Donetsk, Kharkov, Lugansk - way to Russia.

[Nemo1024]

In the text they ask, but where is Russia, why is Russia still not helping out? Cities, fall, but they believe that all will return and call for Russians to help Russians.

The rebels are busy fighting against each other, especially in the LNR. The regime of Igor Plotnitsky (who is supported by Putin) is silently exterminating the free Cossacks, who helped him to defeat the Ukrainians a year ago. A large number of their leaders have been assassinated by Plotnitsky's men, including Aleksey Mozgovoy, Yevgeny Ischenko and Alexander Bednov (Batman).

To a degree DNR seems to be better organised and viable as a state. It's quite natural that it's DNR that is claiming legacy to the Donetsk-Krivorozhje People's Republic of 1918.


The land of Don Basin (Donbass) has not entirely healed after WWII and is already being scarred by Nazis again. A reminder of WWII was unearthed these days. Russia is building a railway bypass so as not to cross Ukrainian territory. Along the route, 7 undetonated German bombs weighing between 50kg and 100kg were founded and destroyed.


Newest Defection: High-ranking Ukrainian Officer Says Ukraine Army Used Banned Mines in E.Ukraine
https://futuristrendcast.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/newest-defection-high-ranking-ukrainian-officer-says-ukraine-army-used-banned-mines-in-e-ukraine/

According to Kiev’s official data, as voiced by the Attorney General of Ukraine, since last year, eight thousand Ukraine military defected to the side of Donetsk and Lugansk Republics: five thousand policemen and three thousand combat personnel.

I previously wrote about high-profile defections from Ukraine. This is the latest. This high-ranking officer of the National Guard says he was given unlawful orders to install internationally banned land mines in E. Ukraine. When he refused and blew the whistle, he was fired and had to flee the country.

This new revelation is likely to open a floodgate of investigations into the inhumane and illegal practices of the Kiev junta in E. Ukraine. And this is just the beginning!

The newest revelations will do a lot to withdraw the EU support for the Kiev junta. After EU support is gone, it will be harder and harder for the US to justify theirs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7pqrnaNOIk

[Nemo1024]

Duplicating this here as well:

Important Breaking News and Latest Intel from Ukraine!
https://futuristrendcast.wordpress.com/2015/08/24/important-breaking-news-and-latest-intel-from-ukraine/

The situation in Donbass is the following: Donbass is roughly divided into two halves. One half belongs with Donetsk and Lugansk Republics and another half is under junta occupation. We all remember that on May 11, 2014, the people of then Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts in their entirety voted in a referendum against Kiev junta and ukro-nazis, and for their independence. That was well before the war started.

It is understood that people all over the occupied parts of Donbass will vote for those candidates who are the closest to the Republics and furthest from the junta. This may create the situation in which these areas are formally under Kiev, but de-facto a part of LNR and DNR.

Widespread electoral fraud is also expected throughout Ukraine. However, my intel suggests that Russia, Eurasian Union and SCO are sending large election monitoring delegations to each polling station on the occupied territory of Donbass. Therefore, at least in Donbass fraud may be very hard to execute.

That’s why Poroshenko, Yatsenyuk and Klichko are scrambling to join forces, attempting to boost their numbers. However, this will likely not help their chances. They are risking losing the rest of Donbass without a single shot fired, based on democratic elections.

This is one of the main reasons for the intensified shelling of Donetsk: Poroshenko and his puppet masters are attempting to make DNR and LNR lose their cool and counter-attack. After that, DNR/LNR get accused of breaking Minsk accords and the new round of sanctions against Russia begins.

According to my intel, if DNR/LNR don’t lose their cool, watching their peaceful population being bombed every day, Kiev plans to re-start war by beginning its own massive attack, as seen above. In either event, the escalation of conflict will allow Kiev to cancel local elections.

Poland seems to be waking up. Well, regular Poles knew all along what the Bandera-praising Nazi thugs meant, but the official Poland continued to sponsor them. Now there seems to be a gradual shift in the tops.

