Russian-Backed Militants Use Banned Heavy Weapons in Donbas

On 17 December, militants violated the ceasefire in Donbas eight times, provoking Ukraine’s defenders throughout the day. The enemy used prohibited heavy weapons. As a result, a Ukrainian defender was wounded by a sniper’s bullet, the press center of the JFO Headquarters reports.

The militants opened fire on Ukrainian positions near the populated localities of Vodiane, Avdiivka, Verkhniotoretske and Shyrokyne.

During the day, the enemy fired 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, small arms and sniper’s weapons.

In the suburbs of Avdiivka, the enemy fired twice on the positions of Ukrainian defenders using grenade launchers of various systems, small arms and sniper’s weapons. As a result of a sniper attack, one soldier of the Joint Forces sustained a gunshot wound. The soldier was promptly given first aid and evacuated to a medical facility. His current health condition is satisfactory.

Natalia Tolub