Timeline of the war in Donbass (January–March 2018)

1 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions on the last day of 2017^[2][3] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk and on 2 occasions in Luhansk region^[4][5]); the fire was not returned.^[4][5] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO, polkovnyk Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on the last day of 2017.^[4][5] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces broke the new year ceasefire once, when small arms fire and automatic-launched grenades from Pisky hit the industrial area of Volvo Center, in the western part of Donetsk city.^[6][7] Local officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded two violations of the ceasefire within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military used small arms, automatic grenade launchers and SPG-9 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles to attack pro-Russian forces at Krasnyi Yar and Kalynivka.^[8]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 2 occasions. Around Doentsk city, rebel forces fired small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars at Ukrainian positions near Verkhnyotoretske, while Pavlopil became the target of infantry weapons and automatic grenade launchers.^[9] Later in the evening, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Pavlopil and antitank rockets in Vodiane. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces fired heavy machine guns and 82 mm mortars at Ukrainian troops at Luhanske. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed near Novotoshkivske when an explosive device went off.^[10][11]

2 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[12][13][14] (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region^[10][11]); the fire was returned once.^[10][11] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in the Donbass region on the first day of January.^[10][11] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported that there were three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire, when the Ukrainian military shelled Yasynuvata, in the surroundings of Donetsk city, and Sosnovske, in the region of Mariupol, using 82 mm mortars. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded.^[15][16] According to local authorities, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire two times within the territory of Luhansk People's Republic, when pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka were attacked twice with infantry weapons and rocket launchers.^[17]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops twice, at Verkhnyotoretske using small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars and at Avdiivka with heavy machine guns.^[18] Later in the evening, in the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian positions at Hnutove, supported by small arms and 82 mm mortar fire. Nearby Vodiane was also attacked with infantry weapons and rocket launchers. Two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded,^[19][20] at Avdiivka and at Vodiane.^[21][22]

3 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 6 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 2 January;^[19][20] exclusively in Donetsk region, the fire was not returned.^[21][22] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 2 January 2018.^[21][22] Pro-Russian officials in Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military used small arms, snipers, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars to harass pro-Russian positions at Spartak and Trudovske, in the outskirts of Donetsk city, and Zaitseve, in the area of Horlivka.^[23][24] No ceasefire violations were reported by local sources within the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[25]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions, exclusively in Donetsk region, the fire was not returned. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Marinka and Butivka mining complex came under 82 mm mortar fire, while Avdiivka became the target of heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. In the region of Mariupol, the separatists used infantry weapons and rocket launchers to attack Vodiane and Shyrokyne.^[26][27] One Ukrainian officer was killed in the line of duty.^[28]

4 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day, all the incidents took place before 15:00;^[29][30] the fire was not returned.^[31][32] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 3 January.^[31][32] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the area of Donetsk city and Horlivka. Trudovske, Zaitseve and Zheleznaya Balka became the target of small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. A pro-Russian checkpoint near Marinka also came under heavy machine gun fire.^[33][34] There were no violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, according to local authorities.^[35]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, at Verkhnyotoretske, at around noon. The rebels used small arms, rocket launchers and 120 mm mortars.^[36] At sunset, 120 mm mortar rounds landed around Ukrainian redoubts at Luhanske, in the northern section of the demarcation line. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded at Svitlodarsk.^[37][38][39]

5 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire twice on Ukrainian positions on 4 January, the fire was not returned.^[38][39][37] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the Donbass region on 4 January.^[37][40][41] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the outskirts of Horlivka, where armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions in two areas supported by small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers.^[42] The same sources said Ukraine broke the ceasefire 11 times on the past week in 12 locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles.^[43] No Ukrainian violations of the truce were recorded by authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[44]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops twice, the fire was not returned. Both incidents occurred west of Donetsk city, at Butivka mining complex, when rebel forces fired small arms and heavy machine gun early in the morning and 82 mm mortars later at noon;^[45] later in the evening, Luhanske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, became the target of heavy machine guns and 120 mm mortars. As a result, one Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the area.^{[46][47][48][49]} Local sources from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported two Ukrainian attacks at evening inside the republic boundaries. Ukrainian forces from Luhanske shelled Lohvynove with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars in the afternoon,^[50] while antitank rockets were fired from the same locations on pro-Russian positions at Nyzhne Lozove.^[51]

6 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (twice in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region^[46][47]); the fire was not returned.^[48][49][52] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian servicemen was wounded in the Donbass region on 5 January.^[46][47] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the region of Mariupol and Horlivka. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 120 mm mortars to attack pro-Russian positions at Uzhivka (Leninske) and Zaitseve.^[53] One pro-Russian soldier was killed by sniper fire.^[54] According to local officials, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire three times within the borders of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian forces from Luhanske fired automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars at pro-Russian positions around Lohvynove and Nyzhne Lozove.^[55]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire with small arms and heavy machine gun fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, at Novoluhanske, in the northern section of the demarcation line, the fire was not returned.^[56] Later in the evening, 120 mm mortar rounds struck nearby Troitske and small arms fire was reported at Stanytsia Luhanska, where one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[57][58][59] Media from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded a number of Ukrainian violations of the truce during the evening. Ukrainian forces opened fire with small arms, machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and mortars on pro-Russian redoubts at Spartak, Yasinuvata and Trudovske, in the outskirts of Donetsk city.^[60]

7 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 6 January,^[57] exclusively in Luhansk region, the fire was not returned.^[58][59] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 6 January.^[58][59] Pro-Russian authorities in Donetsk city recorded four Ukrainian violations of the truce during Orthodox Christmas Eve. In the area of Donetsk city, Ukrainian forces used small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars to harass pro-Russian troops at Yasinuvata and Spartak. In the outskirts of Horlivka, Ukrainian armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions supported by small arms, heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers.^[61] The same sources denounced yet another long-range reconnaissance sortie carried out by a USAF RQ-04h00 Global Hawk strategic drone all along the demarcation line. This was the second flight of this type of aircraft over the Donbass region in 2018.^[62] Local officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded two violations of the ceasefire within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military fired 120 mm mortars on pro-Russian positions at Veselehorivka.^[63]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening no ceasefire violations during the first 18 hours of 7 January.^[64] Some hours later, the Ukrainian stronghold of Verkhnyotoretske came under small arms and 120 mm mortar fire. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded by the blast of an unidentified explosive device near Lopaskyne, Luhansk Oblast.^{[65][66][67][68]}

8 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire once on Ukrainian positions on Orthodox Christmas day;^[65][66] the fire was not returned.^[67][68] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 7 January.^[67][68] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire. The incident took place at Myhailivka, where Ukrainian armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian redoubts supported by rocket propelled grenade fire.^[69][70] Local sources from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic said that Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles opened fire on Nyzhne Lozove along with small arms and automatic grenade launchers, in the only violation of the truce recorded in the area.^[71]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions, the fire was returned twice. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Talakivka, which also became the target of heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. Pavlopil was meanwhile shelled with 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian troops at Novotroitske were harassed with small arms and sniper fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Luhanske. Ukrainian positions near Svitlodarsk were fired at by small arms and rocket launchers.^[72] Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded near Svitlodarsk and Novotroitske.^{[73][74][75][76]}

9 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 6 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 8 January^[73][74][77] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region); the fire was returned on several occasions.^[75][76] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 8 January 2018.^[75][76] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Spartak and Kruta Balka, in the outskirts of Donetsk city, Zaitseve, in the area of Horlivka, and Dokuchaievsk, north of Mariupol.^[78][79][80] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire, when Nyzhne Lozove was hit by 120 mm mortar rounds.^[81]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 2 occasions, the fire was not returned. Pro-Russian forces from Kalynivka fired antitank rockets at Ukrainian positions near Luhanske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line. Later in the night, Ukrainian forces in the area were also harassed with small arms fire near the village of Maiske. In the region of Mariupol, 82 mm mortar rounds fired from Sosnovske landed around Ukrainian redoubts at Pavlopil.^[82] Two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded near Luhanske and Travneve.^{[83][84][85][86]}

