Previously we noted that the Russian Federation (RF) was using the existing truce for rotation of their forces and for training of troops for the terrorist organizations DNR/LNR (Donetsk People Republic/Luhansk People Republic) in the training camps established in the Rostov Region (RF).

We also received information that close to Bezimenne and Novoazovs’k villages (between Mariupol and the RF border) representatives of the RF armed forces were training local mercenaries to replace Russian regular army vehicle crews. This would enable Russian specialists to go on rotation. In this area we have a huge base of militants which is easily supplied via the E58 “Chisinau -Rostov” road.

The bringing in of modern Russian 152-mm SP howitzers 2C19 “Мста-С” (M-1990 “Farm” due to NATO classification) to the Novoazovsk area was recently noted. This type of weaponry was noticed many times on Russian territory close to Ukrainian border. For example on this picture Мста-С was transported close to Russian Donetsk city (near to “Izvarino” border crossing point). License plates of KamAz unfortunately erased.

We do not think that rotation of the Russian troopers and weaponry is connected to further strengthening of sanctions against RF. It is more likely this is one more way of regrouping and trying to get additional reserves by training additional terrorists. Possibly due to lack of available forces the RF has decided to transfer their regular army troopers to another combat zone from where the main offensives are to be launched.

Written by Roman Burko                                       Translated by Eugenia Zlamanuk

Edited by Larry Field

• Русский “РФ ПРОВОДИТ ПЕРЕБРОСКУ ТЯЖЕЛОГО ВООРУЖЕНИЯ В УКРАИНУ И ПРОВОДИТ ДОПОДГОТОВКУ БОЕВИКОВ В ТРЕНИРОВОЧНЫХ ЛАГЕРЯХ”