Since the 4^th of August report was published in the evening, no dramatic changes have occurred over the interval after the publication. However there are some updates and additions.

Donetsk Region

As it became known late last night, terrorists attacked “Azov” and ”Shakhtarsk” battalions that were heading to liberate Donetsk. It was no surprise at all, considering the militants’ fortifications in that area, but the strange thing is nothing came flying from the rear side, for instance from Amvrosiivka area, which is considered significant. Also the counterstrike towards Mariupol we mentioned yesterday still remains a danger. 

The information regarding the liberation of Yasinovataya was not confirmed. This is why in our view it is still early to start cleaning-up Donetsk until the issue of complete blocking the highways of Н21, Yasinovataya, Enakievo, Zahures, Makiivka and Khartsyzk is resolved. Wonder why? Because the control over these towns, lets the militants regroup and attack the ATO forces in unexpected areas.

This leads us to repeat our earlier comment on ATO strategy: The problem of our rear areas is well known for everybody, except for the ATO authorities. We would like to remind you that frequently in the course of fighting the terrorists let the ATO forces pass through into the occupied territories and then attack from the rear. The frontal fight tactics fails to work and the race of planting flags over the administrative buildings brings a nasty surprise.

At the same time we can not understand the reason why sending squadrons of the territorial defense to capture towns? Why not executing massive artillery preparation prior to the offensive on the militant’s fortification?  What is the task of squadrons of the territorial defense? Sorry but these are rhetorical questions ….

Returning to Horlivka, as it was mentioned earlier, the militants performed a regrouping there. Besides, they got a new field commander. Local people say that they see this “big shot” for the first time.

Considering the observed activities of militants, the possibility of a counter-strike towards Debaltseve still remains quite real. This would allow terrorists the chance to besiege the Ukrainian forces in the area of Shakhtarsk as well as to attack the forces attempting to liberate Pervomaisk from the rear.

As for Savur-Mogila, after the Chief of General Staff(CHOD) paraded on a tank there, the sitewas abandoned by our forces. This was caused by a number of counter strikes by terrorists from Snezhne and Miusinsk. In order to hold the hill the nearby settlements need to been cleared of terrorists. Now the cleaning-up operation of these nearby settlements is in process.

Luhansk Region

After the counter strike on ATO forces in the area of Chervonpartiznask, our troops had to leave the holding line. But if someone is going to say something bad, accusing the soldiers and their commanders, this will be quite wrong.  According to the information of our military group, the enemy gathered around 100 units of military machines, including tanks, armoured combat vehicles and artillery pieces. That why the retreat of our troops from that area was the only rightful and possible decision at that moment aiming to save the detachment’s readiness. The question as for why the terrorists’ forces in the above mentioned towns have not been eliminated should be addressed to someone else.

The offence to surround Lugansk from the North is also continuing. That is the only site where the Ukrainian forces managed to achieve a little success. There are also some other positive points but we think it is better to hold this information about them for the time being.

As for the Russian motor convoys on the border, constant shelling, RPA flights over the Ukrainian territory, and provocations, we will not say anything. Everything is clear anyway. This is the war with Russia.

P.S:  We think that constructive criticism (of our military leadership) is always better than sweet speeches of unrealized victories. Our goal is to be maximally objective in the situation when you can neither underestimate the enemy nor overestimate your own strengths. The truth is on the Ukrainian side however bitter it may be, but it is exactly this point that helps to cement the foundation for new victories in the war of liberation for the freedom and honor of Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to its heroes!

Translated by Roman Vlasov, edited by Larry Field