10 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 2 occasions in Luhansk region and once in Donetsk region^[85][86]); the fire was not returned.^[83][84] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 9 January.^[85][86] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Ukrainian forces around Donetsk city attacked pro-Russian troops at Spartak and Dokuchaievsk using small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. In the region of Mariupol, 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Sosnovske, while pro-Russian positions at Dolomitne, in the area of Horlivka, were engaged by armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[87][88] According to local authorities, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once within the republic borders, when pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka became the target of 82 mm mortars.^[89]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, the fire was returned once.^[90] In the outskirts of Donetsk city, Verkhnyotoretske and Butivka mining complex were shelled with automatic grenade launchers. In the northern section of the demarcation line, rebel troops used small arms, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars to attack Novoluhanske. Later in the night, Troitske and Luhanske were hit by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed by an explosive device at Pisky, one Ukrainian soldier was killed by shelling at Novoluhanske, three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded near Novoluhanske and Verkhnyotoretske and another soldier was injured at Butivka mining complex.^[91][92][93]

11 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 10 January (including twice in Donetsk region and on 5 occasions in Luhansk region^[92][93]); the fire was returned once,^[91][94] in Luhansk region.^[92][93] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed, another three were wounded, and one was injured in the Donbass region on 10 January.^[92][93] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 13 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and heavy artillery.^[95][96] According to Donetsk People's Republic deputy Minister of Defense, Eduard Basurin, around Donetsk city Spartak was the target of small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars, while in the region of Mariupol, Uzhivka, the villages of Sakhanka and Sosnovke came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the area of Horlivka, Holmivsky and Dolomitne were shelled by 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled guns. Ukrainian armoured fighting vehicles also engaged pro-Russian positions at Mihaylivka and Zaitseve, supported by infantry weapons and grenade launchers. Three civilian residents were wounded.^[97][98] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns to attack pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka, Lohvynove and Troitske.^[99]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 7 occasions.^[100] By the end of the day one Ukrainian serviceman was killed (in the course of mine clearance in Donetsk region), two were wounded (by shelling at Novozvanivka and Pisky), one was wounded during mine clearance, and one was wounded by the blast of an unidentified explosive device.^{[101][102][103][104]}

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence reported 98 non-combat related deaths and 178 non-combat related injuries in 2017.^[105]

12 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 9 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[101][102] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk and on 4 occasions in Luhansk region^[103][104]) the fire was returned once, near Novoluhanske.^[103][104] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and four others were wounded and injured in the Donbass region on 11 January.^[103][104] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 14 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine locations using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and heavy artillery.^{[106][107][108]} The same sources denounced 49 Ukrainian violations of the truce over the past week. The attacks involved the use of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars on 207 occasions and 122 mm self-propelled artillery on 32 occasions.^[109] According to local sources, the Ukrainian broke the ceasefire twice inside the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic when Lohvynove was shelled from Luhanske with automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled guns.^[110] Pro-Russian authorities in the area recorded 13 Ukrainian violations of the truce on the past week using small arms, machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled guns.^[111]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, the fire was returned on 2 occasions.^[112] In the surroundings of Donetsk city, small arms, heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets hit Avdiivka. In the region of Mariupol, Vodiane and Shyrokyne came under 120 mm mortar fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian positions at Troitske for two hours, supported by ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and 120 mm mortars. Luhanske became the target of infantry weapons and 82 mm mortar fire. Small arms fire was reported meanwhile at Stanytsia Luhanska and Katerinivka. By the end of the day two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded, near Troitske and near Katerynivka.^{[113][114][115][116]}

13 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 10 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 12 January (including on 3 occasions in Donetsk region and on 7 occasions in Luhansk region^[115][116]); the fire was returned on 5 occasions.^[113][114] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 12 January.^[115][116] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 16 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in ten locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[117][118] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, machine guns, rocket launchers, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles to attack pro-Russian positions at Vesela Hora, Veselehorivka and Kalynove.^[119]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions, the fire was returned once. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, the separatists fired PTRD type rifles, rocket launchers and 120 mm mortars at Butivka mining complex, while Kamyanka received small arms and 82 mm mortar fire. Verkhnyotoretske became the target of small arms and grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, heavy shelling was reported at Vodiane, which was struck by 120 mm mortar volleys and 122 mm artillery rounds. Nearby Pavlopil came under 120 mm mortar fire. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces fired small arms and 82 mm mortars at Novoluhanske.^[120][121] One Ukrainian soldier was injured by shelling at Verkhnyotoretske.^{[122][123][124][125]}

14 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 6 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region^[124][125]); the fire was returned once.^[122][123] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 13 January.^[124][125] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in ten locations using small arms, machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[126][127] In the area of Donetsk city, Yasinuvata came under 120 mm mortar fire, while Donetsk airport was hit by 82 mm mortar rounds. Pro-Russian troops in the area were also harassed with small arms fire. In the outskirts of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions at Verkhnyotoretske, supported by small arms and automatic grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, four different areas were hit by small arms fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded in action.^[128] No ceasefire violations were recorded in the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[129]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions.^[130][131] In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Ukrainian troops at Avdiivka and Kamianka were harassed with small arms, sniper and heavy machine gun fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Novoluhanske, which was also shelled with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Hladsove, Troitske and Luhanske were hit by antitank rockets. The Ukrainian military returned fire once. By the end of the day two Ukrainian servicemen were seriously wounded, at Avdiivka and Kamianka.^{[132][133][134]} An Orlan-10 Russian drone was shot down by Ukrainian forces in the operational area,^[135][136] this being the third since the start of a new ceasefire last year.^[133]

15 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 6 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 14 January (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 4 occasions in Luhansk region^[137][138]); the fire was returned twice.^[132][133] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 14 January.^{[134][137][138]} Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 13 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[139][140] In the area of Donetsk city, three settlements were targeted by small arms, heavy machine guns and 82 mm mortars. In the outskirts of Horlivka, pro-Russian forces in four different areas were struck by heavy machine guns, antitank rockets, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Sakhanka was hit by automatically launched grenades, antitank rockets, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds. One pro-Russian soldier was killed and three others wounded.^[141] According to local sources, the Ukrainian army broke the ceasefire once inside the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic, when the village of Raevka was shelled with 82 mm mortars.^[142]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 1 occasion, at Kamianka, when rebel forces attacked Ukrainian positions with small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers; the fire was not returned.^[143] At dusk, the separatists used the same kind of weapons to harass Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne, in the region of Mariupol. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Zaitseve was hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets.^[144]

16 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day,^[145][144] twice in Donetsk region (at Shyrokyne and at Kamianka) and once in Luhansk region (at Zaitseve).^[146][147] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 15 January.^[146][147] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[148][149] Within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire once according to local sources, when BMP-1 armoured vehicles opened fire upon pro-Russian forces at Lohvynove.^[150][151]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops twice. Both incidents occurred in the northern section of the demarcation line, when the separatists shelled Troitske with 82 mm mortars and Luhanske with small arms and rocket launchers.^[152] In the region of Mariupol, Vodiane was hit by 120 mm mortar fire. By the end of the day two Ukrainian soldiers had suffered combat related injuries near Vodiane.^[153][154]

17 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 16 January (including once in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[154][155]); the fire was not returned.^[153] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO, polkovnyk Dmytro Hutsulyak, confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were injured in the Donbass region on 16 January.^[154] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars.^[156][157] No Ukrainian violations of the truce were reported by authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[158]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, at Pisky and Verkhnyotoretske, in the outskirts of Donetsk city, and Novotroitske, in the region of Mariupol. Rebel forces shelled Verkhnyotoretske and Pisky with 82 mm mortars. Pisky was also the target of small arms and heavy machine guns. Novotroitske was hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets.^[159] Later in the night, Luhanske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, was struck by antitank rockets and 120 mm mortars. Avdiivka became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 120 mm mortars, while small arms fire was reported at Hranitne. By the end of the day one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in action – by a sniper bullet at Hranitne at around 21:00.^{[160][161][162]} Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five others were wounded, when a military vehicle they were driving on hit an anti-tank mine in Luhansk region.^{[154][155][163][164][165][161][166]}

18 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and on 2 occasions in Luhansk region^[161][166]); the fire was returned on 2 occasions.^[160][165] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five were wounded in the Donbass region on 17 January.^[161][166] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and heavy artillery.^[167][168] There were no Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the borders of the self-proclaimed Luhanske People's Republic, according to local sources.^[168]

The ATO press-centre reported in the evening no ceasefire violations during the first 18 hours of 18 January. One Ukrainian soldier suffered injuries during non-combat related activities.^[169] Later in the night, the separatists shelled Shchastya with 82 mm mortars and Luhanske with 120 mm mortars.^[170]

