to send the sophisticated warships, saying they were unsuitable for aid missions.

Ukraine War Update - 28 June 2015

Sunday, June 28, 2015  5:03 AM PDT

Two soldiers wounded as terrorists shelled Stanytsia Luhanska and Popasna – Moskal

   (Censor.NET) --- Over the night, Stanytsia Luhanska village was shelled with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons from the 'LPR'-occupied right bank of the Siverskyi Donets village.

   As Censor.NET reports citing head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration Hennadii Moskal's official website, two Ukrainian servicemen were shelled as a result of yesterday's mortaring.

   The 56-year-old woman who died in Stanytsia Luhansk on Friday appeared to have come to the village from Luhansk to see a friend.

   Gas pipeline is damaged in a few places in the center of the village, as well as several house facades. The maintenance crews managed to repair the pipeline and restore gas supply, but Stanytsia Luhanska and nearby villages remain without power and water supply.

   Power, which is supplied by a backup line from Russia, is completely cut off in the occupied part of the Luhansk region. If the military situation allows, supply of water to Stanytsia Luhanska and nearby villages will be partially restored today.

   In addition, the terrorists shelled Popasna and occupied Pervomaisk. According to preliminary data, they fired from artillery guns, howitzers, and self-propelled large caliber guns. The shells exploded on the outskirts of Popasna. There is no data on the casualties, however, power supply lines were damaged, leaving several neighborhoods without power supply.

Sunday, June 28, 2015  5:03 AM PDT

SBU detained two 'DPR' intelligence agents.

   (Censor.NET) --- The Security Service of Ukraine detained two informants of the militants in the ATO area.

   Two men from Velyka Novosilka village were recruited by a 'DPR' militant with the call sign Smith, Censor.NET reports citing the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine.
   "The criminals have received the call signs Brat Nelson (Brother Nelson) and Staryi Hrek (Old Greek). On the instructions of the 'DPR GRU', they collected information on the locations of the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine, as well as about Ukrainian equipment and weapons in the ATO area. The agents maintained secrecy," the SBU reported. The detainees have pleaded guilty. A criminal proceeding is opened against them for assistance to participants of criminal organizations.

Sunday, June 28, 2015  3:29 AM PDT

11 Ukrainian soldiers wounded, no one killed on Saturday

   (Censor.NET) --- No Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the ATO zone on June 27.

   However, 11 soldiers were wounded, representative of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine on ATO issues Colonel Andrii Lysenko said at a briefing, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax-Ukraine.

   "11 Ukrainian soldiers were injured, no one was killed over the past 24 hours as a result of terrorists' provocations," Lysenko said.

Sunday, June 28, 2015  2:28 AM PDT

Ukraine Masses Troops on Border With Transnistria

   (Sputniknews [pro-Russian]) --- Ukraine continues to mass troops and heavy weapons on the border with Transnistria on the pretext that the self-proclaimed republic may launch a military campaign against Ukraine, Russian media reported on Saturday.

   “It looks like the Kiev authorities  want to picture themselves as encircled by enemies, ready to attack,” a representative of the Transnistrian KGB told Russia’s Zvezda TV channel.

   “That we may have a war here tomorrow is hard to say, but we are not ruling out a Ukrainian provocation either…They could use for this purpose one of their many small private armies which refuse to take any orders from Kiev,” the official added.

   On June 22, the deputy foreign minister of the Transnistrian Republic, Vitaly Ignatyev, said that Ukraine was moving its troops towards the borders of the self-proclaimed republic, sandwiched between Ukraine and Moldova.

   “The situation here is very bad… Economic production is going down, foreign trade is shrinking, the security situation is equally alarming with our Moldovan partners holding military drills with NATO and the Ukrainian pressure mounting every day,” Ignatyev said.

   He also mentioned the curbs Kiev has imposed on the transit of  Transnistrian nationals and citizens of Russia, almost 200,000 of whom currently live in Transnistria.

   “They haven’t been able to travel to Russia via Ukraine for more than a year now. They have to move across Moldova, but Chisinau is creating problems too, along with economic sanctions,” Ignatyev added.

   The newly appointed governor of Ukraine’s Odessa region Mikheil Saakashvili earlier announced plans to reinforce Ukraine’s border with Transnistria.

