Ukraine War Update - 8 March 2015

Sunday, March 8, 2015  8:00 AM PDT

Five people detained at a rally in support of Savchenko in St. Petersburg.

   (Censor.NET) --- Russian police arrested five people at non-approved rally in support of Ukrainian pilot and deputy Nadiya Savchenko in St. Petersburg.

   Censor.NET reports, referring to Rosbalt.
   The rally lasted only for about 20 minutes. People were detained when they have unfurled Ukrainian flag. They are incriminated an unauthorized rally crime. The police conducted activists to the car, and probably took them to the police department. 

Sunday, March 8, 2015  6:27 AM PDT

Armed Forces of Ukraine completed fourth stage of heavy weapons withdrawal

   (Censor.NET) --- According to the Minsk agreements, Ukrainian Army completed the fourth stage of heavy weapons withdrawal from the front line in the Donbas.

   Speaker of the National Security and Defense Council Andrii Lysenko announced today at a briefing, Censor.NET reports, referring to Interfax-Ukraina.

   "We have completed the fourth stage of heavy weapons withdrawal from the front line in the Donbas. Thus, we withdrew Rapira and Ruta 100-mm anti-tank guns, Grad and Uragan rocket systems," Lysenko said.
   The whole process has been observed by the OSCE representatives.

Sunday, March 8, 2015  6:01 AM PDT

Ukraine

Suicide Or Homicide? In Ukraine, Old-Guard Officials Dying Mysteriously

   (RFE/RL) --- This year Ukraine has seen a bizarre string of deaths involving high-ranking officials, including a ex-city mayor, a former railway executive, and the former head of the state body in charge of privatization.
   A total of five officials died in a single 34-day period between January 28 and February 28. In each case, the deaths have been ruled probable suicides. But the victims' political allegiances and job histories have led many in Ukraine to suspect that the men were in fact murdered:

Mykola Serhiyenko

   January 26 -- Mykola Serhiyenko, the former first deputy chief of the state-run Ukrainian Railways, died in his Kiev home after apparently shooting himself with a registered hunting rifle.
   Investigators said Serhiyenko, 57, was alone at the time of the tragedy, and that all of the flat's doors and windows had been locked shut from the inside and showed no signs of tampering.
   Serhiyenko, who worked with Ukrainian Railways from April 2010 to April 2014, had been appointed to the post by Mykola Azarov, the former prime minister under Viktor Yanukovych. Azarov and Yanukovych are both wanted by Interpol on charges including embezzlement and misappropriation.

Oleksiy Kolesnyk

   January 29 -- Oleksiy Kolesnyk, the former head of the Kharkiv regional government, died after
   Kolesnyk, 64, did not leave a suicide note, but media and investigators have hinted he may have killed himself, noting that his death took place on the birthday of his friend and fellow politician, former Kharkiv Governor and Party of Regions ideologue Yevhen Kushnaryov, who died in 2007 after being shot on a hunting expedition.
   Kolesnyk began serving as chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council in 2002, but resigned prematurely in 2004.

apparently hanging himself.

Serhiy Walter

   February 25 -- The former mayor of the southeastern city of Melitopol, 57-year-old Serhiy Walter,
   Walter was forced to attend some 145 hearings during his trial, with prosecutors calling for 14 years' imprisonment. Throughout the proceedings, he insisted he was innocent. Walter was due to attend a new hearing on the day he died.

reportedly hanged himself. A member of the Party of Regions who had served as the head of Melitopol since 2010, Walter had been dismissed from his post in 2013 and put on trial for abuse of power and ties to organized crime.

Oleksandr Bordyuh

   February 26 -- One day after Walter's death, the body of the 47-year-old deputy chief of the Melitopol police, Oleksandr Bordyuh, was found in a garage. According to news reports, Bordyuh's former boss was a lawyer involved in Walter's trial.
   Media reported that the cause of Bordyuh's death was ruled a "hypertensive crisis," or stroke -- a term that police frequently use in instances of suicide. Additional details were not provided.

Mykhaylo Chechetov

   February 28 -- Mykhaylo Chechetov, the ex-Ukraine's parliament, died after jumping or falling out of the window of his 17th-story apartment.
   The death came just days after Chechetov was arrested for fraud and abuse of office stemming from his two years at the helm of the powerful State Property Fund. (Chechetov posted bond to avoid being held in pretrial detention.)
   Chechetov's time at the property fund, from April 2003 to April 2005, marked one of the busiest periods of post-Soviet privatization, with the steel giant Kryvorizhstal among the cut-rate sales made during his tenure. The plant, notoriously, was sold to a group that included the son-in-law of former President Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Pinchuk, for just $850 million. (In October 2005, Viktor Yushchenko reversed the sale, reselling a 93-percent stake in the plant to Mittal Steel for $4.8 billion.)
   Anton Herashchenko, a Popular Front lawmaker and adviser to the Interior Ministry, has speculated that Chechetov may have been driven to suicide by fellow old-guard members whose role in the deal stood to be exposed by his testimony. "It's a shame we'll never get to learn all of the interesting things we would have heard from Chechetov's evidence," he wrote on Facebook.

deputy chairman of the Party of Regions faction in

   Chechetov isn't the first head of the State Property Fund to die an unnatural death.
   On August 27, 2014 the body of Valentina Semenyuk-Samsonenko was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head, with a gun lying nearby. She led the agency from April 2005 to December 2008. Her family told reporters they dismissed the possibility of suicide, saying that she had spoken fearfully of someone taking out a contract on her life.
   The third death of an official tied to Ukraine's privatization took place even earlier. In May 1997, the head of the Crimean branch of the State Property Fund, Oleksiy Holovizin, was killed in the entryway of his house.
   Lawmaker Ihor Lutsenko, a member of the new government's anticorruption committee, wrote in Ukrainska Pravda that eliminating Property Fund chiefs makes it almost impossible to reverse corrupt privatization sales, like that of Kryvorizhstal.
   "Semenyuk and Chechetov won't be saying anything," he wrote. "And that will cost us, the citizens of Ukraine, tens of billions of dollars."
   The recent string of deaths comes 10 years after two more resonant cases that followed closely on the heels of the Orange Revolution. Heorhiy Kirpa, transport minister under Kuchma, was found dead in late December, 2004. His death came two days after the rerun of the second round of presidential elections that handed Yushchenko the win over Yanukovych.
   The following March, Kuchma's former interior minister, Yuriy Kravchenko, died one day after being called as a witness in the resurrected case of slain journalist Heorhiy Gongadze.
   Both deaths were officially ruled suicides -- even though, in Kravchenko's case, it had taken two gunshots to kill him.

