OSCE SMM records five-fold increase in shelling in Donbas

The OSCE SMM informed this in a report, based on information received as of 19:30, June 21, 2019.

"In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including more explosions (about 380), compared with the previous reporting period (about 70 explosions)," the report says.

As noted, the majority of ceasefire violations were recorded in areas east-south-east of Zalizne (government-controlled, 42km north-east of Donetsk), at southerly, south-easterly and south-westerly directions of Chermalyk (government-controlled, 31km north-east of Mariupol) and at easterly directions of Hnutove (government-controlled, 20km north-east of Mariupol), while about 60 explosions were recorded at southerly and westerly directions of the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS) (15km north of Donetsk).

In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations, including, however, a similar number of explosions (165), compared with the previous reporting period (about 170 explosions). Almost all ceasefire violations were recorded at south-easterly directions of Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk).

Also, the OSCE observers recorded an increase in shelling by the Russian occupation forces in the disengagement areas.

"During the night of 20 to 21 June, while on the northern edge of Popasna, the SMM heard about 155 undetermined explosions and about 4,600 bursts and shots of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire over a period of five hours in areas south-east of Popasna, immediately outside the 5km periphery of the disengagement area near Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk)," the report says.

During the day on 21 June, positioned on the northern edge of Popasna, the SMM heard seven undetermined explosions and 12 bursts and shots of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all assessed as outside the disengagement area but within its 5km periphery.

On the same day, positioned on the eastern edge of Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM heard three undetermined shots assessed as outside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area but within its 5km periphery.

ish