   "We have two major tasks — to reinforce the border and curb corruption. Drug and weapons trafficking across this border means nothing good," Saakashvili told a news conference in Odessa.

   He also blamed the Transnistrian authorities of destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.

Sunday, June 28, 2015  2:03 AM PDT

Militants' shelling damaged hydraulic power station in Svitlychne – Moskal

   (Censor.NET) --- On Saturday night, the militants launched Grad rockets at a hydraulic power station in Svitlychne village (Popasna district).

   Censor.NET reports citing the official website of the head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration Hennadii Moskal.
   The station supplies water to frontline government-controlled villages and occupied part of the Luhansk region.
   "The station was seriously damaged by the strike. As a result, government-controlled Nyzhnie, Svitlychne, Toshkivka, Chekhyrove, and Novotoshkivka villages are left without water supply. In addition, water supply to the occupied part of the Luhansk region has completely stopped," Moskal said.
   Maintenance crews went to the scene; however, it is not know when the water supply will be restored. According to Moskal, it was the second targeted shelling of water supply on the demarcation line over the last few days.
   "Earlier this week the militants destroyed a hydraulic power station in Karbonit village, which we managed to repair quickly. Now they have shelled and damaged the station in Svitlychne. We are not going to supply water to the occupied territory after that," he said.

Saturday, June 27, 2015  8:33 AM PDT

Unknown persons blew up a railway track in Popasna district – Moskal

   (Censor.NET) --- Yesterday, a railway track at Orikhove village in Popasna district was blown up by unknown persons.

   Censor.NET reports citing head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration Hennadii Moskal's official website.

   "The track was rigged with explosives when there were no trains in the area, so there are no casualties. However, the train traffic is currently suspended," the statement reads.
   "Since the beginning of this year, the railway in the area was blown up more then once. A lot of Ukrainian parliamentarians promised to visit the Luhansk region and personally blow up the route that is used for connection with the occupied territories," Moskal said.

Ukraine War Update - 27 June 2015

Saturday, June 27, 2015  7:33 AM PDT

Stanytsia Luhanska was shelled with mortars. One civilian killed – Moskal

   (Censor.NET) --- The terrorists fired at Stanytsia Luhanska village from mortars. One civilian was killed, houses are destroyed. The village was left without electricity, water and central communications.

   Censor.NET reports citing head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration Hennadii Moskal official website.

   According to the report, the militants fired at the village from mortars, small arms and anti-tank guided missiles. The most intense attacks were carried out from 8:30 p.m. till the midnight.

   "Two private houses got a direct hit and burned down. Unfortunately, there are casualties among civilians. Local woman was killed in the attack," Moskal said.
   Hennadii Moskal has also informed that Stanytsia Luhanska village and eight nearby villages were left without water and communications.

Saturday, June 27, 2015  5:54 AM PDT

SBU detained seven trucks with goods for ‘DPR’ terrorists. PHOTOS

   (Censor.NET) --- Yesterday, the SBU together, with State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, detained seven tracks near Sukha Balka village in the Donetsk region.

   Censor.NET reports citing the SBU press service.

   According to the report, the tracks were trying to cross the demarcation line illegally, avoiding official checkpoints.
   "Six of the tracks were transporting meat products, while one was loaded with medications. The drivers were not able to provide the SBU officers with proper papers on the cargo," the statement reads.

According to the operational data, the goods were ordered by one of the 'DPR' leader, who intended to sell them to the local population at artificially high prices.

Saturday, June 27, 2015  4:14 AM PDT

Canada to start military exercises in Ukraine in autumn

   KIEV, June 27 (Ukrinform). --- Canada will begin military exercises of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in autumn, and they will last two years.

   Ukrainian Defense Minister, Colonel-General Stepan Poltorak said this after a meeting with Canadian Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney at the International Center of Peace and Security in the Lviv region, the press service of the Defense Ministry reported.

   "These military exercises will begin this autumn and will last for the next two years," Poltorak said.

   According to him, such exercises will allow Ukrainian servicemen to gain new knowledge in accordance with NATO standards, and Canada's coaches will be able to borrow the Ukrainian experience gained during war fighting in the ATO zone.

Saturday, June 27, 2015  4:12 AM PDT

Hungry for Power: Luhansk electricity plant key target for Kremlin forces

   (uatoday.tv) --- The thermal power plant supplies key local industry and some one million inhabitants

   Power plants like this one in Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland, are a key target for Russian-backed militants. The complex is capable of supplying electricity for at least a million people and is vital for local industry, including coal mines and steel manufacturers.