Sunday, March 8, 2015  5:10 AM PDT

Three Ukrainian soldiers wounded, one killed over last 24 hours

   (Censor.NET) --- Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded and one was killed in the ATO zone on March 7.

   Speaker of the National Security and Defense Council Andrii Lysenko announced today at a briefing, Censor.NET reports.

   Three Ukrainian soldiers were injured and one was killed over the past 24 hours," Lysenko said.

   The wounded received necessary medical care.
   "We also observed a significant decrease in number of militant attacks over the last 24 hours," Lysenko said.

Sunday, March 8, 2015  4:18 AM PDT

Fighters for Russian Orthodoxy destroyed eight churches in Luhansk region - Moskal.

   (Censor.NET) --- Eight churches were destroyed by the terrorists in the Luhansk region during the ATO.

   "All of them belong to Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Censor.NET reports referring to Hennadii Moskal, Head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration.

   "Windows were broken; facade fragments and roofs were damaged almost in all churches. Some of the buildings were severely damaged as a result of direct artillery hits, Moskal said.
   "Destroyed churches, altars and icons are the best evidence of what those fighters for Russian Orthodoxy are all about. That is how they fight for 'Russkiy Mir' in the Donbas," Moskal concluded.

Sunday, March 8, 2015  3:23 AM PDT

Rallies in support of Savchenko to be held today in Russia and over the world

   (Censor.NET) --- International actions in support of the prisoner of war Nadiya Savchenko will be held today, March 8, in the Russian Federation, as well as in a number of cities in the world.

   Censor.NET reports citing the description of the event on Facebook.
   "On March 8, 2015, a rally calling to liberate Nadiya Savchenko will take place on Nemtsov bridge in Moscow and central squares of other cities in Russia. We will come without posters to the scene of the murder of Boris Nemtsov (former Bolshoi Moskvoretskiy Bridge) to lay flowers on the ninth day of his death. Our demands are to immediately release Savchenko, stop the war in Ukraine, and find the real killers of Nemtsov," the satement reads.
   Similar rallies will take place in other Russian cities and abroad, including Amsterdam. In Western countries, civil society activists will hold hands and symbolically encircle the buildings of diplomatic missions and trade missions of Russia, the White House, the US Congress, and the European Parliament. They will symbolically take the institutions as hostages referring to Vladimir Putin who holds Nadiya Savchenko as hostage.

Sunday, March 8, 2015  2:23 AM PDT

Five Ukrainian soldiers liberated from terrorist captivity.

   (Censor.NET) --- Five more Ukrainian soldiers were liberated from the captivity of the pro-Russian militants on Saturday, March 7.

   Vasyl Budyk, counselor to the Deputy Defense Minister wrote on Facebook, Censor.NET informs.
   "Five more soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were freed today! Many thanks to all who participated in the liberation of the guys!" he wrote.
List of the liberated soldiers:

Oleh Klymenko
Oleksandr Shchepets
Dmytro Zuyev
Yurii Yanytskyi (all of them from the 20th Battallion)
And Leonid Podduba from the 28th Brigade.

Sunday, March 8, 2015  12:44 AM PST

Militants shelled several villages from mortars and grenade launchers. Terrorist sniper was reported near Pisky

   (Censor.NET) --- The intensity of provocative attacks at Ukrainian troops' positions by the militants was much lower over the past night.

   Starting from 8 p.m. yesterday and until 6 a.m. on March 8, the terrorists violated the cease-fire six times, Censor.NET reports citing the ATO press center.

   The separatists fired from mortars and grenade launchers at Avdiivka town, as well as Opytne and Kamianka villages from the vicinity of the Donetsk airport. Enemy sniper firing at ATO forces' positions was spotted near the village of Pisky.
   "Maiorsk village located in the Artemivsk area was mortared at 2.30 a.m. on March 8," the report reads.

Saturday, March 7, 2013  23:34 PST

Turf battles raging in breakaway Donbas republics

   (Zik) --- A car carrying Oleksy Morhovy, the leaders of one of criminal gangs in the rebel-held territories, was blown up on Saturday, lb.ua reports March 7.

   Mozhovy’s two guards were killed but the criminal lord was only wounded as he was in the back seat.

   Mozhovy is the leader of the “Specter” brigade and controls Alchevsk. He is a die-hard enemy of the Luhansk republic leader Ihor Plotnytsky.

   Over the past month, the leaders of Luhansk oblast criminal gangs challenging Plotnytsky have been killed or arrested. Jan. 1, Oleksandr Bednov (aka Batman) was killed. In late January, Yevhen Ishchenko (aka Tiny) who controlled Pervomajsk was liquidated. On Feb. 28, Serhy Kosohorov (aka Kosohor) who controlled Krasny Luch was taken prisoner by the rebels.

Saturday, March 7, 2013  23:16 PST

Putin opts to create mammoth military base in Crimea – expert

   (Zik) --- After annexing Crimea Russia’s Pres Putin is eager to build a mammoth military base on the peninsula, Andry Klymenko, journalist and human rights activist, told VOA, Ukrayinska Pravda reported March 7.

   Klymenko is a co-author of the recent human rights abuse report in Crimea.

   Putin’s initial plan was to build a mammoth military base, not the gambling bonanza, by deploying the fleet, strategic aviation, space troops, and nuclear weapons, the expert said.

   “Accordingly, there shouldn’t be disloyal population in the area where 100,000 Russian troops will be located.