Two journalists from the Polish state television spent some time with the Azov battalion, stationed near Mariupol. They observed them shelling the residential outskirts of the nearby villages, they asked them about their political views, their view on UPA/Bandera exterminating Poles during WWII (response: tough time, such things happen) and saw for themselves the Nazi symbolism used by Azov, listened to Azov soldiers boasting that the uniforms they wear came as humanitarian aid from Poland.

The result is a documentary film that shook up the Poles: "Fascists in the Trenches"

http://wiadomosci.wp.pl/kat,1356,title,Faszysci-w-okopach-Zycie-pod-ostrzalem-rosyjskich-separatystow,wid,17793811,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=115774

[Nemo1024]

Gorlovka came under heavy artillery fire this night. Ukro-nazis were shooting from 122mm and 152mm howitzers. Two schools and kindergarten destroyed. A professional education collage was heavily damaged and the night watchman who was in the building was killed. Children will not be able to attend school until October (usual start is 1st of September) as schools need rebuilding.

OCSE observers left Gorlovka only yesterday, and Ukro-punishers used the opportunity to hit the town hard. Today the observers are back, taking statements and noting the damage.

Gorlovka resident dies in Ukrainian artillery bombardment
http://tass.ru/en/world/816276

A resident of the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlovka has been killed and five others have been wounded in a massive artillery bombardment of the city center by the Ukrainian army overnight on August 25, the press service of the City Hall reported on Monday.

The destruction can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKn1dFG0Rvw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnlj6G7Vui4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9aGK-LsR5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjmLp16ITPI

23 civilians die in shellings by Ukrainian forces over last week in Donbas
http://tass.ru/en/world/816021

According to DPR office of human rights ombudsperson, almost 1,300 people have been killed in shellings by Ukraine forces in DPR since the beginning of 2015

[Nemo1024]

Today is a good day in Donetsk, the Day of the City, and the Day of the Miners.

Donetsk Aquapark opened for the first time since Ukraine started its Civil War against Donbass (over 4000 civilians killed so far)
http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/2220325

Poroshenko ominously promised that Donestk is and will be Ukrainian (presumably preferably without its citizens):
http://www.unian.net/politics/1116778-poroshenko-v-den-donetska-poobeschal-donchanam-vosstanovit-razrushennyie-goroda-i-sela.html

A large-scale concert was held in the center of the city:
http://news-front.info/2015/08/30/grandioznyj-koncert-na-glavnoj-ploshhadi-dnr-respublika-prazdnuet-den-goroda-donecka/
One of the performers is Iosif Kobzon, the Soviet Singer harking from these parts, who is forbidden by Ukraine. Kobzon, as he usually does during his visits to Donetsk, brough humanitarian aid with him.

Soldiers, who defended the Republic during the last year got their medals of valour:
http://news-front.info/2015/08/30/zashhitniki-novorossii-poluchili-po-zaslugam/

And a memorial to the victims of the war was unveiled.

[Nemo1024]

USA officially started a process to free Savchenko, the artillery markswoman, who is under arrest in Russia and stands accused of murder of two Russian journalists in Ukraine and of murdering a convoy of evacuating civilians..

US State Department stated that it's in the direct interests of the USA that this murderers walks free.

http://vz.ru/society/2015/9/2/764568.html

USA is truly The Land of the Free (murderers).

[bryant.coleman]

To a degree DNR seems to be better organised and viable as a state. It's quite natural that it's DNR that is claiming legacy to the Donetsk-Krivorozhje People's Republic of 1918.

What is the point in having two separate republics? They should be merged in to one state, named the People's Republic of Donbass or the People's Republic of Novorussia. And if possible, this entity should be made a federal subject of Russia, with the status of a Republic. Right now, very few of the RF's republics are having a white nationality as the titular ethnic group (perhaps with the exception of Karelia, Mordovia, Udmurtia, Chuvashia, Mari El and Komi).

[Nemo1024]

To a degree DNR seems to be better organised and viable as a state. It's quite natural that it's DNR that is claiming legacy to the Donetsk-Krivorozhje People's Republic of 1918.

What is the point in having two separate republics? They should be merged in to one state, named the People's Republic of Donbass or the People's Republic of Novorussia. And if possible, this entity should be made a federal subject of Russia, with the status of a Republic. Right now, very few of the RF's republics are having a white nationality as the titular ethnic group (perhaps with the exception of Karelia, Mordovia, Udmurtia, Chuvashia, Mari El and Komi).