The Ukrainian parliament passed a law in favour of the reintegration of the Donbass to Ukrainian control. The legislation blasted Russia as an "agressor".^[171] Conversely, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the Ukrainian move claiming that it violated the Minsk agreements and represented "a preparation for a new war".^[172]

19 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on Ukrainian positions twice on 18 January, at Shchastya at around 21:00 and at Luhanske at around midnight; the fire was not returned.^[173][170] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 18 January.^{[174][175][176]} Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in two locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[177] Ukrainian forces attacked pro-Russian positions at Dokuchaievsk and Yasne, in the outskirts of Donetsk city. There were 66 violations over the past week, according to the same sources. One pro-Russian soldier was killed and four wounded.^[178] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on four occasions within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military employed 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled guns to engage pro-Russian positions at Veselohorivka, Lohvynove and Vesela Hora.^[179] The same sources recorded ten violations for the last week.^[180]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops twice – at Luhanske with 82 mm mortars and at Stanytsia Luhanska with infantry weapons.^[181] Luhanske was attacked once again before dawn with heavy machine guns and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Shyrokyne and Vodiane came under 120 mm mortar fire.^[182] Media from the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic disclosed that at dusk the Ukrainian military opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Yasinuvata, Trudovske, Spartak, Donetsk airport, and the districts of Kiev, Kuybishev and Kirov using small arms, mortars and artillery. A Ukrainian drone directing fire became the target of antiaircraft guns.^[183] A clash between the warrying parties that took place near Shyrokyne in the evening resulted in one wounded pro-Russian scout being provided medical assistance by the Ukrainian medics.^[182][184] Another pro-Russian soldier was killed in the same engagement, according to rebel authorities.^[185]

20 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[182]); the fire was returned once.^[186][187] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 19 January.^[182] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. In the area of Donetsk city, BMP-1 armoured vehicles carried out an intense attack on pro-Russian positions around Spartak, which were hit by forty 73 mm rounds. In the region of Mariupol, Sakhanka was shelled with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, while pro-Russian troops at Pikuzy were engaged by BMP-1 armoured vehicles, which fired eighteen 73 mm rounds upon them. The same sources acknowledged another incident when fighting erupted around Shyrokyne. Pro-Russian forces were targeted by 120 mm mortars. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded and captured and another killed in action.^{[188][189][185][190]} No violations of the truce were reported by the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[191]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Vodiane, supported by 120 mm mortar fire. Nearby Shyrokyne continued to be the target of antitank rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Novoselivka was hit by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded, four others suffered combat related injuries. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian entrenchments at Luhanske were shelled from different types of rocket launchers.^[192] A member of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission was killed in a road accident in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, this being the second death of an OSCE monitor in eastern Ukraine in the last year.^[193] Officials from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian artillery opened fire more than 20 times on a pro-Russian checkpoint between Verhnioshyrokivske (Oktyabr) and Hnutove at mid morning with 122 mm self-propelled guns.^[190] Media from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic, meanwhile, showed what they say is a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers strike on the area of Svitlodarsk dam in the afternoon.^[194]

21 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 6 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 20 January^[195][196] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region^[197][198]); the fire was returned once.^[197][198] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and four others were injured in the Donbass region on 20 January. ^[197][198] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and heavy artillery. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, the Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Zabicheve and Vesele, in the southern part of Donetsk airport, with small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, the villages of Kulikove, Pikuzy and Uzhivka became the target of small arms, snipers, automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled guns. In the area of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles shelled Zaitseve.^{[199][200][201]} No Ukrainian violations of the truce were reported within the borders of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[202]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening no attacks on Ukrainian positions during the first 18 hours of 21 January.^[203] Two civilian passengers of a bus were wounded near the contact line at "Olenivka" («Оленівка») checkpoint.^[203][204] By noon both sides accused each other for the attack, while the toll was updated to one civilian dead and another wounded.^[205][206] Later in the day, pro-Russian sources from Donetsk city claimed that Ukrainian tanks, supported by small arms, heavy machine guns and mortars engaged pro-Russian positions around Opytne, Spartak and Donetsk airport.^[207] By nightfall, Luhanske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, was shelled twice by 120 mm mortars firing from Kalynivka and Lohvynove.^[208]

22 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 2 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day,^[209][210] on both times in Luhansk region.^[208] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 21 January.^[208] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded six Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. One civilian was killed and another wounded.^[211][212] According to local sources, the Ukrainian army broke the ceasefire twice inside the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic, when pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove were shelled from Luhanske with 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars.^[213]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Novotroitske became the target of 82 mm mortars. in the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces shelled Luhanske and Troitske with rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. The Ukrainian side returned fire with rocket launchers. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed by shelling at Luhanske at around 8:00 am.^{[214][215][216][217]} Authorities from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic reported that in the evening, Ukrainian BMP-2 armoured vehicles supported by 120 mm mortar fire attacked the pro-Russian stronghold of Dokuchaievsk. Five civilian residents were wounded. The Ukrainian military also pounded Verkhnyotoretske and Zaitseve with small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars.^[218]

23 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 6 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 22 January^[219][215] (including once in Donetsk and on 5 occasions in Luhansk region);^[216] the fire was returned twice.^[216] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in the Donbass region on 22 January.^[216] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city recorded five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Pro-Russian positions at Verkhnyotoretske and Zaitseve, in the area of Horlivka, and Spartak and Volvo Center, in the outskirts of Donetsk city, were targeted by the Ukrainian military. The center of the village of Dokuchaievsk, south of Donetsk city, was confirmed shelled by BMP-2 armoured vehicles and 120 mm mortars firing from Novotroitske. Six civilian residents were wounded.^{[220][221][222]} According to local officials, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Kalynivka was hit by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys fired from Luhanske.^[223]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening no ceasefire violations during the first 18 hours of 23 January.^[224]

24 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that 23 January was the first day over a long period of time where no ceasefire violations were registered.^[225][226] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 23 January.^[227] Pro-Russian authorities in Donetsk city reported one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire, when Ukrainian BMP-2 armoured vehicles shelled Dokuchaievsk for the second consecutive day, supported by 82 mm mortars.^[228][229] Local sources from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded one violation of the truce within the republic boundaries. Pro-Russian positions around Lohvynove were shelled with 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars firing from Luhanske.^[230] Ukrainian forces made wide use of drones for aerial reconnaissance over the area.^[231]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, when Ukrainian positions at Lebedynske were targeted from Sakhanka by 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[232] By the end of the day the number of attacks counted by the Ukrainian side had risen to three when rebel forces harassed Ukrainian troops with small arms fire at Stanytsia Luhanska and Kriakivka, where one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^{[233][234][235]} Pro-Russian military sources reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire at evening, five of them in the region of Mariupol, where the villages of Uzhivka and Sakhanka were attacked. The Ukrainian army used small arms, rocket launchers and 120 mm mortars. Two pro-Russian soldiers were wounded and Sakhanka was left without power.^[236][237] One of the soldiers later succumbed to his wounds.^[238]

25 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 24 January^[233][234] (including once in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[235]); the fire was not returned.^[235] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 24 January.^[235] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 12 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. One pro-Russian soldier was killed and another wounded.^{[239][240][238]} No violations of the truce were recorded by local authorities inside the territory of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[241]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops twice, when rebel forces shelled Novotroitske, south of Donetsk city, with 120 mm mortars and Vodiane, in the region of Mariupol, with rocket launchers; one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[242] Later in the evening, 82 mm mortars landed in nearby Pavlopil. By the end of the day another Ukrainian servicemen had been wounded.^[243][244]

26 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[243][244] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 25 January.^[245] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded six Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[246][247] There were no Ukrainian violations of the truce within the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic according to local sources.^[248]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, at Avdiivka, using infantry weapons. As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded at around noon.^[249][250]

27 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 1 occasion on Ukrainian positions on 26 January.^[250] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 26 January. The same source denounced that rebel forces prevented repairs on the Marinka-Krasnohorivka gas pipeline, leaving some 26,000 local residents without heating.^[251] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. The main incidents occurred around Donetsk city, where Spartak and Petrovsky district were hit by mortar fire, while Volvo Center was shelled with automatic grenade launchers. In the area of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions supported by automatic grenade launchers and antitank rocket launchers.^[252][253] Officials from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic reported no Ukrainian violations within the republic's borders over the past 24 hours.^[254]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on Ukrainian troops once – one Ukrainian serviceman was lethally wounded by a sniper bullet at Verkhnyotoretske at around 14:00.^[255][256] According to local sources, Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles, supported by heavy machine guns, attacked by evening pro-Russian positions at Lovynove, in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[257]