   The disloyal population includes Crimean Tatars, journalists, public activists and all those who refuse to exchange the Ukrainian passports for the Russian ones.

   The report singles out several technologies used by Russia to forcefully turn Ukrainians into Russian subjects and to squeeze Crimean Tatars out of Crimea. In doing so, the Kremlin violates not only the international law but also the laws of Russia itself, the expert says. 

Saturday, March 7, 2013  10:31 AM PST

March 7 rebels shelled Ukraine army positions 18 times

   (Zik) --- At 5 a.m. on March 7, the rebels attacked Avdijivka using small arms, grenade throwers and an AA gun. Pisky was attacked 2 times, with the enemy using mortars and grenade throwers, the army spokesman said.

   In the Mariupol area, the rebsls used small arms, mortars and grenade throwers to fire on Shyrokine. At 16.00, they shelled the city from tanks.

   Near Artemivsk, the rebels used mortars to fire on Luhanske and Lozove.

   In total, the rebels violated the ceasefire 18 times on March 7.

Germany and Poland swapping battalions

   (Reuters) --- The German army is to put one of its battalions under Polish command, rapidly scaling up ties with Warsaw at a time of increasing fears in eastern Europe over Russia.

   General Bruno Kasdorf told Reuters a Polish battalion would also come under German control, as part of efforts by the two NATO members to boost familiarity with each other's militaries and allow greater cross-border co-operation in future.

   It is not yet clear which Polish and German battalions would be affected, but it could be combat units close to the Polish-German border, taking effect by mid-2016.

   Russian intervention in Ukraine has left Poland and the Baltic states, all members of the western military alliance, feeling particularly vulnerable.

   "Up to now we have had close ties to our French neighbours, a good link with the Dutch and good relations with Poland ... but we want to give these a new quality," Kasdorf said.

   Last April NATO agreed a package of measures to reinforce its eastern borders in response to the Ukraine crisis, including more patrols and exercises.

   This was followed in September by plans to create a "spearhead" rapid reaction force and pre-positioning supplies and equipment in east European countries so they can be reinforced within days.

   "We are already doing a lot this year in Poland, the Baltics and Hungary, to support NATO assurance measures," Kasdorf said.

   Some 5,200 German soldiers will exercise in the eastern member states of NATO this year, the highest number of troops ever for unified Germany.

Ukraine War Update - 7 March 2015

Saturday, March 7, 2015  5:37 AM PST

London plans to ship consignment of non-lethal weapons to Kiev

   KIEV, March 7 (Ukrinform). --- The UK intends to ship a consignment of non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine.

   Deutsche Welle German news agency reported the news citing the UK Minister of Defense Michael Fallon.

   "Non-lethal equipment that is to be shipped as a gift is meant to prevent further Ukrainian losses and improve its spatial awareness," the German news agency quoted the head of the British Ministry of Defense as saying.

Saturday, March 7, 2015  5:17 AM PST

PM Yatseniuk discusses American technical assistance with US Deputy State Secretary

   KIEV, March 7 (Ukrinform). --- Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatseniuk discussed with US Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is visiting Kiev, the issue of a security situation in eastern Ukraine on Friday, March 6.

   The news was reported on Ukraine's Government portal website.

   "The Prime Minister of Ukraine discussed with the US official the issue of security situation in eastern Ukraine, focusing on the need for a common decisive opposition by the international community to the aggressive policy conducted by the Russian Federation," said the statement.

   It is noted that an important element of these efforts is to stabilize the economic situation in Ukraine through the government's efforts to implement systemic reforms with the support provided by its international partners.

   Moreover, Yatseniuk and Blinken discussed priority areas for obtaining the expert and technical assistance from the United States, including, in particular, to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, reform of law enforcement agencies, and assistance in the financial sector.

Saturday, March 7, 2015  4:49 AM PST

Terrorists restore railroad for supply of arms and ammunition

   (Censor.NET) --- Violating the cease-fire, the terrorists are not only attack Ukrainian army’s positions in the ATO zone, but also reconstitute their forces.

Andrii Lysenko, Speaker of the National Security and Defense Council, announced today at a briefing, Censor.NET reports.
   "The enemy is primarily focused on its unit's reconstitution and regrouping, arms and ammunition supplies. First and foremost, they are trying to restore the railroad," Lysenko said.

Saturday, March 7, 2015  4:08 AM PST

Gunmen shell Ukrainian army 46 times over past 24 hours in Donbas conflict zone, no casualties reported

   KIEV, March 7 (Ukrinform). --- For the past 24 hours, the gunmen shelled 46 times the positions held by the Ukrainian military.

   Representative of the anti-terrorist operation headquarters Andriy Lysenko told reporters on Saturday.

   "Statistics testifies that the ceasefire is sabotaged by the gunmen. In particular, yesterday, on March 6, Ukrainian forces were attacked with using different types of weapons 46 times," said Lysenko.

   Moreover, he said, three clashes occurred between the Ukrainian military and the enemy on Friday. "The attacks were repulsed without any losses to our side. The tensest confrontations were near Donetsk, Artemivsk and Volnovakha areas. For the first time in several months in the Donbas conflict zone, no killed or wounded servicemen due to shelling or fights have been reported. All are alive and well," said the representative.

   According to Lysenko, the most intense fights were reported near the town of Avdiyivka, 20 kilometers north of Donetsk, where “yesterday our positions near the town were attacked 10 times, and today after midnight - 3 times, including at 04.00 the shelling was reported fired from the enemy's artillery.

   "The main enemy's efforts are focused on the restoration of his combat units, regrouping of manpower and equipment, improvement in delivering arms and ammunition to the territories they control, mostly utilizing railroad network," said the official.

Saturday, March 7, 2015  3:33 AM PST

There are no casualties among Ukrainian soldiers over last 24 hours

   (Censor.NET) --- There were no Ukrainian soldiers killed or wounded in the ATO zone on March 6.

   Speaker of the National Security and Defense Council Andrii Lysenko announced today at a briefing, Censor.NET reports.