You can ask that question... I have a feeling the LNR tops had other, more ulterior, motives when declaring a republic, than DNR. But everything's still in flux. It'll stabilise to the scenario you describe in 3-4 years' time.
In DNR, at least, rouble is now the major currency since Ukraine started its economical blockade. Ukraine is pushing DNR closer back to Russia one step at a time.  

[bryant.coleman]

According to the latest data, some 750,000 Ukrainian citizens have applied for asylum status in Russia, ever since the civil war started in their home country almost one and a half years ago. This represents almost 2% of the total Ukrainian population. A further 80,000+ have applied for asylum status in Belarus. The most interesting fact is that the number of Ukrainian citizens, who have applied for asylum in the Western countries is less than 20,000.

http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150627/1023910433.html

[Souldream]

According to the latest data, some 750,000 Ukrainian citizens have applied for asylum status in Russia, ever since the civil war started in their home country almost one and a half years ago. This represents almost 2% of the total Ukrainian population. A further 80,000+ have applied for asylum status in Belarus. The most interesting fact is that the number of Ukrainian citizens, who have applied for asylum in the Western countries is less than 20,000.

http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150627/1023910433.html

Sputnik the propagand machine from russia where Western/USA is the evil ... never any article about the real face of Russia ... LoL

Yes ... virtual numbers are great...

Ok let's get fun ... to see how Russia posted video about border Ukraina-Poland to show ... the so called asylum going to russia ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3K1aJuzMR8

    #Ukraine: ‪#Russia claims 675.000 refugees from Ukraine came to Russia in last 2 months. Nobody saw them. ‪#propaganda

News stories emanating from Russian state media this past week raise a serious question. Is Russia creating a fake refugee crisis in the Ukraine to justify its military intervention in the region?

On Sunday, March 2nd, Channel 1, Russia's first and premier TV channel, reported the following story:

    Meanwhile, more and more Ukrainian citizens are coming to the southern parts of Russia, who were forced to leave their country due to the aggravation of internal political situation. Only during the past two weeks more than 140,000 people crossed the border. And among them are not only the residents of the south-eastern parts of Ukraine, but also of central and western ones. They arrive to Kursk region, Belgorod region, Rostov region and Bryansk region. The regions are ready to help those coming from Ukraine.

A caption installed later on the Youtube video, points to the sign above the 20 or so cars and reads: "Shehnyi is actually a Poland-Ukraine border crossing." Indeed, the letters on the sign are clearly visible: Шeгинi -- or Shehnyi -- a Ukrainian village in the far Western province of Lviv that borders Poland. But there are other issues with this and similar stories that have been reported by numerous Russian media outlets. None provide credible film or photos of the hordes of Ukrainian refugees reportedly 'forced to leave their country'.

Also on Sunday, the Russian government's international radio broadcasting service, Voice of Russia, reported that 'More than 675,000 Ukrainian citizens have arrived in Russia since the beginning of this year' and cites a warning by the border authority of "a coming humanitarian catastrophe" if "revolution chaos" continues in Ukraine.

The accompanying photo shows a German tourist bus (Zellertal Reisen) and a lone border security guard.

Russian news agency ITAR-TASS released the same story with a photo of two people at a passport control booth.

In a related story also by Voice of Russia, Belgorod Governor, Yevgeny Savchenko told the press that, 'Thousands of refugees from southern, eastern and central Ukraine are pouring into the Belgorod region' apparently fleeing 'the ongoing rampage unleashed by the unruly ultra-right who seized power and think that they can get away with anything.' Governor of the Rostov Region, Vasily Golubev, chimed in. 'People are fleeing political and social uncertainty, saying they no longer feel safe in their country.'

The photo shows a girl walking her Spaniel down an empty street.

The 24/7 multi-language news giant, Russia Today, carries a similar story, but asserts that the number of 140,000 is only those Ukrainians who have applied for asylum in Russia in the past two weeks, not the number of people who have actually crossed the border as Channel One claims.