28 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 1 occasion on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[258] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in the Donbass region on 27 January.^[256][259] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the area of Spartak, near Donetsk airport, using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars.^[260] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic confirmed that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on a single occasion within the republic boundaries, when BMP-1 armoured vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove, supported by heavy machine gun fire.^[261]

The ATO press-centre reported in the evening no ceasefire violations by 18:00.^[262][263] Later in the day, rebel forces attacked Ukrainian positions in the northern section of the demarcation line, specially around Svitlodarsk dam, where Luhanske and Troitske were hit by 120 mm mortar fire. In the region of Mariupol, antitank rockets landed around Ukrainian redoubts at Shyrokyne.^[264]

29 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 28 January.^[265][264] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 28 January.^[266] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city recorded six Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. The Ukrainian army opened fire on pro-Russian forces at Oleksandrivka, Spartak and Yasinuvata, in the surroundings of Donetsk city, and Zaitseve, in the outskirts of Horlivka. The areas around the city of Donetsk were targeted by small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars. Ukrainian BMP-2 armoured vehices, meanwhile, engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Zaitseve. A distribution transformer at Yasinuvata was damaged by mortar fire.^{[267][268][269]} Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military employed 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles to engage pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka and Lohvynove.^[270]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, at Kamianka, west of Donetsk city, at around 3:00 am, where Ukrainian troops became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers; no casualties were reported.^{[271][272][273]}

30 January

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire once on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[272][273] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 29 January.^[274][275] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city recorded seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. The Ukrainian miliatr attacked pro-Russian positions around Donetsk city at Bela Kamianka, Novolaspa, Dokuchaievsk, Oleksandrivka, Petrovsky district and Kirov district. They also targeted the village of Verkhnyotoretske in the outskirts of Horlivka. One civilian residence was damaged at Dokuchaievsk.^[276][277] No Ukrainian ceasefire violations were reported by authorities of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[278]

The ATO press-centre reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire with small arms and heavy machine guns on positions of Ukrainian troops on 1 occasion, that resulted in one Ukrainian serviceman killed by a sniper bullet near Talakivka.^[279][280] By the end of the day, 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Lebedinske. Rebel forces also fired rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars at Pisky, west of Donetsk city. Two more Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.^[281]

31 January

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 30 January.^[281] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two others were wounded in the Donbass region on 30 January.^[282] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city recorded 12 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. All the incidents took place the outskirts of Donetsk city, where BMP-2 armoured vehicles engaged pro-Russian forces at Dokuchaievsk, Oleksandrivka, Spartak and Petrovsky district, supported by small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars.^{[283][284][285]} According to local officials, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles to pound pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka, Lozove and Vesela Hora. Ukrainian forces opened fire from the strongholds of Luhanske and Shchastya.^[286]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops twice;^[287][288] one Ukrainian serviceman was killed near Avdiivka.^[289] In the outskirts of Donetsk city, Avdiivka became the target of small arms and heavy machine guns, while in the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian troops at Pavlopil were harassed with small arms fire. Later in the evening, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian strongpoints around Novooleksandrivka, in the northern section of the demarcation line, supported by small arms and 82 mm mortar fire. Nearby Krymske was hit by 120 mm mortar rounds. By the end of the day two more Ukrainian soldiers were injured.^[290][291]

1 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[290][291] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[289]). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two others were injured in the Donbass region on the last day of January.^[289] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded 12 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Around Donetsk city, the areas of Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Trudovske, Zhabicheve, Spartak and Donetsk airport were attacked with infantry weapons, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the outskirts of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian positions at Ozeryanivka, Verkhnyotoretske and Shyroka Balka, supported by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and automatically launched grenades.^[292][293] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded two Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka and Lohvynove using automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles.^[294]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops once, when pro-Russian armoured vehicles carried out a half-hour attack on Ukrainian redoubts at Troitske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, supported by 120 mm mortars. No casualties were reported.^[295] Later in the day, Ukrainian positions around Luhanske were engaged by the same kind of weapons.^[296] Later it was reported that one Ukrainian soldier was killed by explosion of an unidentified explosive device in Donetsk region.^[297][298] Throughout the day, there were several Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire, according to pro-Russia media. Kalynove, in the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, armoured fighting vehicles once again attacked Donetsk airport, Spartak and Yasinuvata with the support of mortar fire.^[299] Ukrainian forces from Novotroitske opened fire on Dokuchaievsk with heavy machine guns and 120 mm mortars.^[300] Later in the evening, there was a rocket propelled grenade attack on the headquarters of the Donetsk People's Republic Minister of Defence. The building was damaged but no casualties were reported.^[301] Some witnesses said they spotted a drone over the area.^[302]

2 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions on the first day of February,^[296] exclusively in Luhansk region.^[303] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on the first day of February.^[303] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 15 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three different regions using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Most incidents occurred around Donetsk city, where pro-Russian positions were attacked by armoured vehicles supported by infantry weapons, grenade launchers, antitank recoilless rifles and mortars. A fuel depot and a residencial building were damaged at Dokuchaievsk. In the outskirts of Horlivka, Ukrainian troops opened fire with small arms, heavy machine guns and antitank rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian troops became the target of small arms, snipers and antitank recoilless rifles.^[304] According to Eduard Basurin there were 53 violations of the truce by Ukrainian forces over the past week. Heavy mortars, banned by the Minsk agreements, were fired on 142 occasions on the same period.^[305] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on six occasions within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces from Luhanske, Troitske and Novozvanivka employed small arms, rocket launchers, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns to engage pro-Russian redoubts at Lohvynove and Kalynove.^[306]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions; as a result three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded^[307] in the area of Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city, where rebel forces fired small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske and Pavlopil were shelled with 82 mm mortars. Lebedinske was also hit by antitank rockets.^[298] The water purification plant at Donetsk city was put out of commission after being attacked by the Ukrainian military with small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars, according to pro-Russian sources.^[308]

3 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[297] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 2 February.^[298] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 15 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian positions at Kruta Balka, Yasinuvata, Petrovsky district and Donetsk airport were fired at from 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts for the first time in 2018. Ukrainian forces also employed infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers and armoured fighting vehicles to attack the separatists strongholds of Uzhivka, Pikuzy and Sakhanka. In the area of Horlivka, the Ukrainian military fired small arms, heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles.^[309][310] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic confirmed that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on a single occasion within the republic boundaries, when BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Luhanske attacked pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove, supported by heavy machine gun fire and automatic grenade launchers.^[311]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, 82 mm mortar volleys landed in Avdiivka and Novotroitske. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian redoubts supported by small arms, heavy machine guns, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian enrenchments at Lozove were hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets, while small arms fire was reported at Zaitseve.^[312][313] Pro-Russian media reported that Ukrainian tanks continued to attack rebel positions around Donetsk city supported by antitank recoilless rifles, mortars and artillery. The main incidents occurred at Oleksandrivka, Novomykhailivka, Yasinuvata, Spartak, Donetsk airport and Volvo Center.^[314] An OSCE patrol was fired at from infantry weapons and BMP-2 armoured vehicles near Yasinuvata.^[315]

4 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 3 February^[316] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[313]). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 3 February.^[313] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 18 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, the Ukrainian military employed infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles to attack Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Staromyhailivka, Donetsk airport and Petrovsky district. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian forces at Pikuzy and Dzerzhinsky became the target of infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers, and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles.^{[317][318][319]} According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire engaged pro-Russian positions at Nyzhne Lozove.^[320]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions. By the end of the day, rebel forces had attacked Zaitseve with infantry weapons, in the northern section of the demarcation line. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, heavy shelling was reported at Butivka mining complex, which was hit by antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar volleys. Kamyanka and Novotroitske were shelled with 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, the separatists fired rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars at Vodiane. As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and another injured.^[321]