   "Over the last 24 hours, there were no casualties among Ukrainian soldiers, for the first time in the last few months," Lysenko said.

Saturday, March 7, 2015  12:13 AM PST

Terrorists shelled Avdiivka and unsuccessfully attacked Ukrainian army’s positions near Sokolnyky

   (Censor.NET) --- The terrorists continue to provoke the Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to sabotage the Minsk agreements.

   Thus, the militants violated the truce for about 14 times from 8 p.m. (March 6) till 6 a.m. (March 7), Censor.NET reports referring to the ATO press center.

   The militants fired at Hranitne, Opytne and Pisky villages from small arms last night. The town of Avdiivka was shelled from mortars and grenade launchers seven times. Moreover, Avdiivka town was fired from artillery from 4 a.m. till 4.20 a.m," the press center informs.
   Shumy village was shelled from automatic grenade launcher. The terrorists unsuccessfully attacked Ukrainian army's positions near Sokolnyky village in the Luhansk region.

   In general, the militants used small arms four times, mortars and grenade launchers ten times from 8p.m. (March 6) till 6a.m. (March 7). Artillery was used only once last night.

Friday, March 6, 2015  22:24 PST

Georgia's Parliamentary Chief Says Relations With Russia Deteriorating

   WASHINGTON(RFE/RL) --- The chairman of Georgia’s parliament says Tbilisi's relations with Russia have deteriorated since start of the war in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists.

Davit Usupashvili

   Davit Usupashvili told RFE/RL on March 6 that Tbilisi's relations with Moscow are changing from "bad to worse, because what's happening in Ukraine is a continuation of the process which started in August 2008 in Georgia."

   Russia and Georgia broke formal diplomatic relations after the two countries fought a six-day war in August 2008.

   Since December 2012, representatives from the two countries have engaged in limited bilateral talks in Prague.

   Usupashvili said neither those talks nor enhanced trade would change Russia's aggressive behavior.

   He said that only more “outside pressure” could change Russia's behavior.

   Earlier this week, Russian launched what it described as “military exercises” in Georgia’s breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- the Russian-backed separatist regions where the Kremlin’s forces have remained since the 2008 war.

   Usupashvili said he was "very angry" about Russia’s military muscle flexing there.

   But he said: “I am expressing my anger in resolutions of the parliament and statements because it's not a viable option to translate this anger into something else -- taking a weapon and fighting. We learned some lessons in August 2008."

   On March 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin also signed an order backing a draft treaty with South Ossetia that will deepen military and economic ties between Moscow and the self-styled separatist leadership there.

   The order follows a similar one signed between Russia and Abkhazia’s self-styled separatist leadership.

   Usupashvili said the treaty was not done "in accordance with the rules and practices” of international law.

   Nevertheless, he said Georgia wants to normalize its relations with Moscow because "no matter how things will go, we have to live next to Russia."

   Usupashvili was in Washington to meet with U.S. officials and lawmakers.

   His week-long visit comes the same week that former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, now an adviser to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, testified to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urged the United States to supply military weaponry to Ukrainian government forces.

Saakashvili’s appointment by Poroshenko has sparked tensions between the two countries.

   Georgia summoned Ukraine's ambassador in Tbilisi to explain the move, and Kiev refused a request from Tbilisi to extradite Saakashvili to face corruption charges in Georgia.

   Saakashvili’s supporters say the charges against him are politically motivated.

   Usupashvili said he was reluctant to criticize Kiev for the move because of the reform challenges that the Ukrainian government faces.

   But he said: “The only thing which I would advise to Ukrainians or Ukrainian leadership” would be “to be more careful" about moves like appointing Saakashvili as a presidential adviser in Kiev.

Friday, March 6, 2015  14:21 PST

Ukrainian side withdrew Uragan MLRS while militants violated cease-fire 27 times – ATO press center

   (Censor.NET) --- Today, March 6, in full compliance with the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the Ukrainian side started the next stage of withdrawal of artillery systems.

   This is stated by Censor.NET citing the press center of the anti-terrorist operation.

   The report notes: "In particular, Uragan multiple rocket launchers were redeployed from combat positions along the line of contact.

   "At the same time, from 5 a.m. to nearly 7 p.m. the enemy violated the cease-fire 27 times.

   "Thus, at the Donetsk direction the terrorists used small arms: three times in Opytne, two times in Pisky and against ATO position near the Dutivka mine.

   "At the same time, the gangs used mortars and grenade launchers against Opytne, Pisky, Avdiivka, and Vodiane. About 11 a.m. the militants opened fireon Opytne using an IFV.

   "Today has not been quiet at the other directions. Near Mariupol the criminals used small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at Shyrokyne. The villages of Orel and Berdianske were shelled by mortars.

   "At the Luhansk direction they used mortars and anti-tank guided missiles to strike Zolote.

   "Near Debaltseve the used grenade launcher to strike Leninske, and mortars and anti-tank guided missiles against Luhanske.

   "The day was characterized by two armed clashes. At 5 a.m. the enemy's infantry forces unsuccessfully attacked the ATO forces' positions near the Dutivka mine. And around 3 p.m. the gangs stormed a stronghold on the outskirts of Maiorsk," the report says.

   "In addition, during the day the enemy used unmanned aerial vehicles 4 times. In particular, over Raivka near Luhansk and three times in the sky over Hnutove at the Mariupol direction," the ATO concluded.

Friday, March 6, 2015  12:21 PST

"Parade of prisoners" in Donetsk is a war crime - UN Assistant Secretary General

   (Censor.NET) --- "Parade of prisoners" in the occupied city of Donbas is a war crime, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović says.

   He stated this during a meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax-Ukraine.

   He noted that on Jan. 22 Ukrainian soldiers who were captured at the Donetsk airport, were forced to go through the streets of Donetsk where they were insulted, and said that such treatment of prisoners of war can be considered a war crime.

   According to him, the illegal military forces continue to violate human rights in the occupied territories.

