The new “head of government” of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (terrorist organization of separatist wing), Alexander Zakharchenko, acknowledged that the separatists had received significant reinforcements from the Russian Federation. Russian military and weapons passed under the guise of “humanitarian convoy”.

According to him, the reserves were introduced in the most crucial moment. They numbered 1,200 military personnel who had received four month training in the Russian Federation. In addition to military personnel, the reinforcements included 30 tanks and 120 armored vehicles.