5 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[322] (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and on 1 occasion in Luhansk region); the fire was returned once.^[323] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that two Ukrainian serviceman were wounded and one was injured in the Donbass region on 4 February.^[323][324] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 17 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, tanks and armoured vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian forces at Spartak, Zhabicheve, Dokuchaievsk, Oleksandrivka, Donetsk airport and Petrovsky district. The same areas came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The Ukrainian military also employed infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian troops at Novolaspa and Dzherzhinsky were attacked with infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[325][326][327]} Local authorities reported no ceasefire violations within Luhansk People's Republic borders.^[328]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 2 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[329] In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske became the target of 120 mm mortars. The Ukrainian garrison returned fire twice. Later in the day, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, the separatist opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars at Luhanske. The Ukrainian military fired back on two occasions.^[330] In the afternoon, pro-Russia media reported that Ukrainian tanks opened fire on Volvo Center, in the western side of Donetsk city, supported by heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. Pro-Russian positions near Dokuchaievsk, in the south, were attacked by BMP-1 and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. The positions were also hit by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. One apartment building and a civilian vehicle were heavily damaged. Heavy fire was heard near Verhnioshyrokivske, in the region of Mariupol.^[331][332]

6 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 5 February^[333] (including on 1 occasion in Donetsk and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[330][334]); the fire was returned twice.^[330][334] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 5 February.^{[330][334][335]} Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[336][337][338]} Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded three Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Kalynove and Lohvynove using automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, Zu-23-2 antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled guns.^[339]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions.^[340] In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles attacked Bohdanivka, while Ukrainian positions at Lebedinske, Vodiane and Pavlopil were hit by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and 82 mm mortar rounds. Lebedinske and Shyrokyne were also the target of 120 mm mortars. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces carried out a five-hour sustained attack on Ukrainian troops at Troitske with heavy machine guns, Zu-23-2 antiaircraft guns and 120 mm mortars. Antitank guided missiles were fired at Krymske, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys hit Novozvanivka. Small arms fire was reported at Katerinivka, Novooleksandrivka and Stanytsia Luhanska. By the end of the day three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded and one was injured.^[341]

7 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[341][342] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region^[343]); the fire was returned on 3 occasions.^[343] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian serviceman were wounded and one was injured in the Donbass region on 6 February.^[343] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported ten Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[344] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on three occasions within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces from Luhanske and Troitske employed small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars 122 mm self-propelled guns to engage pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalinivka and Lohvynove.^[345]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 9 occasions, one Ukrainian serviceman was injured.^[346] Pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Pisky, west of Donetsk city, supported by small arms and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne became the target of heavy machine guns and grenade launchers. In the northern section of the demarcation line, 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Novozvanivka, Luhanske and Troitske. Popasna was shelled with 82 mm mortars. An Orlan-10 Russian drone was shot down in eastern Ukraine.^[347]

8 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 17 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 7 February.^[346] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 7 February.^[348] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 15 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in 12 different locations using small arms, snipers, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[349][350][351]} Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic recorded six Ukrainian violations of the truce. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Krasny Lyman, Kalynove, Nyzhne Lozove and Verguivka employing small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured fighting vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns.^[352]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Pisky was shelled with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Shyrokyne, while Vodiane was hit by antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar volleys. As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was injured.^[353][354] In a separate hostile incident, Ukrainian forces near the border with Russia received small arms fire from the village of Ushakovka, Rostov Oblast, in Russian territory.^[355]

9 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[354] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 8 February.^[355] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the area of Horlivka, armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Verkhnyotoretske, supported by infantry weapons, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars. Around Donetsk city, Ozeryanivka, Trudovske, Dokuchaievsk, Yasinuvata, Zhabicheve and Volvo Center were attacked mostly with 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the region of Mariupol, armoured fighting vehicles fired upon pro-Russian positions at Pikuzy, which also became the target of small arms, snipers and heavy machine guns.^[356][357] According to the same sources, Ukrainian troops broke the ceasefire on 95 occasions over the past week. The Ukrainian military fired 423 mortar rounds, 629 rounds from armoured fighting vehicles and seven from main battle tanks on the same period.^[358] No Ukrainian ceasefire violations were reported by authorities from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[359]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, heavy mortar shelling was reported at Pisky, which became the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian troops at Slavne received small arms fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, rebel forces opened fire on Zaitseve and Luhanske with small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. Novhorodske was hit by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortars. Later in the evening, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles attacked Ukrainian positions at Novooleksandrivka and Buholanske. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[360][361]

10 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 11 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 9 February^[361] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region^[362]); the fire was returned on 5 occasions.^[362] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 9 February.^{[362][363][364]} Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. Around Donetsk city armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Zhabicheve (south of Donetsk airport), Kirov district and Petrovsky district, supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The area also became the target of infantry weapons and rocket launchers. In the area of Horlivka, the Ukrainian army employed small arms, grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Verhnoshyrokivske, Uzhivka and Pikuzy were hit by 82 mm mortar rounds.^{[365][366][367]} Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once within the republic boundaries, when 82 mm mortars rounds landed in Kalynivka.^[368]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops once, at Luhanske with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. No casualties were reported.^[369] Later in the day, also in the northern sector of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian entrenchments at Svitlodarsk, supported by heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. The Ukrainian stronghold of Krymske was struck by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds. Ukrainian troops at Novooleksandrivka, meanwhile, were harassed with heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades. In the region of Mariupol, rebel forces attacked Talakivka using heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles.^[370]

11 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 8 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[370] (including once in Donetsk and on 7 occasions in Luhansk region^[371]); the fire was returned on 5 occasions.^[371] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 10 February.^[371][372] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian forces around Donetsk city shelled Dokuchaievsk and Petrovsky district with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. The two strobgholds were also thit by small arms fire and antitank rockets. In the area of Horlivka, 82 mm mortars landed in Verkhnyotoretske. In the region of Mariupol, Pikuzy and Uzhivka became the target of small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortar rounds. One pro-Russian soldier was wounded in action.^{[373][374][374]} Local authorities recorded two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian forces at Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[375]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 8 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[376] In the outskirts of Donetsk city, rebel forces harassed Ukrainian troops at Avdiivka with small arms and heavy machine gun fire. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian forces at Talakivka were attacked with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles, while 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys also landed in Vodiane and Shyrokyne. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Zaitseve supported by infantry weapons and grenade launchers.^[377]

12 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 9 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 11 February^[378] (including on 7 occasions in Donetsk region and on 2 occasions in Luhansk region^[377]); the fire was returned on 4 occasions.^[377] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 11 February.^[377] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in seven different locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[379][380][381]} No Ukrainian violations of the truce were recorded by local authorities in the territory of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[382]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 8 occasions; as a result one Ukrainian serviceman was killed (at around 10:00 am^[383]) and another wounded.^[384] In the area of Donetsk city, rebel troops opened fire on Opytne with small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian forces at Vodiane became the target of heavy machine guns and 120 mm mortars. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel forces fired small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars on Ukrainian positions around Krymske, while nearby Popasna was hit by 82 mm mortar rounds. Ukrainian redoubts at Katerinivka, Zaitseve, Novoluhanske, Novhorodske and Svitlodarsk were struck by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets.^[385] By the end of the day another Ukrainian soldier was wounded.^[386] Heavy mortar shelling was reported in the afternoon by pro-Russian media in the village of Dolomitne, north of Horlivka.^[387]

13 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 11 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[386] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region^[388]); the fire was returned on 7 occasions.^[388] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two were wounded in the Donbass region on 12 February.^[388] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[389][390][391]} Local officials recorded one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic when Kalynove-Borshchevate was attacked with heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars.^[392] The same sources said that their forces defeated a Ukrainian assault on Zholobok carried out by members of the 58th motorized infantry brigade from Krymske. Pro-Russian media claims that three Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action.^[393] The body of one of the soldiers was later recovered by rebel fighters and handed over to Ukrainian authorities.^[394][395]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[396] Later in the day, several incidents were reported in the area of Svitlodarsk, where Troitske was fired at repeatedly from heaavy machine guns, rocket launchers, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Novozvanivka and Popasna were also shelled with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, while Zaitseve, Mayorsk, Stanytsia Luhanska and Svitlodarsk were struck by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets.^[397]

14 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 13 February,^[398] exclusively in Luhansk region.^[397] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 13 February.^[397] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[399][400][401]} Local authorities recorded five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian forces at Lozove, Kalynove, Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles.^[402]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions; as a result three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded;^[403] by the end of the day one more Ukrainian soldier was wounded.^[404] In the afternoon, pro-Russian media reported that BMP-2 armoured vehicles from Novotroitske raked residential areas of Dokuchaievsk with 30 mm cannon fire. The village was also struck by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and automatically-launched grenades. A school and three other buildings were hit. No casualties were reported.^[405][406] According to authorities from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic, the Ukrainian military shelled the village of Lomuvatka, in the outskirts of Brianka during the morning. As a result, three houses were heavily damaged and the area was left without power.^{[407][408][409]}