   Šimonović also stated that the SMM continues to document cases of torture and improper treatment. 

Lithuania 'already under attack' - President Grybauskaite

   (BBC) --- The Lithuanian president has told the BBC's Katya Adler that her country is "already under 

attack" and that conscription is being reintroduced in Lithuania as a response to threats in the region.

   Dalia Grybauskaite said that the country needed to be able to protect itself as it was in the "frontier". She said her country bordered Russia and there were "threats and exercises practically every day combined with an informational war, propaganda and cyber attacks".

Ukraine War Update - 6 March 2015

Friday, March 6, 2015  7:58 AM PST

Switzerland prolongs Russian sanctions due to situation in Ukraine

   (Interfax) --- The Swiss government has prolonged its sanctions against Russia due to the situation in Ukraine.

   "In view of the situation in Ukraine, and following decisions taken by the EU, the Federal Council today decided to extend its measures to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions," reads the Swiss government website.

   "It added the measures decreed by the EU last December following non-recognition of the annexation of the Crimea and Sevastopol to the ordinance on international sanctions of 27 August 2014," reads the statement.

   "The Federal Council also added to Annex 3 of the ordinance the names of 28 further persons and entities who have had financial and travel restrictions imposed on them in the EU. The amended ordinance with supplemented annexes comes into effect at 6 pm today [1900 Kiev time]," reads the statement.

   The last time Switzerland extended the list of people effected by the sanctions was on December 16, 2014. The names on the list have been covered by EU sanctions since November last year.

Friday, March 6, 2015  7:42 AM PST

Terrorists are preparing an offensive on three fronts - ATO speaker

   (Censor.NET) --- The militants accumulate equipment at Novoazovsk, Artemivsk and Donetsk directions which promotes suggestions on the likelihood of the so-called offensive actions.

   ATO speaker Andrii Lysenko announced the probability of the militants' offensive actions in certain areas, Censor.NET reports citing zn.ua.

   "Taking in consideration the amount of equipment, weapons and manpower concentrated in certain areas, it is possible to draw conclusions about the probability of the so-called offensive actions. Subversive actions obviously should be expected in the areas with lower concentration of hostile forces," he said at a briefing in Kiev Friday.

   The major Russian-terrorist forces are concentrated at Novoazovsk, Artemivsk, and Donetsk directions.

   "But we keep conducting counter subversive actions as the enemy subversive reconnaissance groups are constantly trying to penetrate into our territory, but thanks to the efforts of our soldiers on the front line the intruders are detected and destroyed," the ATO speaker said.

   According to him, the militants have partially restored Debaltseve railway junction.

   "There was information that the terrorists received instructions to restore the railway tracks as soon as possible. Hardware was deployed there. We have information that the first train that brought ammunition to militants in Debaltseve has arrived the day before yesterday. It consisted of six cars," Lysenko said.

He noted that when Ukrainian troops pulled back from Debaltseve, the railway tracks were extensively damaged. "Since there were instructions to leave the positions in Debaltseve and perform organized withdrawal from the Debaltseve front there were not a single undamaged rail at the Debaltseve junction at that time," Channel 112 reports citing Lysenko.

   Lysenko also said at the briefing that the Ukrainian military are withdrawing Uragan multiple rocket launchers (MRLS) from the confrontation line as of Friday, March 6 implementing the next stage of the Minsk agreements.

Friday, March 6, 2015  5:27 AM PST

Ukraine has to step up preparations to defend Mariupol, Artemivsk and Shchastya – expert

   (Zik) --- According to Ukraine intelligence, Russian and rebel troops are sending reconnaissance groups to Mariupol, Artemivsk and Shchastya to gauge our defenses, expert Dmytro Snehiryov says, ZIK reports March 6.

   These three cities have strategic importance. In Artemivsk, there is a huge military hardware depot, In Shchastya, there is a thermal electricity plant supplying electricity to rebel-held territories.

   Mariupol with its sea port and steel plants Azovstal and Illich as well as Azovmash engineering plant make the city a lump prize for the separatists.

   Mariupol is on the way to Crimea, with the separatists announcing their plans to export coal and lay a land corridor to Crimea.

   Ukraine army says they are prepared to defend Mariupol and built a three-echelon defense lines. However, this is not true, the expert says. So, the defense of Mariupol is a priority, Dmytro Snehiryov stresses.

Friday, March 6, 2015  5:22 AM PST

One more car exploded in Kharkiv over the day; the reason for explosion is short circuit

   (Censor.NET) --- Another car explosion, second over the day Friday, rocked the city of Kharkiv.

   This is reported by Censor.NET citing IT Sector.
Kharkiv State Culture University dormitory," the message reads.
   The website also published two images of the explosion.
   Later, People's Front MP Anton Herashchenko confirmed the accident on his Facebook page and said the reason for the explosion was short circuit.

   "At about 2 p.m. a car took fire and exploded near a

   "Panic rumors spread across Kharkiv about the second car blown up over the day. I just spoke with the Kharkiv Regional Police Administration Head Anatolii Dmytriev. The second car was an old Audi with problematic circuit. It just burned down. No one was hurt. The owner himself confirmed that his car was at the death's door," Herashchenko wrote.

Friday, March 6, 2015  5:03 AM PST

No Ukrainian soldiers killed in Donbas in past 24 hours

   KIEV, March 6 (Ukrinform). --- Over the past day no Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, four have been injured in the area of the anti-terrorist operation.

   Spokesman for the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing in Kiev on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

   "During the last day no Ukrainian servicemen have been killed, four have been injured in the area of the anti-terrorist operation," Lysenko said.

Friday, March 6, 2015  4:46 AM PST

Ukrainian witness of Nemtsov's slaying to be protected by Ukrainian police

   KIEV, March 6 (Ukrinform). --- Viktor Shokin has instructed the police to protect Hanna Durytska, the sole witness of Boris Nemtsov's shooting death in Moscow, Russia, last week.

   The press service of Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office has reported.

   "Attorney General of Ukraine Viktor Shokin has instructed to take all necessary measures to protect the life Hanna Durytska, the witness in the murder case of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov," the prosecutor's office officials said.