   Whoever controls the thermal power station, has control of where the energy goes. Ukrainian forces well aware of this, defend the complex.

   It's situated just one kilometer from the combat line, near the town of Schastya, north of the militant stronghold of Luhansk.

   The plant runs at limited capacity. The specific type of coal needed to generate the electricity is only extracted in militant-controlled areas.

   Despite this, work inside goes on, despite the threat of attacks. Artillery fired from areas controlled by the Russian-backed militant authorities often land in and around the complex.

   We take the elevator to the top of one building, where serviceman are on alert, surveying kilometers of picturesque landscape. The Ukrainian soldiers here say they're provoked by militant units, who fire long-range artillery towards thermal power plant. The opposing forces also conduct other operations, as one fighter nicknamed ‘Emigrant' explained to us.

   'Emigrant', Ukrainian soldier: "They send a reconnaissance group closer to our positions, 400-500 meters from us and they begin to shoot using rifles, grenade launchers and so on. They are waiting for our response with fire and, (Russian TV broadcaster) LifeNews and other television crews are waiting there together with them"

Saturday, June 27, 2015  3:54 AM PDT

No casualties reported in ATO area in past 24 hours

   KIEV, June 27 (Ukrinform). --- No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, but five were wounded in the area of conduct of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) over past 24 hours.

   Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on ATO, Colonel Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

   "No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, five soldiers were wounded for past 24 hours," Lysenko said.

Saturday, June 27, 2015  2:37 AM PDT

Situation in Ukraine's eastern regions.

   KIEV, June 27 (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 June 27 has been released by the information and analytical center of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council.

Saturday, June 27, 2015  1:08 AM PDT

Terrorists intensified attacks at Mariupol

   (Censor.NET) --- The Russian militants attacked the Army for about 91 times over the past 24 hours.

   Censor.NET reports citing the ATO press center.

   According to the report, the terrorists have intensified their attacks along the whole collision line on June 26.
   In particular, 55 attacks were registered in the D sector. Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Opytne, Pervomaiske villages and Avdiivka town were shelled with 120-mm mortars.

   The villages of Pisky, Nevelske and Krasnohorivka were fired from 122-mm guns. The terrorists' tanks fired at the village of Vodiane.
   Stanytsia Luhanska village was shelled with 82-mm mortars and grenade launchers in the Luhansk sector.
   In the ​​A sector, the villages of Lozove and Maiorske were fired from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.
   "Mariupol became the hottest spot yesterday. Russian militants fired at Shyrokyne and Starohnativka villages from banned 122-mm and 152-mm howitzers. Besides, the militants' tanks fired at the village of Starohnativka," the statement reads.
   The militants continued to attack Ukrainian army's positions after the midnight, violating the Minsk agreements for about 15 times.

Azerbaijani troops kill Armenian soldier

An Armenian serviceman guards an area near the 

village of Movses, close to the border with Azerbaijan, 

on February 16, 2015 (AFP Photo/Karen Minasyan)

   Yerevan (AFP) --- Azerbaijani troops on Friday killed an Armenian soldier in the latest border clash between the arch-foes who are locked in a longstanding conflict over the disputed Nagorny Karabakh region, Armenia said.

   "Today (Friday), Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire," at the Caucasus neighbours' shared border, Armenian Defence Ministry spokesman, Artsrun Hovannisyan, told AFP.

   "An Armenian serviceman has been killed in action," he said, claiming that the Azerbaijani side -- which he accused of "military provocations" had suffered "substantial losses".

   Azerbaijani officials were not available for immediate comment.

   Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads over the Nagorny Karabakh region since a bloody war in the early 1990s following the breakup of the Soviet Union.

  Yerevan-backed ethnic Armenian separatists seized control of Karabakh and several other regions of Azerbaijan during the conflict that left some 30,000 dead.

   Despite years of negotiations, the two countries have not signed a final peace deal to cement a 1994 ceasefire.

   The predominantly Armenian-populated region is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

   Azerbaijan, whose military spending exceeds Armenia's entire state budget, has threatened to take back the disputed territory by force if negotiations fail to yield results.

   Armenia, which is backed militarily by Russia, says it could crush any offensive.

   Clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces across their shared border and along the Karabakh frontline have intensified in the past year. 

Ukraine War Update - 26 June 2015

Friday, June 26, 2015  7:46 AM PDT

Poroshenko discussed enhancement of Ukraine's defense capability with Jason Kenney

   (Censor.NET) --- The president had a meeting with Defense Minister of Canada Jason Kenney. They discussed cooperation for the enhancement of defense capacity of Ukraine.

   Petro Poroshenko thanked Canada for its comprehensive support for Ukraine, particularly for measures on the enhancement of its defense capability. Since the beginning of Russian military aggression against Ukraine, Canada has been one of the first countries to provide assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, particularly winter uniform, first aid kits, protective helmets and vests, tents and sleeping bags, Censor.NET informs citing the press office of the president.
   "A friend in need is a friend indeed. Canada is constantly demonstrating that," the president said.
   The parties discussed the issue of expanding military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
   They also negotiated prospects of participation in the international military training planned by military institutions of Ukraine and Canada in 2015.
   The president praised the opportunity of involving Canadian trainers in military exercises in Ukraine and exchanging experience on "hybrid warfare". According to Petro Poroshenko, it will help the world understand the level of threats and challenges caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine.
   The Head of State informed the minister on the situation in Donbas and emphasized strict compliance with the Minsk agreements by Ukraine.
   The parties also discussed the importance of simplifying visa-free regime between Ukraine and Canada given the proximity of historical, cultural and national ties between the countries.
   Jason Kenney noted that the protection of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is a necessity not only for global security, but also for millions of Canadians who have strong ties with their historic Motherland.

Friday, June 26, 2015  6:40 AM PDT

Separatists receive more and more heavy weapons from Russia - Foreign Minister of Luxembourg

   KIEV, June 26 (Ukrinform). --- The separatists in Donbas receive more and more heavy weapons.

   Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn said this during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin in Kiev on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

   "Yesterday I met with the chairman of the EU Delegation in Kiev. The separatists receive more and more heavy weapons. More and more weapons are imported in Donbas, this completely contradicts the Minsk agreements. The European Union does not require anything unreal from Russia. We ask to stop the flow of weapons across the border with Ukraine," he said.

   The diplomat said that despite the difficulties, the Minsk agreement remained the main document.

   "I insisted on my visit to Ukraine, because my country will preside in the Council of the European Union and because Ukraine is a priority for the European Union. For me, it is very important to develop contacts with Ukrainian leaders, primarily with President Poroshenko and my colleague Pavlo Klimkin," he said.

   According to Asselborn, the situation in Ukraine is dramatic because of the illegal annexation of Crimea and the difficult situation in the east of the country, but the crisis should not stop Ukraine on its path of reform and modernization.

Friday, June 26, 2015  5:11 AM PDT

One soldier killed in ATO area in past 24 hours

   KIEV, June 26 (Ukrinform). --- One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, other three were wounded in the area of conduct of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) over past 24 hours.

   Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on ATO, Colonel Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

   "We lost one soldier in ATO area over past 24 hours. Other three servicemen were wounded," Lysenko said.

Friday, June 26, 2015  4:53 AM PDT

Ukraine-Lithuania-Poland military brigade to step up forces - Poltorak

   KIEV, June 26 (Ukrinform). --- The defense ministers of Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania have agreed to build up forces and means of joint brigade and to hold the first exercises.

   Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak said this on results of his visit to NATO Headquarters on June 24-25, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from Brussels.

   "We are going to conclude a technical agreement. We agreed to sign an agreement in Kiev at the end of July to provide for buildup of forces and means of the brigades and plan the first exercises of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland at the end of this year or early next year," Defense Minister of Ukraine said.

Friday, June 26, 2015  3:20 AM PDT

New battalion formed in Mariupol - Donetsk Police Head Abroskin.

   (Censor.NET) --- The battalion has been created by the example of the National Guard of Ukraine units.

   The new formation was announced by the Head of the Donetsk regional police department Viacheslav Abroskin on his Facebook page, Censor.NET reports.

   According to Abroskin, the newly formed battalion is based on Interior Police units in the Donetsk region and Mariupol city police department. It includes 300 persons, three companies, one armoured unit. Abroskin said the personnel is ready to conduct combat tasks in the anti-terrorist operation area, including maintenance of public order at front line territories, and counter effort of mercenaries and terrorists.