15 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 14 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[404] (including on 10 occasions in Donetsk region and on 4 occasions in Luhansk region^[410]); the fire was returned on 10 occasions.^[410] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO, polkovnyk Dmytro Hutsulyak, reported at noon that four Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 14 February.^[410] Polkovnyk Hutsulyak did not specify the exact number, place, or date – how many, where, and when were Ukrainian marines killed.^[410] Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine confirmed the death of four marines near Shyrokyne, allegedly after being ambushed and assassinated by two fellow marines.^{[411][412][413]} Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian entrenchments at Dokuchayevsk, Staromykhailivka, Bila Kamianka, Mineralne, Zhabicheve, Spartak, Donetsk airport and Petrovsky district were engaged by armoured fighting vehicles supported by 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. As a result, two civilian residences were damaged at Mineralne and a farm was practically destroyed at Spartak. Small arms fire was also reported in the area. In the surroundings of Horlivka, 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Ozeryanivka and Gagarin mining complex.^[414][415] Local authorities recorded two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars to hit pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove and Lozove.^[416]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in action.^[417] In the area of Donetsk city, rebel forces attacked Butivka mining complex with rocket launchers, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian positions at Taramchuk were hit by small arms fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian redoubts at Vodiane were engaged with small arms, grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. The nearby villages of Pavlopil, Shyrokyne and Chermalyk came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Luhanske supported by heavy machine guns and 82 mm mortars. By the end of the day another Ukrainian serviceman was injured.^[418]

16 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 10 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 15 February^[418] (including on 8 occasions in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[419]); the fire was returned twice.^[419] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another injured in the Donbass region on 15 February.^[419] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars.^[420] Local officials recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles.^[421]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions; no casualties were reported at this time.^[422] By the end of the day one Ukrainian soldier was wounded and another injured. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian positions at Luhanske were repeatedly attacked by armoured fighting vehicles supported by heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Infantry weapons, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars were used to engage Ukrainian forces at nearby Svitlodarsk and Troitske. Krymske came under small arms, rocket propelled grenade and 82 mm mortar fire. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, Ukrainian troops at Taramchuk were attacked with infantry weapons.^[423] Pro-Russian media reported that Ukrainian forces from Dzerzhinsky opened fire on the outskirts of Horlivka with ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns. Three civilian residences were damaged.^[424]

17 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 20 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[423] (including once in Donetsk region and on 19 occasions in Luhansk region^[425]); the fire was returned on 8 occasions.^[425] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and another injured in the Donbass region on 16 February.^[425] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and tanks.^[426] Deputy minister of defence of the Donetsk People's Republic, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian members of the 57th motorized infantry brigade from Pisky slipped through the demarcation line, where they were met by pro-Russian forces. One Ukrainian soldier, identified as Vasily Zhemelinsky, was taken prisoner. Two Ukrainian soldiers were allegedly killed and two others wounded.^[427][428] Local authorities reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalynivka and Nyzhne Lozove using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles.^[429]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 10 occasions, no casualties were reported;^[430] by the end of the day one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the area of Svitlodarsk dam.^[431][432] In the outskirts of Donetsk city, pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts around Pisky supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. In the northern section of the demarcation line, heavy shelling was reported at Luhanske, where Ukrainian positions were fired at from 82 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled guns. Armoured fighting vehicles, meanwhile, opened fire on Ukrainian forces at Troitske, along with 120 mm mortars. Rocket propelled grenades landed in Mayorsk, and nearby Krymske became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[430]

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said that 21 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action and other 19 wounded since the beginning of 2018.^[433][434]

18 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 12 occasions on Ukrainian positions on 17 February^[431] (including on 3 occasions in Donetsk region and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region^[432]). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 17 February.^[432][435] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[436][437] According to local sources, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire on two occasions within the territory of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian forces shelled Sentianivka and Sokolniki with automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[438]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 7 occasions. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action.^[439] Later in the evening, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Shyrokyne. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Krymske, Troitske, Novoluhanske and Zaitseve came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. Ukrainian positions at Luhanske were hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Ukrainian troops at Stanytsia Luhanska and Novooleksandrivka were harassed with small arms and heavy machine gun fire.^[440]

19 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 10 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[440] (including once in Donetsk and on 9 occasions in Luhansk region^[441]), the fire was returned twice.^[441] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 18 February.^[441] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[442][443] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the republic boundaries. The Ukrainian military shelled Kalynove, Nyzhne Lozove, Veselehorivka and Sokolniki with automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[444]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 9 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk, Pisky was hit by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar volleys. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske, Vodiane and Shyrokyne were shelled with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm mortar barrages landed in Krymske and Luhanske. Svitlodarsk, Luhanske, Novoluhanske and Hladsove also became the target of infantry weapons and rocket launchers. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, one was wounded, and another was injured; two Ukrainian soldiers were injured by the blast of an unidentified explosive device "while in a combat mission".^[445][446]

20 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 12 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[447] (including on 6 occasions in Donetsk and on 6 occasions in Luhansk region^[448]) The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed, one soldier was wounded, one was injured, and two more Ukrainian servicemen were wounded by explosion of an IED in the Donbass region on 19 February.^[448] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 11 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[449][450][451]} No Ukrainian violations of the truce were recorded by local authorities within the borders of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[451]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 8 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Pisky, supported by heavy machine gun and 82 mm mortar fire. Ukrainian positions at Avdiivka were hit by automatically-launched grenades. In the region of Mariupol, 120 mm mortar rounds landed around Lomakyne, south of Talakivka. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian redoubts at Troitske were attacked several times with rocket launchers, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. Krymske, meanwhile, was struck by small arms fire, antitank rockets, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds. Rocket propelled grenades hit Ukrainian positions at Katerinivka. Both areas were also shelled by armoured fighting vehicles. One Ukrainian servicewoman (a military medic) was killed in this region while providing medical assistance to local civilians,^[452] while another three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded elsewhere.^[453] By the end of the day two more Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and two were injured.^[454] Pro-Russian media reported that the Ukrainian military attacked separatist forces within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian troops from Troitske shelled Kalynove with 120 mm mortars and 152 mm self-propelled guns. BMP-2 armoured vehicles from Lopaskine raked the village of Dolhe with 30 mm cannon fire, hitting several civilian residences.^[455]

President Petro Poroshenko signed the law of reintegration of the Donbass to Ukrainian control, approved by the Ukrainian parliament on 18 January.^[456]

21 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 15 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[454] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and on 10 occasions in Luhansk region^[452]); the fire was returned on 3 occasions.^[452] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that five Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and two were injured in the Donbass region on 20 February. A military medic, a 23-year-old woman, was killed in Luhansk Oblast.^[452][457] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[458][459][460]} Local authorities reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Pervomaisk, Nyzhne Lozove and Dolhe using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, BMP-1 armoured vehicles, BMP-2 armoured vehicles and 152 mm self-propelled guns.^[461]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 13 occasions. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, small arms fire was reported in Avdiivka. In the region of Mariupol, Vodiane was shelled with rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars, while Lebedinske was hit by 82 mm mortar rounds. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armouredfighting vehicles attacked Troitske supported by 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Novooleksandrivka, Krymske and Katerinivka came under 82 mm mortar fire. Rebel forces fired small arms, heavy machine guns and grenade launchers at Ukrainian troops in Luhanske, Zaitseve, Zhelezne and Novoluhanske. Mayorsk was also shelled by ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, two were wounded;^[462][463] by the end of the day one more Ukrainian soldier was wounded and another injured.^[464]

22 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 20 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[464] (including on 6 occasions in Donetsk region and on 14 occasions in Luhansk region^[463]); the fire was returned on 9 occasions.^[463] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded, one soldier was injured, and one died due to careless handling of a weapon in the Donbass region on 21 February.^[463][465] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported nine Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks.^[466] Local authorities recorded five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian forces at Pervomaisk, Veselohorivka, Kalynivka, Lozove, Dolhe with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. One civilian woman was wounded at Dolhe when Ukrainian BMP-2 armoured vehicles shelled the village.^[467]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 10 occasions, no casualties were reported;^[468] by the end of the day on Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another wounded.^[469] Pro-Russian media reported that 120 mm mortar rounds hit the town of Oleksandrivka in the afternoon.^[470]