   The officials stated that Durytska herself wrote to the police yesterday about unknown persons threatening her life at her parents' residence. "Currently, security measures are being made to protect the life and health of Hanna Durytska," the press-service noted.

   The course of the pre-trial investigation was taken under personal control by the Attorney General of Ukraine.

(Please note --- I'm not sure what her first name is properly as I have found articles calling her Anna, Gannna and Hanna so far)

Friday, March 6, 2015  4:30 AM PST

Car of battalion commander exploded in Kharkiv. Two people injured.

   (Censor.NET) --- Another explosion rocked Kharkiv.

Kharkiv businessman, volunteer, and 'Myr I Poriadok' charity fund co-founder Vsevolod Kozhemiako announced on his page on Facebook, Censor.NET informs.

   "A van just exploded in Kharkiv, in Saltivka (residential neighborhood in the north-east of Kharkiv - ed.) near 24-storey apartment building. A white Volkswagen van exploded. It does not seem like the terrorist attack though," he wrote.

   Information about the explosion was also confirmed by the IT Sector Kharkiv news outlet.

   "An explosion took place in Saltivka near 24-storey apartment building. A man in military uniform suffered as a result. The injured person was taken to the hospital," the statement reads.

   According to Hromadske TV, the car belonged to the Slobozhanshchyna battalion commander.

   Andrii Yanholenko's brother Serhii confirmed to Interfax-Ukraine that the exploded car belonged to the Slobozhanshchyna police special designation battalion commander.

   "It happened in Saltivka near 24-storey apartment building. Andrii and his wife are currently in the fourth emergency department," he said.

   Serhii Yanholenko did not specify how critical the condition of both victims was.

Friday, March 6, 2015  3:16 AM PST

Terrorists continue using harassing fire tactics. Shelling of Avdiivka, Pisky, and another attempt to storm Shyrokyne recorded at night - ATO press center

   (Censor.NET) --- Terrorists continue shelling the Ukrainian troops’ positions.

   Censor.NET reports citing the ATO press center's statement.

   "The enemy keeps conducting sporadic attacks on the Ukrainian servicemen positions in the antiterrorist operation area following the tactics of 'harassing fire'.

   "The terrorists attacked our detachments 14 times during the night from 8 p.m. March 5 to 6 a.m. March 6.

   "The cities and villages at the Donetsk direction have long been suffering from the largest number of attacks. The villages of Avdiivka and Pisky were shelled from mortars and grenade launchers at about 8 p.m. there. The criminals committed more strikes on Avdiivka at 1.50 a.m. They also attacked Kamianka village at 3.10 a.m. and Khimik neighbourhood at 4.10 a.m.

   "The enemy fired at the village of Shyrokyne at Mariupol direction several times for almost an hour totally using small arms and rocket launchers. The first assault started at 09.45 p.m. and the other one - at 12.30 a.m. The terrorists committed unsuccessful attempt to storm our positions there at 9.30 p.m.

   "A sniper attacked Leninske village at the Artemivsk direction at 08.05 p.m. The village of Shumy was fired at by the gangs from small arms at 08.30 p.m.

   "Despite some enemy gangs' attempts to disrupt peace agreements by sporadic shelling, our military do not fall for provocations using weapons only in case of direct threat to life," the statement reads.

 Friday, March 6, 2015  2:39 AM PST

Situation in Ukraine's eastern regions. Map

   KIEV, March 6 (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 March 6 has been released by the information and analytical center of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council.

Friday, March 6, 2015  2:26 AM PST

'DPR' terrorists announced ethnic cleansing of Ukrainians in Horlivka

   (Censor.NET) --- 'DPR' terrorists announced ethnic cleansing of Ukrainians.

   'DPR' terrorists in Horlivka, the Donetsk region, announced ethnic cleansing towards Ukrainians in the city.

Harassment of Ukrainians was announced in a social media group 'Horlivka Local Defense.' This is one of the most popular city groups with 88,000 subscribers, Censor.NET reports citing Sirgis Inform.

   The terrorists' message reads that they started to list all those who support Ukraine and Ukrainians and asked other citizens "to report neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers." The terrorists are open about this being ethnic cleansing: "This means that cleansing starts in Horlivka. Cleansing of 'ukrops' (pejorative for Ukrainians - ed.). We have no pity for traitors in our hearts. Either they leave on their own, or we arrange it for them," the message reads.

Friday, March 6, 2015  1:13 AM PST

Russian opposition leaders pledge to complete Nemtsov’s report on Russian troops in Donbas – Yashyn

   (Zik) --- Speaking on 1+1 TV March 5, Boris Nemtsov’s friend and colleague in the opposition said, “We will try to publish Boris Nemtsov’s report soon.

   However, there may be some problems as the police impounded Boris’ PC within hours of his murder. 

   Still, some of the materials kept by Boris’ assistants have been restored,” Yashyn said.

   Completing Nemtsov’s report is the matter of honor for the opposition. The Russians must know the truth about Putin’s role in starting the war in Donbas, Illya Yashyn said.

Friday, March 6, 2015  12:01 AM PST

Donbas rebels build up ammo supplies close to touchline

   (Zik) --- Breaking the Minsk agreements, over the past two days the rebels and Russian troops intensified their activities to build up ammunition supplies in the areas close to the touchline, military expert Dmytro Tymchuk writes in Facebook March 6.

   Five truck convoys and a trainload of ammunition arrived in Donbas on March 5 and 6, the expert says.

   The rebels also ignore the ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy artillery from the touchline.   The shelling of Ukraine army position continues using artillery guns and tanks.

   The rebels have withdrawn only part of their heavy artillery, hiding many guns and tanks in masked positions, Dmytro Tymchuk says.

Thursday, March 5, 2015  11:32 AM PST

Putin does better job than Stalin scaring Russians – Gluzman

   (Zik) --- The Kremlin has tapped well the potential of television to scare Russians and create the image of the enemy, in fact, the same way Stalin and Hitler had done, president of the Association of Psychiatrists of Ukraine and former dissident Semen Gluzman says.

