Situation on the front in eastern Ukraine worsening, says Estonian journalist
The situation on the front line is becoming more aggravated each day with Russian forces launching more attacks and losses are mounting on both sides, says Estonian journalist Igor Taro.
Taro told ERR radio on Tuesday that Russian units have been targeting Ukrainian government forces in the suburbs of Luhansk. The two sides are only separated by a river and attempts by Russian forces to break through the line have failed, but resulted in casualties on both sides.
He said that the town of Stanytsia Luhanska has been targeted as capturing it would give the separatists an extended border with Russia and more depth in the region.
“The previous activity resembles position warfare with focus on artillery and mortars, but the last days have seen unit maneuvers,” Taro said.
Another area under Russian military pressure is around Donetsk, especially the suburb of Avdiivka, which is home to Ukrainian artillery, covering the Donetsk airport.
The airport's defense is based on the artillery and mortar support, as well as a narrow supply corridor.
“Terrorist-like tactics by the Russian side has become a bad custom. Last week, a number of explosions hit bars popular among Ukrainian soldiers in Kharkiv. On Monday, the Ukrainian security services arrested a 13-strong gang, finding weapons and explosives which were meant for subversive activities,” he said.
He said that the gang supposedly received training in Russia, making the country a source of international terrorism.