'Tragic events in Ukraine have caused a sharp spike in requests coming from this country seeking asylum in Russia," said the chief of Russia's Federal Migration Service's citizenship desk, Valentina Kazakova. But even the number of 140,000 asylum seekers from Ukraine has yet to be substantiated, and RT's photo is of three 'pro-Russian demonstrators'.

No international news agency is independently reporting on the Ukrainian refugee story, which remains uncorroborated. Forbes posted the figure from ITAR-TASS of 675,000 since January with an appropriately dramatic headline, although admitted that 'The numbers may be an exaggeration on Russia's behalf.'

[bryant.coleman]

No international news agency is independently reporting on the Ukrainian refugee story, which remains uncorroborated. Forbes posted the figure from ITAR-TASS of 675,000 since January with an appropriately dramatic headline, although admitted that 'The numbers may be an exaggeration on Russia's behalf.'

Listen idiot, the figures were originally reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on its official website. The Suptnik News just quoted it.

Here is an old report from 6 months ago:

http://www.unhcr.org/54d4a2889.html

In addition, some 600,000 Ukrainians have sought asylum or other forms of legal stay in neighbouring countries, particularly the Russian Federation, but also Belarus, Moldova, Poland, Hungary and Romania, since February 2014.

[XEPBAM]

2920 cease-fire violations by Russian hybrid army. Ukrainian Army lost 45 KIA and 225 WIA in August 2015.

Ukraine continues to pay its price for peace. In total during 1 month of war in August 2015 pro-Russian insurgents violated Minsk cease-fire agreement 2920 times. The highest number of attacks was registered on August 15 when terrorists violated cease-fire agreement 175 times. Traditionally it happened next day after 35th “humanitarian” aid convoy arrived to Lugansk and Donetsk from Russian Federation.



Just in one month Ukrainian Army lost 45 killed and 225 wounded. The highest number of casualties was 7 KIA and 13 WIA in one day. All data in the table below was collected based on daily ATO Press Center Reports published by media center of National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine at http://mediarnbo.org

Pro-Russian forces were using weapon banned by Minsk Agreement, such as 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery and MRLS BM-21 “Grad”.

http://lugansk-news.com/2920-cease-fire-violations-by-russian-hybrid-army-ukrainian-army-lost-45-kia-and-225-wia-in-august-2015/

[bryant.coleman]

Pro-Russian forces were using weapon banned by Minsk Agreement, such as 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery and MRLS BM-21 “Grad”.

http://lugansk-news.com/2920-cease-fire-violations-by-russian-hybrid-army-ukrainian-army-lost-45-kia-and-225-wia-in-august-2015/

According to the international observers (especially the OSCE), most of the times the perpetrators behind these attacks were either the Ukrainian army, or the various neo-Nazi battalions affiliated to it. More than a hundred civilians in the DNR and LNR died in the artillery bombardment conducted by the junta forces in August.

[Nemo1024]

Pro-Russian forces were using weapon banned by Minsk Agreement, such as 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery and MRLS BM-21 “Grad”.

http://lugansk-news.com/2920-cease-fire-violations-by-russian-hybrid-army-ukrainian-army-lost-45-kia-and-225-wia-in-august-2015/

According to the international observers (especially the OSCE), most of the times the perpetrators behind these attacks were either the Ukrainian army, or the various neo-Nazi battalions affiliated to it. More than a hundred civilians in the DNR and LNR died in the artillery bombardment conducted by the junta forces in August.

Is it a coincidence that every time such anti-Russian propaganda and absurdities start being posted here by some newbies, it marks a leading edge indicator that something nasty is about to happen in Novorossia?

Some news from that front seem to indicate so:

- Interior Ministry of DNR reported that the number of active Ukrainian sabotage groups on the territory of the Republic has increased.

- And DNR reports that Kiev is concentrating more armoured forces on the borders of the republic.

[XEPBAM]

Pro-Russian forces were using weapon banned by Minsk Agreement, such as 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery and MRLS BM-21 “Grad”.

http://lugansk-news.com/2920-cease-fire-violations-by-russian-hybrid-army-ukrainian-army-lost-45-kia-and-225-wia-in-august-2015/

According to the international observers (especially the OSCE), most of the times the perpetrators behind these attacks were either the Ukrainian army, or the various neo-Nazi battalions affiliated to it. More than a hundred civilians in the DNR and LNR died in the artillery bombardment conducted by the junta forces in August.