   “What the Nazis had done and what Stalin had done is now being done by Putin – but more expertly using television and the Internet, Gluzman told Radio Svoboda March 5.

   Scared people cannot think critically. Therefore, they believe everything they are told. The only way to deal with this is to tell the truth, he said. 

   Trust develops and scare is gone when you are told the truth, no matter how bitter it can be, the scientist said

   “If the number of Ukrainian casualties in Debaltseve is high, why should the information be classified? We must know the names of our patriots to honour them and help their families.

   When we hear untrue declarations of general staff spokesmen, we stop believing them – and it is a very serious problem,” Semen Gluzman says.

Ukraine War Update - 5 March 2015

Thursday, March 5, 2015  9:02 AM PST

"I will fight! Together with you!" – Savchenko’s lawyer confirms partial cessation of her hunger strike

Letter from Nadiya

   (Censor.NET) --- Lawyer of Ukrainian pilot, MP Nadiya Savchenko Mark Feigin confirms that she partially terminated the hunger strike.

   According to Censor.NET, he wrote about it on his Twitter page.

   "I came from Nadiya Savchenko. I confirm the words of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FPS) of Russia on her partial termination of the hunger strike," he wrote.

   Earlier today, the Russian FPS stated that Nadiya Savchenko agreed to end the strike.

   "Today, the accused Nadiya Savchenko agreed to implement the recommendations of physicians to maintain her health and has agreed to accept the chicken broth," the FPS stated.

   The lawyer also issued a letter of Nadiya Savchenko in which she confirmed that she decided to drink the broth in order to have power to fight together with Ukrainians.

Thursday, March 5, 2015  7:37 AM PST

Militants’ attempt to expand occupied territory will be regarded as a violation of the Minsk agreements - NATO Secretary General

   (Censor.NET) --- Any attempt by the terrorists to expand the territory they occupied in the East of Ukraine will be regarded by the international community as a violation of the Minsk agreements.

   This was announced on Thursday by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax-Ukraine.

   At a joint press conference in Helsinki with Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb Stoltenberg stated that an attempt to expand the territory by the separatists will be in direct violation of the Minsk agreements and would be unacceptable in the eyes of the international community.

Thursday, March 5, 2015  7:19 AM PST

63 border guards were killed and 372 wounded in the course of ATO – State Border Service

   (Censor.NET) --- In the course of carrying out ATO combat missions in in eastern Ukraine 63 border guards lost their lives.

   372 border guards were wounded and 10 are missing in action. This was stated at the briefing of Assistant Chairman of the State Border Service, head of the press service Oleh Slobodian, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrainian News.

   "Since the early deterioration of the situation in Eastern Ukraine 63 border guards were killed, 372 were wounded and another 10 are still missing," he said.

   The latest death of the border guard was reported on Feb. 10 when an ATO checkpoint near Fashchivka of the Donetsk region came under fire.

Thursday, March 5, 2015  6:45 AM PST

Russia's aggression not to stop Ukraine's integration into NATO - Turchynov

   KIEV, March 5 (Ukrinform). --- Russia's aggression in Crimea and eastern Ukraine will not stop the process of Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO.

   Secretary of National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov said this at a media briefing in Warsaw, an Ukrinform correspondent in Poland reported.

   "There is no alternative to European and Euro-Atlantic integration for Ukraine and we are very grateful for Poland's support in this direction. Russian aggression in Crimea and eastern Ukraine will not stop the process of Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration," Turchynov said.

   He stressed that Ukraine "in any case, would return the temporarily occupied territories."

   According to him, Kiev today counters a very strong aggressor, and therefore the support of partners from the EU is "very important."

   "Russian aggression against Ukraine should be considered in the context of aggression against the European security and therefore cooperation [with the West] in the field of security and defense is very important," he said.

   Turchynov also expressed his gratitude "to the Polish government and people for their support to Ukraine.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 5:40 AM PST

Russian Foreign Ministry to oppose UN peacekeepers’ introduction to the east of Ukraine

   (Censor.NET) --- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that Moscow will not support the introduction of peacekeeping forces on the territory of Ukraine, if such a proposal is submitted to the UN Security Council.

   Censor.NET reports citing BBC Russian service.

   He explained that according to Moscow's position, Minsk Agreements are sufficient at this stage of the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

   "We believe that Minsk arrangements clearly define the role of the OSCE within its monitoring mission. And now we need to do our best for this monitoring mission to work efficiently observing the implementation of the Minsk agreements. This would be enough for now," Gatilov said.

   The Ukrainian authorities had previously offered to introduce the UN or the EU peacekeepers into the conflict zone in the Donbas.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 4:46 AM PST

Ukrainian troops start to withdraw Grads rockets

   KIEV, March 5 (Ukrinform). --- On Friday, March 6, Ukrainian military start the next stage of withdrawal of artillery systems from the confrontation line in the ATO area to the distance, determined in the Minsk agreements.

This has been reported by the ATO press center.

"In particular, BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems are redeployed at the prepared frontiers along the demarcation line," press center notes.

The ATO press center has earlier stated that Ukrainian military are ready to start the third stage of withdrawal of heavy artillery, if the militants abide by the peace agreements.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 4:25 AM PST

More than 50 towns in Donetsk region disconnected from Ukraine's Treasury network

   KIEV, March 5 (Ukrinform). --- Effective on 4 March, over 50 towns and villages in Donetsk region have been disconnected from the State Treasury Service of Ukraine, but the head of the region asks to resume public sector funding in those residential areas.

   The press service of Donetsk Regional State Administration has reported the news.

   The officials said that in February the Cabinet had decided to expand the list of towns where the government does not exercise or does not completely exercise its powers. According to Donetsk region governor Oleksandr Kikhtenko, "this has meant that today the Ukrainian towns of Avdiyivka, Dzerzhynsk, Svitlodarsk and other towns and villages have completely stopped obtaining financing. Thus, the towns controlled by Ukrainian government have to function in fact without money."

