Attention! Terrorists are starting fires in Semenovka in an attempt do discredit the anti-terrorist operation forces.

Terrorists have intensified their provocations against the ATO forces. For instance, at approximately 22:45 in Semenovka, there was observed the use of weapons resembling rocket-propelled flame throwers RPO-M or RPO PDM-A (more detailed information to be determined). The locals have informed that someone is literally trying to burn down the ground, and a large number of falling lights can be seen in the sky (the DPR channel on Youtube rushed to report on “Ukrainian punishers”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gntNRDhG8RQ).

Simultaneously using several Zello channels and social networks, the fighters and their accomplices started spreading the misinformation that the Ukrainian army is allegedly firing the banned phosphorus munitions against Semenovka.

After consultations with the Ukrainian forces, we have determined that the Ukrainian army did not fire against that area at all and did not use the described munitions. This suggests that these are intentional preparations to discredit Ukraine on the world stage to provide another justification for the possible Russian invasion. At this time the Russian side is using a complex of actions, including discrediting and disorganizing the Ukrainian forces, capturing key border crossings, continuously providing all kinds of supplies to the fighters, to further the invasion of “Putin’s army” and the continuation of the hybrid war in the Ukrainian territory.

We would like to remind that on June 11, 2014 the defense minister of Ukraine Mikhail Koval stated that Belbek airbase near Sevastopol in Crimea hosts eight Mig-29 fighters with full Ukrainian insignia. The planes are fully operational. He warned the the military has the information that the planes can be used for provocations in the East of Ukraine. It is possible that this incident is one such provocation.