   The Donetsk police chief said the battalion had been created by the example of the National Guard of Ukraine units and would be supplied with uniforms and equipment.

Friday, June 26, 2015  12:28 AM PDT

Terrorists shelled Ukrainian army's positions 86 times over past day, - ATO press center

   (Censor.NET) --- The situation in the anti-terrorist operation area remains tense, but Ukrainian military retain control over it.

   This was announced by Censor.NET citing the ATO press center.

   According to the HQ, Russian-terrorist troops opened fire over the Ukrainian army positions for 86 times yesterday, 50 of them in the area of Donetsk city.
   "The Kremlin mercenaries continue to actively shell Pisky, Opytne, and Marinka. These villages are constantly under fire of 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, infantry combat vehicles, small arms, and grenade launchers; the enemy's snipers are operating there as well," the message reads.
   They also note in the ATO HQ that villages and cities of Shchastia, Novotoshkivka, Stanytsia Luhanska in the Luhansk region were fired at from mortars and other weapons.
   "In the evening, the militants fired at Shyrokyne using Minsk-banned 152-mm howitzers and 120-mm mortars, as well as conducted military provocations using small arms. After midnight, the enemy's heavy artillery shelled Hranitne near Mariupol," the HQ announced.
   Since midnight, the pro-Russian hybrid gangs shelled the Ukrainian army positions more than 10 times.

Friday, June 26, 2015  12:28 AM PDT

Separatists concentrate 3,000 troops near Mariupol – Tymchuk

   (Zik) --- The Russia/rebel command has strengthened its flank formations with respect to the Ukrainian army in the area of Svitlodarsk-Artemivsk, military expert Dmytro Tymchuk reports May 6.

   Over May 5, the enemy has moved infantry, tanks and artillery to the area

   Two military convoys passed via Makiyivka toward Yenakieve and Horlivka, the first including 16 APCs and the other including 7 tanks, 2 APCs and several trucks, Dmytro Tymchuk reported.

   The enemy is, in fact, creating a powerful offensive concentration with several scores of armour and 3,000 troops spearheaded against Mariupol, the expert said.

HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier powers up for first time

   (BBC) --- HMS Queen Elizabeth's huge diesel generators have been powered up for the first time at the home of the UK's aircraft carrier programme in Rosyth.

   The move brings the 65,000-tonne future flagship of the Royal Navy closer to becoming an operational warship.

   The first of the ship's four generators was officially started by defence procurement minister Philip Dunne.

   The warship is due to be handed over to the Ministry of Defence in 2016 ahead of being put into service in 2020.

   Work is already under way on a second aircraft carrier, HMS Prince Of Wales.

   Both warships are being built by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Thales UK, Babcock and the Ministry of Defence.

   HMS Queen Elizabeth's diesel generator sets will provide sufficient electrical power to drive the ship at cruise speeds. However, when higher speed is required, two gas turbine alternators will also be used.

   Together they will produce 109MW of power - enough to power a medium-sized town.

   Mr Dunne said: "It is a real pleasure to be back in Scotland, home of the UK's shipbuilding industry, to witness the impressive progress that is being made on our new aircraft carriers.

   "Powering up the diesel generator today marks an important milestone on the journey to bring these highly versatile ships into service with our Armed Forces." 

Ukraine War Update - 25 June 2015

Thursday, June 25, 2015  9:37 AM PDT

Russia extends counter-sanctions against U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, Norway

   (Interfax) --- The food embargo has been extended by a year against goods from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Norway.

   "The ban on import of certain types of agricultural products, raw material and food, whose country of origin is the U.S., any EU country, Canada, Australia and Norway, have been extended by one year," the government said on its website.

   The Russian government has also approved a new version of the list of agricultural products, raw material and food whose export to Russia is banned.

   "In particular, baby trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and oyster and mussel spat have been removed from the list. This will help increase the output of aquatic organisms sought-after on the Russian market, set up new fishing farms and support the existing ones," the government said in the document.

   In addition, the list now includes "food or ready products made according to cheese-making technologies, with the milk fat content of 1.5% or above."