   Donetsk regional governor has written a letter to the Prime Minister asking to immediately exclude those towns from the list in order to restore public sector funding there so that salaries, pensions and social assistance can be paid.

   In addition, Donetsk regional state administration asks the Cabinet to resolve the issue by adopting legislation to count internally displaced persons from residential areas controlled by Ukrainian authorities where fighting is still raging and there is an existing threat to their lives.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 4:23 AM PST

Terrorists conduct active redeployment of forces: buildup of militant groups recorded in all major areas - NSDC.

   (Censor.NET) --- Terrorists are actively switching their forces. Militant groups are enhanced in all major areas of confrontation. Strengthening of the enemy positions is underway.

   Representative of the anti-terrorist operation staff Colonel Andrii Lysenko announced today at a daily briefing, Censor.NET reports.

   "The enemy is carrying out active redeployment of its forces at Volnovakha direction in particular as well as trying to disguise weapons and military equipment in the hangars and depots. Militant groups' buildup is recorded in all major areas of confrontation. Strengthening of the enemy positions is underway on the territories under their control near the city of Donetsk," he said.

   The militants opened fire on Ukrainian positions 35 times yesterday. The hottest spots were the villages of Shchastia and Luhanske at the Artemivsk direction, the Donetsk airport vicinity, and the village of Shyrokyne near Mariupol.

   At the same time it was relatively calm in the ATO area after midnight. Peaceful villages and towns at the Donetsk direction also came under enemy fire five times. In particular, a female State Emergency Service employee was killed in Avdiivka as a result of a mortar attack.

   One Ukrainian soldier was killed and one more was wounded over the past 24 hours.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 3:57 AM PST

43 terrorist acts conducted in Kharkiv and the region over the year - Interior Ministry

   (Censor.NET) --- 43 terrorist acts were conducted in the city of Kharkiv and the region, seven on them in 2015. 88 activists of the separatist movement were detained.

   Major-General of the police Anatolii Dmytriev reported during Kharkiv regional council meeting on how police protect citizens in this difficult situation in the country, Kharkiv regional police press service informed, Censor.NET reports.

   According to him, the situation in the Kharkiv region remains difficult. Unfortunately, the separatists do not abandon their attempts to destabilize the region. Starting from spring 2014, 43 terrorist act were carried out in the region, seven of them in 2015. Masterminds and performers of the celebrated explosion of Feb. 22, which killed four and wounded 15, have been detained. Last year, 88 activists of the separatist movement who provoked civil unrest were also arrested. The majority of criminal proceedings against them have been investigated and sent to court.
   "Given the common border with the Russian Federation and the proximity to the ATO area, the security agencies have increased security and defense of the region," Dmytriev said. "32 checkpoints operate in the region, with 320 police officers involved. About half a million people have been checked at the checkpoints since they were set, 500 pieces of weapons have been seized, including mortars, grenade launchers, guns, machine guns, revolvers, hundreds of grenades, tens of thousands of other ammunition supplies, 130 kg of triton, plastide, and other explosive materials," he reported.

   The head of the regional Interior Administration also announced that effective Jan. 22, heavy police presence was implemented in the region. This allowed to decrease crime rate in public places by two times, including thefts, robberies, and other criminal offences.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 1:33 AM PST

Powerful explosion rocked Odesa at night. The Interior Ministry said it was a terrorist attack.

   (Censor.NET) --- A powerful explosion hit the basement of the house situated on the Koblevska Str. in

Odesa at 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

Censor.NET reports citing the press service of the Interior Ministry of Ukraine Main Directorate in Odesa region.

   "The explosion damaged two offices situated in the semi-basement floor of the three-storey house on Koblevska Street, as well as nearby parked cars. Several apartments have their windows shattered. There are no casualties as a result of the explosion," the statement reads.

   The agency also noted that the report on the explosion on 40 Koblevska Street in Odesa was received by police today, March 5 at 12:30 a.m.

   The bomb-disposal experts, the investigative team of the Prymorskyi district police department, and the police authorities promptly arrived at the scene.
   "According to the preliminary examination of the crime scene, it was found that the explosion stroke premises in semi-basement of the three-storey residential building, rented by business entities. The explosion damaged two offices and several cars which belonged to the residents of the house and were parked in the courtyard," the Interior Ministry noted.

   Police officers are currently working at the scene finding the circumstances of the incident. No casualties were incurred.

   The investigators determined the incident as a terrorist attack (Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

   It should be noted that the office of Pravyi Sector (Right Sector) is situated in the semi-basement of the house on Koblevska Street in Odesa, where the bomb exploded.

   According to Pravyi Sector press secretary Varvara Chornoivanenko, three people, who were in the premises during the incident, received light injuries and were able to leave the office by themselves, Hromadske reports. They received medical assistance from the emergency team, which arrived at the scene.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015  23:21 PST

IF US do not provide weapons, Ukraine may lose its independence – Saakashvili

   (Zik) --- Georgia’s ex-president and now head of the International Board on Reforms in Ukraine Mikheil Saakashvili has again urged the United States to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine.

   Addressing hearing in the Senate foreign relations committee, Saakashvili stressed the acute need to supply defensive weapons, like the anti-tank missiles, to stop Russia’s aggression, Radio Svoboda reports March 4.  

   He waved aside the argument that the US have to coordinate their decision with the EU, reminding that Germany is unlikely to support the transfer of weapons to Ukraine.

   Russia may capture new territories in eastern and southern Ukraine and destabilize the situation in Kiev, Saakashvili warned.

   Saakashvili was Georgia’s president during the Russian attack on his country in 2008.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015  23:09 PST

SBU catches activists of revanchist group, finds explosives and grenades

   (Zik) --- The Security Service of Ukraine has netted a group of extremists in Kiev.

SBU found explosives and grenades after searching their office. 

   A major problem is to expose the masterminds of the terrorist group. They must be brought to account for creating and monitoring the activities of such groups, SBU spokesman said March 4.