On 22 February the first images of a statue dedicated “to Russian volunteers” in Luhansk appeared on Russian social media platform.^[471][472]

23 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 19 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[469] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 17 occasions in Luhansk region^[473][474]); the fire was returned on 7 occasions.^[473][474] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another wounded in the Donbass region on 22 February.^{[473][475][474]} Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported seven Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[476] Local officials reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Lohvynove, Nyzhnie Lozove, Sentianivka, Kalynivka and Pervomaisk using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles.^[477]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, all of them in the northern section of the demarcation line. Pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian forces at Troitske, while Novooleksandrivka was struck by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Luhanske was shelled with rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. No casualties were reported.^[478] Deputy Defense Minister Eduard Basurin told the press that a UAZ military ambulance was destroyed and three occupants of the vehicle killed instantly after being hit by an antitank guided missile at Dokuchaievsk, south of Donetsk city. The ambulance was evacuating a pro-Russian soldier who had been wounded in a 120 mm mortar shelling of the area.^[479][480] Later in the night, pro-Russian media recorded several Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire around Donetsk city; pro-Russian positions at Volvo Center, Spartak, Donetsk airport, Yasinuvata, Dokuchaievsk, Yelenivka and Oleksandrivka were attacked with small arms, heavy machine guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, tanks and artillery.^[481]

24 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 13 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[482] (once in Donetsk region and on 12 occasions in Luhansk region^[483]); the fire was returned on 7 occasions.^[483] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 23 February.^[483] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Heavy shelling was reported on several settlements around Donetsk city like Zhabicheve, Trudovske, Olenivka, Dokuchaievsk and Petrovsky district, all of them hit by 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. The villages of Olenivka, Lyubivka and Andriivka were left without power by the shelling. In the outskirts of Horlivka, Ozeryanivka, Zaitseve and Nyzhnie Verkhnyotoretske came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire. The area also became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. In the region of Mariupol, armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian positions at Novolaspa.^[484][485] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles supported by 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire engaged pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove, Kalynivka, Kalynove and Molodezhne.^[486]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported no ceasefire violations by 18:00.^[487]

25 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day,^[488] exclusively in Luhansk region.^[489] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 24 February.^[489] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported ten Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the regions of Mariupol and Donetsk city. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 120 mm mortars to attack pro-Russian positions at eight different areas.^[490][491] Local officials reported one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian army pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynivka with 82 mm mortars.^[492]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions; one Ukrainian soldier (born in 1998) was killed in action and another wounded.^{[493][494][495]} At evening, pro-Russian media in Donetsk city reported that Ukrainian forces shelled Zaitseve and Zhovanki, in the area of Horlivka, with 120 mm mortars. Four civilian residences were damaged.^[496]

26 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[494] (including twice in Donetsk and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[495]); the fire was returned twice.^[495] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the Donbass region on 25 February.^[495] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 17 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in 12 locations using small arms, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, antiaircraft guns, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, Dokuchaievsk, Yakovliivka, Lozove, Olexandrivka, Abakumove and Petrovsky district were attacked with 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antiaircraft artillery, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled guns. In the area of Horlivka, pro-Russian forces at Dolomitne and Zaitseve became the target of small arms, antitank rocket launchers, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Pikuzy, Verhnoshyrokivske and Sakhanka, supported by 120 mm mortar fire, antitank rockets and small arms fire.^[497][498] Local officials reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire within the boundaries of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic. Ukrainian forces pounded pro-Russian forces at Kalynove, Kalynivka and Krasny Liman with small arms, automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles.^[499]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions. In the surroundings of Donetsk city, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Pisky, while small arms fire was recorded at Kamianka. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske was shelled with 82 mm mortars. Heavy shelling was reported in the northern section of the demarcation line, when 152 mm self-propelled guns engaged Ukrainian troops at Podlesne, in the outskirts of Popasna. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.^{[500][501][502]} During the afternoon, the town of Dokuchaievsk, controlled by pro-Russian forces, was attacked by Ukrainian troops from Novotroitske with automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, antitank guided missiles and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. Five houses and a civilian vehicle were damaged.^{[503][504][505]} Likewise, the industrial area of Volvo Center, west of Donetsk city, was hit by 120 mm mortar barrages.^[506]

27 February

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[501] (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region^[502]) The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 26 February.^[502] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 16 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in 11 different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antitank guided missiles, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery.^{[507][508][509]} According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire four times within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian BMP-1 and BMP-2 armoured vehicles along with 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire engaged pro-Russian positions at Kalynivka, Kalynove, Kalynove-Borshchevate and Dolhe.^[510]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions, no casualties were reported;^[511] by the end of the day one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded. In the northern section of the demarcation line, heavy shelling was reported at Troitske and Luhanske, which became the target of 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Rebel forces fired heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars at Ukrainian outposts near Novooleksandrivka. Svitlodarsk was fired at from infantry weapons, rocket launchers, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft artillery, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[512]

28 February

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day,^[512] exclusively in Luhansk region.^[513] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 27 February.^[513] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in two locations using small arms, heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. The Ukrainian forces targeted pro-Russian positions at Staromyhailivka and Trudovske.^[514] The same sources attributed the drop in the number of incidents to the harsh weather conditions on the past 24 hours.^[515] Heavy shelling was reported by local officilals within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire five times by firing 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled guns at pro-Russian redoubts around Kalynivka, Kalynove, Nyzhnie Lozove and Horlivka.^[516]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[517] In the northern sector of the demarcation line, rebel troops fired rocket propelled grenades, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars at Luhanske, while nearby Krymske was hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets. Novhorodske was attacked with small arms, heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Pavlopil came under 82 mm and 120 mm mortar fire.^[518] Pro-Russia media reported that separatist forces at Zhovanki came under 120 mm mortar fire at evening.^[514]

A new ceasefire to begin on 5 March was proposed at Minsk, according to Luhansk People's Republic special envoy Vladislav Deinego. OSCE authorities in Ukraine, however, told the press that no decision had been made yet. One of the main conditions for the truce was the disengagement of forces in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska.^[519]

1 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[518] (including once in Donetsk region and on 4 occasions in Luhansk region^[520]); the fire was returned twice.^[520] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on the last day of February.^[520] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the regions of Horlivka and Donetsk city. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 120 mm mortars to attack pro-Russian positions at four different areas.^[521][522] No Ukrainian ceasefire violations were reported in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[523]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, in Luhansk region, where 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Svitlodarsk. Later in the night, pro-Russian armoured vehicles, supported by rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars, engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Pisky, west of Donetsk city. No casualties were reported.^[524][525] Separatist media reported that Ukrainian forces engaged pro-Russian positions around Donetsk city using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, tanks and artillery. The main targets were the areas of Yasinuvata, Spartak, Trudovske and Staromyhailivka.^[526]

2 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 2 occasions on Ukrainian positions on the first day of March,^[527] once in Donetsk and once in Luhansk region.^[525] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on the first day of March.^[525] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Dokuchaievsk and Petrovsky district using infantry weapons, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on pro-Russian forces supported by small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers and antiaircraft guns.^[528] Over the past week, there were 65 violations of the ceasefire; Ukrainian troops fired 82 mm and 120 mm mortars 252 times and 122 mm and 152 mm self-propelled artillery 38 times. two pro-Russian soldiers were killed and a civilian resident was wounded.^[529][530] Sources from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported one Ukrainian violation of the truce inside the republic borders, when Ukrainian forces attacked Kalynivka with small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars.^[531]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 6 occasions. In the area of Donetsk city, the stronghold of Avdiivka became the target of small arms, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian positions at Bohdanivka, in the region of Mariupol, supported by 82 mm mortar fire. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Svitlodarsk and Troitske, while small arms fire was reported at Stanytsia Luhanska. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two others were wounded.^[532][533] Pro-Russian sources told the press that during the morning, Ukrainian marines trying to slip through the demarcation line in the area of Verkhnyoshyrokivske, in the region of Mariupol, were met by separatist forces in no-man's land. The subsequent fighting, which involved the use of 120 mm mortars, ended up with the death of two intruders. One pro-Russian serviceman was wounded and another taken prisoner.^[534][530] Pro-Russian media also reported several incidents around Donetsk city, where pro-Russian positions at Spartak, Yasinuvata, Staromyhailivka and Trudovske became the target of small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortars and artillery. The water purification plant at Donetsk city was also hit.^[535]