Thursday, June 25, 2015  8:30 AM PDT

One person wounded in attack on mini bus in Kharkiv - media

   (Censor.NET) --- Unknown individuals opened fire on a mini bus in Kharkiv's Chkalova Street

   Unknown individuals opened fire on a mini bus in Kharkiv's Chkalova Street on Thursday afternoon, wounding one person, a source in the law enforcement agencies told Interfax, Censor.NET reports.
   "There is information that the shots were fired from a car that rove by. One person was wounded in the hand. No one was killed," the source said.
   There is currently no official information on the incident.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  7:46 AM PDT

SBU established identity of “DPR” terrorist groups coordinator - Russian GRU officer, call-sign Starshyna.

   (Censor.NET) --- The Ukrainian Security Service has established yet another coordinator of “DPR” terrorist groups – serviceman of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate of the armed forces.

   This is reported by Censor.NET citing the press service of the SBU.

   It is reported that the information regarding GRU officer was obtained from detained Ukrainian citizens recruited by him.

   "He is a commander of a special purpose company of the "DPR Republican Guard", resident of Samaria, call-sign Starshyna (Master Sergeant). He is in the territory controlled by terrorists and reports directly to the terrorist nicknamed Chechen," the report says.

   It is noted that on behalf of the Russian special services Starshyna coordinates the activities of the "DPR" subversive groups, the main objectives of which are terrorist acts, sabotage, fighting against the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

   Starshyna also manages a network of agents in the territory of Ukraine. He transfers the data to "deputy company commander of the DPR defense ministry" Basurin. The obtained information is then used in the planning of "DPR" terrorist activities against the Ukrainian authorities. Starshyna uses residents of Donetsk, Vinnytsia and Lviv regions to collect information on the number of Ukrainian troops and their logistical support, general management and command, presence and condition of the fortifications in the ATO area," the SBU concluded.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  6:48 AM PDT

Canada is ready to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons but it will not act alone, Canada’s defense minister says

   (Censor.NET) --- Canadian Defense Minister Jason Kenney stated that his country is ready to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons but it will not act without the support of NATO allies.

   He said on the sidelines of the NATO-Ukraine Committee meeting, Censor.NET reports citing LB.UA.

   Canadian Defense Minister quoted Prime Minister Stephen Harper regarding the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine saying that all options has been put on the table but Canada would not act alone. He added that his country required consensus on this issue with the other NATO countries to follow this path together.

   In addition, he said that besides the main mission of 200 military trainers that Canada would send to Ukraine, five minor specialized training missions, which will include training of military police and aerial reconnaissance, medical training as well as explosive devices diffusion training, will be created.

   The minister also reminded that Canada had provided dozens of tons of military equipment to the Ukrainian military last year, including night vision goggles and high quality winter ammunition. He also said that Canada would consider further supplies of non-kinetic equipment to Ukraine.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  6:31 AM PDT

Russian humanitarian convoy again violates international laws by entering Ukraine – Border Guard Service

   (Interfax) --- The 31st so-called Russian "humanitarian" convoy has crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border and as usual violated the regulations of Ukrainian and international law, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has reported.

   "As for processing another, the so-called 31st Russia's 'humanitarian' convoy [crossed the border]. This morning, Russia processed the so-called 31st 'humanitarian' convoy on an ex parte basis. In the period from 06:45 until 07:45, two columns of the so-called humanitarian convoy consisting of 101 vehicles went through the Russian border checkpoints of Donetsk and Matveyev Kurgan into Ukraine," State Border Guard press secretary Oleh Slobodian said at a press conference in Kiev on Thursday.

   He said that the transportation of the convoy took place with the usual violation of international and Ukrainian laws.

   "The International Committee of the Red Cross didn't participate in the processing. The Ukrainian inter-agency group conducted only the visual monitoring," Slobodian said.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  6:28 AM PDT

Ukrainian Security Service reports detention of two Islamist women from Russia

   (Interfax) --- The Ukrainian Security Service has found a transfer point in Dnipropetrovsk used by members of the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as a place of temporary stay.

   "The police detained two female citizens of the Russian Federation in a rented apartment. Security Service officers found out that the women were expelled from the territories of Turkey and Egypt on suspicion of being involved in terrorist activity. The Islamists illegally came to Ukraine from the territory of Russia," the Ukrainian Security Service press center said on Thursday.

   According to it, the detainees planned to produce new fake IDs in Ukraine for traveling to Syria across Turkey. One of the Islamists presented to Ukrainian Security Service officers a fake passport issued to a citizen of Uzbekistan and carrying fake stamps attesting travel across the Ukrainian state border, as a proof of her identity.

