"Six firing batteries, including cannon artillery, anti-tank guns, and multiple launch rocket systems were the weapons [used by] the Russian-backed militants. From time to time, these artillery groups have been reinforced for specific tasks with mortars and multiple launch rocket system from units concentrated in the southeast of Donetsk," he said.
At the same time, the activity of at least three tactical fire militant groups has been recorded in the western and north-western regions of Donetsk that are directly adjacent to the forward positions of Ukrainian troops.
"The groups consist of armored vehicles, including tanks, anti-aircraft guns and mortars mounted on vehicles. These maneuverable groups periodically fire on positions of Ukrainian armed forces, and then change their positions," Tymchuk said.
"Units of Russian-backed insurgents are firing on Ukrainian troops with howitzers and Grad multiple launch rocket systems near the bridgehead of Debaltseve," he said.
