Dec. 18, 2016. In the morning Russian occupation forces launched a provocative attack that was preceded by a long-lasting artillery preparation with the use of heavy artillery and mortars at Svitlodarsk salient.

“As a result of fierce fighting while rebuffing militants’ attack the initiative was recaptured by Ukrainian troops. They counterattacked the enemy, throwing him back. Unfortunately, during the clash 5 of our soldiers were killed in action. Losses on the side of militants are awaiting confirmation, but, most likely, their losses exceed our losses significantly, for we threw the enemy back and gained a favorable tactical position“– said one of Ukrainian soldiers at the front line.

A similar situation took place on June 29, 2016 in the same sector of the war zone. At that time as a result of successful counterattack Russian forces were driven out of the fire posts which were shelling Ukrainian positions non-stop. Terrorists that were killed during this battle carried documents that proved their Russian citizenship. They were discovered by Ukrainian soldiers by the dead bodies after the fight was over. InformNapalm volunteers met with one of the Ukrainian soldiers and published relevant investigation, during which they called Russian runaway commander Airat Kalimullin (citizen of the Russian Federation), who had left his subordinates in the battlefield and even lost his passport which was later found in the dugout.

Read more here: Citizens of Russia: Killed Sniper and Quick Call to Company Commander

We hope that later we will be able to report more details about today’s winter battle at Svitlodarsk salient.

Update:

Around 7:30 PM ATO (Anti-Terrorist Operation) Press Center provided more details about the events that took place on December 18:

“Starting from 5:50 AM in the area of Svitlodarsk salient after a long-lasting fire preparation with the use of heavy artillery and mortars Russian occupation forces attempted to dislodge Ukrainian contact detachments from their positions.

To achieve this enemy troops tried to outflank our fortified posts. However, these intentions were discerned in time, and during the battle the plans of occupiers were disrupted. Thanks to high-skilled actions of our detachments after a two-hour battle militants were defeated. According to reports coming from our intelligence the confirmed enemy losses are: 20 killed in action and 30 wounded in action.

To our great regret we also suffered losses. 5 soldiers were killed and 6 injured (4 soldiers were slightly injured and 2 moderately injured). All injured people were provided with necessary medical care. “

InformNapam’s latest update: According to the most recent information coming from the sector, 5 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 23 got different injuries, including concussions.

Prepared by Andrew Lysytskiy.