   The women possessed handwritten texts preaching inter-religious fuel and hatred for people of other religions.

   A criminal case was opened against the Russian citizen carrying a fake ID on the counts of "the use of fake documents". Her fellow citizen will be deported to the country of permanent residence or a third state and prohibited to visit Ukraine for three years.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  6:09 AM PDT

Lysenko: No soldiers killed or injured in last day

   (UNIAN) --- No Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the Donbas conflict zone over the last 24 hours, presidential administration spokesman for ATO issues Colonel Andriy Lysenko said at a briefing in Kiev on Thursday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

   "Over the last day, no Ukrainian soldiers were killed or injured as

Thursday, June 25, 2015  5:54 AM PDT

Rebel units reinforced by Russian troops after defeat at Marjynka

   (Censor.NET) --- Donbas rebels demoralized by their recent defeat near Marjynka are being reinforced by regular Russian troops, interior minister’s adviser Zoryan Shkiryak said, speaking on Kanal 5 June 25, UNN reports.

   “The rebels lost over 400 killed and 800 wounded at Marjynka, according to Ukraine army intelligence reports and are short-staffed and in despair,” he said.

   The rebels are torn by feuds and wavering. That is why Putin is sending them heavy artillery and Russian troops, Shkiryak said.

   “I don’t believe the rebels can launch a full-sized offensive, but they will try to score small victories to bolster up their low morale,” he said.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  5:08 AM PDT

Terrorists attacked a Red Cross humanitarian convoy in Donetsk region

   (Censor.NET) --- This morning, terrorists of the illegal armed groups of the "DPR" fired grenade launchers and small arms at a convoy of the Red Cross mission in the area of the checkpoint near Berezove (Volnovakha district of the Donetsk region).

   This is stated by the press service of the SBU, Censor.NET reports.

   Fourteen trucks and cars were returning from a mission in Donetsk after delivering humanitarian aid to the civilian population of the temporarily occupied territories. There are no casualties among the Red Cross personnel, the vehicles have not been damaged.

   Representatives of the Red Cross stated that the attacks on the convoy came from the "DPR" terrorists. All personnel of the humanitarian mission is currently in safety.

   The officers of the Security Service are documenting the fact of attack on the Red Cross convoy by the terrorists.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  2:32 AM PDT

Russia thinks its new super-tank can resist just about all of NATO's anti-tank weapons 

   (Business Insider) --- Russia's 3rd-generation battle tank will feature a new version of explosive reactive armour (ERA) capable of resisting widely used Western anti-tank weapons, a source at a leading Russian heavy machinery company told Nikolai Novichkov of IHS Jane's 360.

   The unnamed source at the Russian Tractor Plants, which develops armour for the country's tanks, told Jane's that the T-14 Armata battle tank will feature a radically redesigned ERA system that has "no known world equivalents".

   "The new ERA can resist anti-tank gun shells adopted by NATO countries, including the state-of-the-art APFSDS DM53 and DM63 developed by Rheinmetall [and] anti-tank ground missiles with high-explosive anti-tank warheads," the source told Jane's.

---

NATO endorses defense capacity building package for Moldova

   (UNIAN) --- The defense ministers of the NATO member states have voted for a package of measures to strengthen the defense capacity of Moldova, Radio Europa Libera reported, according to eurointegration.com.ua.

   The point at issue was also measures to enhance security institutions in Moldova, it said.

   "We have endorsed a defense capacity building package to help Moldova to enhance its defense and security institutions," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after a meeting of the NATO defense ministers on Wednesday.

   "The idea or the purpose of the defense-capacity building agreement and package we have agreed for Moldova is to help and assist Moldova in strengthening and modernizing their armed forces, their defense. And we will do that by assisting them and helping them in reforming the Moldovan national security structures. And we will assist them in the modernization of the Moldovan National Army to training, support and education," he said.

   "And this is the reason why the defense-capacity building packages are so important. Because it is a way we can work with a partner nation as Moldova to help them improve, modernize their own defenses," he added.

   Moldova is a country with non-aligned status and did not plan to join NATO. It decided to join the Alliance's defense capacity building initiative last autumn because of developments in eastern Ukraine.

   It was earlier reported that Moldova was planning to radically modernize its army.