ERR Ukraine Observer: War Smolders On
The war continues in Ukraine despite the supposed "ceasefire," and Russia is preparing its fourth so-called humanitarian convoy, reports ERR's Igor Taro, who has been keeping an eye on the conflict.
Open hostilities have continued in various places, even as the story threatens to fall off the international media radar, with separatists trying to capture new strategic targets and territory.
Ukrainian forces were locked in a pitched battle for Donetsk airfield, managing to bring in reinforcements in the form of equipment and troops. Seven other localities are reporting battles.
Ukraine reports losses of nine killed and 27 wounded, while separatists lost several dozen fighters, three tanks and two Tulpan mortars.
This would have been above the average death toll during the time of the anti-terrorist operation early in summer where government forces made gains, and the latest reports on casualties again broke the international news threshold.
Bolstered by Russian forces crossing the border, separatists are contesting several fronts.
The report of a new "humanitarian" convoy originates from the Russian Foreign Ministry, but the convoys are widely considered to be a thinly disguised resupply line.
At the same time, Taro says, the Russian invasion has resulted in a humanitarian disaster. Slovyansk, which was recaptured by Ukraine, is rebuilding, while Luhansk is still occupied, and there is no timetable for when water and power will be back on.
Russia is also concentrating forces in northern Crimea and flying reconnaissance drones over Mariupol, Taro said.