Is it a coincidence that every time such anti-Russian propaganda and absurdities start being posted here by some newbies, it marks a leading edge indicator that something nasty is about to happen in Novorossia?

Some news from that front seem to indicate so:

- Interior Ministry of DNR reported that the number of active Ukrainian sabotage groups on the territory of the Republic has increased.

- And DNR reports that Kiev is concentrating more armoured forces on the borders of the republic.

your word is no truth, you're a real propagandist
false shall be punished sooner or later, remember that

[Nemo1024]

Pro-Russian forces were using weapon banned by Minsk Agreement, such as 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery and MRLS BM-21 “Grad”.

http://lugansk-news.com/2920-cease-fire-violations-by-russian-hybrid-army-ukrainian-army-lost-45-kia-and-225-wia-in-august-2015/

According to the international observers (especially the OSCE), most of the times the perpetrators behind these attacks were either the Ukrainian army, or the various neo-Nazi battalions affiliated to it. More than a hundred civilians in the DNR and LNR died in the artillery bombardment conducted by the junta forces in August.

Is it a coincidence that every time such anti-Russian propaganda and absurdities start being posted here by some newbies, it marks a leading edge indicator that something nasty is about to happen in Novorossia?

Some news from that front seem to indicate so:

- Interior Ministry of DNR reported that the number of active Ukrainian sabotage groups on the territory of the Republic has increased.

- And DNR reports that Kiev is concentrating more armoured forces on the borders of the republic.

your word is no truth, you're a real propagandist
false shall be punished sooner or later, remember that

I do remember, just like my grand-uncle remembered that punishment shall be in the end dealt to aggressors, when he pushed Fascists back to Berlin. I wonder if your grand-uncle was in the meantime busy burning civilians in Volyn as part of the UPA/Bandera-Nazis, just like what their ideological brethren do against the population of Donbass...

That's the thing about Russians - we may forgive the injustice and lies dealt to us, and we are more than ready to reach out a hand of friendship even to our former adversaries, but we shall not forget.

And if you think my info is not correct, you are more than welcome to counter it with facts.

EDIT: We'll see in the coming days if my hunch about a planned massive offensive against the young republics is correct.

Also, bear in mind the coming visit of Putin to UN General assembly and the voicing by Proroshenko (read: his puppet masters in the US) that Russia should be stripped of it veto right in the UN Security Council.

[Nemo1024]

Ukraine’s military violate ceasefire 9 times — Donetsk defence ministry
http://tass.ru/en/world/819112

Most intensive shelling was reported from the Oktyabrsky settlement, where the military used arms and mortars of 82 and 120mm calibre

Ukrainian military responsible for four violations of ceasefire — Luhansk militia
http://tass.ru/en/world/819058

The Ukrainian military over past 24 hours violated the ceasefire regime four times and made five provocations, the militia of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic [LPR] said on Saturday.

Poroshenko says ceasefire observed in Donbas for 6 days
http://tass.ru/en/world/818998

EDIT:

Here's the reference, pertaining movement of 20 122mm Howitzers by Kiev forces within 5km of the border with DNR:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1441541796

Similar reports about increase in armoured vehicle presence by Ukraine comes from LNR:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1441528051

Ukrainian forces fortify a bridge over river Kalimus in preparation of an offensive:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1441540761

EDIT 2:

Here's the article about increased activity of Ukrainian sabotage groups in Donbass:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1441518446

Night 4th to 5th Ukrainian forces opened fire at village Marinka, near Maripol. One civilian killed. The Republican army returned fire, wounding two attackers:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1441489085

[XEPBAM]

Two years ago nobody thought Ukraine would be fighting for its freedom in a hybrid war instigated by Russia.

This is a new type of war: with soldiers without identifying marks, civilians as a shield, local terrorism and diversions, propaganda, cyber-terrorism and diplomatic double-dealings. Is Europe ready for such a type of conflict?

You think this war is somewhere far away?
Ukraine is in the center of Europe!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtDtVrJ6CqQ

[Snail2]

Two years ago nobody thought Ukraine would be fighting for its freedom in a hybrid war instigated by Russia.

This is a new type of war: with soldiers without identifying marks, civilians as a shield, local terrorism and diversions, propaganda, cyber-terrorism and diplomatic double-dealings. Is Europe ready for such a type of conflict?

You think this war is somewhere far away?
Ukraine is in the center of Europe!

Wake up mate, Europe is doing the very same thing since centuries, so I think they are ready for that . Well, no offence but maybe Ukraine is in Europe, but it still considered as a remote shithole by most westerners. Actually most of my english colleagues doesn't understand why the "ruskies" keep brawling between each other... and to be honest they doesn't even seem to be interested.

[Souldream]

Pro-Russian forces were using weapon banned by Minsk Agreement, such as 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery and MRLS BM-21 “Grad”.

http://lugansk-news.com/2920-cease-fire-violations-by-russian-hybrid-army-ukrainian-army-lost-45-kia-and-225-wia-in-august-2015/

According to the international observers (especially the OSCE), most of the times the perpetrators behind these attacks were either the Ukrainian army, or the various neo-Nazi battalions affiliated to it. More than a hundred civilians in the DNR and LNR died in the artillery bombardment conducted by the junta forces in August.

Is it a coincidence that every time such anti-Russian propaganda and absurdities start being posted here by some newbies, it marks a leading edge indicator that something nasty is about to happen in Novorossia?

Some news from that front seem to indicate so:

- Interior Ministry of DNR reported that the number of active Ukrainian sabotage groups on the territory of the Republic has increased.

- And DNR reports that Kiev is concentrating more armoured forces on the borders of the republic.

Novorussia .. forget this name .. either PoutinOgaz stopped to use it ! Game over ...

[Nemo1024]

Two years ago nobody thought Ukraine would be fighting for its freedom in a hybrid war instigated by Russia.

This is a new type of war: with soldiers without identifying marks, civilians as a shield, local terrorism and diversions, propaganda, cyber-terrorism and diplomatic double-dealings. Is Europe ready for such a type of conflict?

You think this war is somewhere far away?
Ukraine is in the center of Europe!

Wake up mate, Europe is doing the very same thing since centuries, so I think they are ready for that . Well, no offence but maybe Ukraine is in Europe, but it still considered as a remote shithole by most westerners. Actually most of my english colleagues doesn't understand why the "ruskies" keep brawling between each other... and to be honest they doesn't even seem to be interested.

And, Snail2, actually they are not far from truth. What happens in Ukraine is a civil war, which first and foremost undermines Russia and Ukraine with the flames being stoked up from across the ocean, each time when it seems that the fires are dying out and the reason and willingness to talk returns.

And now the fantasy writes in Kiev created a new hoax with the intent to be swallowed by Western MSM. Syria, as we remember, is the new vector of attack, so check out the following:

According to official Kiev, Donbass militia is drafting volunteers to be sent to Syria.
http://www.gazeta.ru/politics/news/2015/09/07/n_7562261.shtml
As the Republican Armies don't have their hands full, fending off constant attacks from the Western Ukro-Nazis.

Ukrainian army violated the ceasefire and conducted 2 provocations:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1441613807

As I said above, the new vector of infowars attack on Russia is now through Syria. Russia is now suddenly accused of the immigrant inflow into Europe from Middle-East. Presumable because Russia is legally and legitimately supports the legitimate government of Syria and sending armaments to the besieged - by terroristic US-sponsored ISISI - Syria in accordance to the official contracts.


OSCE saw no military hardware, weaponry crossing from Russia to Ukraine – mission head
http://www.rt.com/news/311800-osce-russia-ukraine-weapons/

No military hardware, weaponry or people bearing arms have crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border during nearly a year of observations, said Paul Picard, the chief of the OSCE monitoring mission deployed at border crossing points in Donetsk and Gukovo.

“We have not seen any military equipment crossing the Donetsk or Gukovo checkpoints,” Picard said at a press conference in Russia’s southern city of Rostov-on-Don. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe observers have also “never seen people crossing the border with weapons. The border guard and customs strictly watch over this,” he added.