3 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 8 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[536] (including on 5 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[533]) The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the Donbass region on 2 March. ^[533] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 12 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight different locations using small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, antitank guided missiles, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[537][538] Authorities from the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic said that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire twice, when Kalynove was shelled two times with 120 mm mortars.^[539]

The ATO press-centre reported in the evening no ceasefire violations during the first 18 hours of 3 March.^[540][541] Later in the evening, 120 mm mortar rounds hit Ukrainian positions at Pisky, in the area of Donetsk city. Vodiane, in the region of Mariupol, was shelled with 82 mm mortars. In the northern section of the demarcation line, rebel forces fired 82 mm mortars at the Ukrainian stronghold of Krymske, while Novhorodske, Malynove, Luhanske, Shchastya and Stanytsia Luhanska were struck by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets.^[542]

4 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 8 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[543] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 6 occasions in Luhansk region^[542]); the fire was returned on 3 occasions.^[542] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 3 March.^[542] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in two locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, antiaircraft guns, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[544] No Ukrainian violations of the truce were reported by local authorities within the borders of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[545]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 4 occasions, no casualties were reported. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, 120 mm mortar volleys landed in Marinka. Pro-Russian tanks, meanwhile, engaged Ukrainian positions around Pavlopil. The same area was attacked with small arms, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. Shyrokyne was also shelled with 120 mm mortars.^[546] Pro-Russian media from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic told the press that Ukrainian forces from Luhanske shelled Kalynivka using rocket launchers and mortars.^[547]

A renewed truce, dubbed the "absolute ceasefire" and agreed in Minsk on 2 March, came into effect at midnight.^[548]

5 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 7 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[549] (including on 4 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[550]); the fire was returned on 2 occasions.^[550] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 4 March.^[550] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded 13 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in eight locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^{[551][552][553]} Officially, there were no Ukrainian violations of the truce within the borders of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.^[554]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[555] Pro-Russian media also reported a number of violations to the new ceasefire agreement. Early in the morning, Ukrainian snipers fired at a snow removal machine manned by pro-Russian servicemen north of Horlivka, while pro-Russian troops at Pikuzy were harassed with small arms, sniper, NSV heavy machine gun and antiaircraft artillery fire coming from the Ukrainian stronghold of Vodiane. A motorcade carrying humanitarian assistance to the area of Yasinuvata, with a Russian Duma member aboard, became the target of 82 mm mortars firing from Avdiivka while passing by Kruta Balka. A Russian Rodina party councilor from the city of Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, was wounded by a mortar splinter. Later in the evening, Dokuchaievsk was hit by small arms and 82 mm mortar rounds fired from Novotroitske.^{[556][557][558][548][559][560]}

6 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[561] (once in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[562]); the fire was not returned.^[562] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 5 March.^[562] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city reported three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using small arms, snipers, NSV heavy machine guns, ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns and 82 mm mortars.^[563][559] The body of a pro-Russian soldier who died in captivity after being taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces near Verkhnyoshyrokivske on 2 March was handed over to pro-Russian authorities. No Ukrainian violations of the truce were reported by local officials within the borders of the self-styled Luhansk People's Republic.^[564]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 1 occasion, when rebel troops fired small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers at Ukrainian positions at Luhanske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line; no casualties were reported.^[565] By the end of the day 2 more attacks were registered, one in Stanytsia Luhanska, also in the northern front, and another at Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city, both involving the use of small arms and automatic grenade launchers. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed in action.^[566]

7 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[566] (including once in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[567]); the fire was not returned.^[567] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in the Donbass region on 6 March.^[567] Pro-Russian authorities reported no Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire on the past day.^[568] According to local sources, the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire once within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, when Ukrainian forces opened fire with small arms, heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers on pro-Russian positions at Lozove.^[569]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops at Krasnohorivka, west of Donetsk city, using infantry weapons. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[570] Later in the evening, Luhanske and Troitske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, became the target of heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles.^[571] Converserly, pro-Russian media reported that the rebel stronghold of Staromykhailivka was shelled with automatic grenade launchers and 120 mm mortars firing from Krasnohorivka.^[572]

8 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[573] (including on 1 occasion in Donetsk region and on 2 occasions in Luhansk region^[571]); the fire was not returned.^[571] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 7 March.^[571] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire around Donetsk city using small arms, automatic grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Yasinuvata and Staromykhailivka.^[574] One truck carrying supplies to Donetsk water purification plant was put out of action by hostile fire at Yasinuvata, no injuries were reported.^[575] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's republic recorded one Ukrainian violation of the truce when BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Luhanske engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Lohvynove, supported by small arms and heavy machine gun fire.^[576]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had fired small arms on Ukrainian troops on 1 occasion near Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city, where Ukrainian forces became the target of 82 mm mortars; no casualties were reported.^[577] By the end of the day 2 more attacks were carried out by rebel forces at Luhanske, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, using heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. One Ukrainian soldier was killed.^[578] Pro-Russian media reported that Spartak, west of Donetsk city, came under 82 mm mortar fire.^[579]

9 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[578] (including once in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[580]); the fire was not returned.^[580] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in the Donbass region on 8 March.^[580] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city confirmed one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire around Donetsk city when 82 mm mortar rounds landed in Spartak.^[581] There were 33 Ukrainian violations of the truce over the past week, six of them since the beginning of the "absolute ceasefire" on 5 March, according to the same sources. The Ukrainian military fired 131 rounds from 82 mm and 120 mm mortars on the same period.^[582]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire using infantry weapons on positions of Ukrainian troops on 2 occasions, one at Avdiivka, west of Donetsk city and another at Vodiane, in the region of Mariupol, using infantry weapons. Later in the night, Ukrainian positions at Stanytsia Luhanska were raked by small arms fire. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another was wounded.^[583][584]

10 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[585] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region^[584]); the fire was not returned.^[584] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian servicemen was killed and another was wounded in the Donbass region on 9 March.^[584][586] Pro-Russian officials recorded one Ukrainian violation of the truce when Ukrainian forces opened fire on Dokuchaievsk with small arms and automatic grenade launchers.^[587]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions; as a result one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded.^[588] By the end of the day, rebel forces had shelled Katerinivka, in the northern sector of the demarcation line, with 82 mm mortars, while the nearby villages of Novhorodske and Krymske became the target of infantry weapons and grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian positions at Bohdanivka were struck by antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds.^[589] Pro-Russian authorities reported that Ukrainian forces from Shyrokyne, in the region of Mariupol, shelled Sakhanka with 120 mm mortars at dusk.^[590]

11 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[591] (including on 2 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[589]); the fire was not returned.^[589] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 10 March.^[589] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city confirmed one Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire in the region of Mariupol when 120 mm mortar volleys struck Sakhanka.^[592] Later in the day, pro-Russian officials told the press that Ukrainian forces also hit a water supply pipeline near Vasiilivka, spilling two tons of water before the pipe could be repaired.^[593][594]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, all of them in the northern section of the demarcation line, when Luhanske and Novozvanivka became the target of heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, while nearby Novozvanivka was hit by automatically launched grenades. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed by the blast of an explosive device and one Ukrainian soldier was wounded.^[595] By the end of the day one more ceasefire violation was registered in the outskirts of Donetsk city, where rebel forces harassed rebel troops with small arms and heavy machine guns. Another two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.^[596]

12 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[596] (including on 1 occasion in Donetsk and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[597]); the fire was not returned.^[597] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and three were wounded in the Donbass region on 11 March.^[597] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city said that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once, when the village of Uzhivka (Leninske), in the region of Mariupol, was hit by 120 mm mortar fire.^[598]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 2 occasions. In the northern section of the demarcation line, rebel forces fired small arms and heavy machine guns at Ukrainian positions near Novhorodske, while in the region of Mariupol, the Ukrainian stronghold of Pavlopil was hit by antitank rockets, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds. No casualties were reported at this time,^[599] yet by the end of the day 3 more attacks were recorded and two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded. Later in the evening, small arms and 82 mm mortars were fired at Avdiivka, in the outskirts of Donetsk. Pro-Russian BMP-2 armoured vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian positions at Vodiane, in the region of Mariupol, supported by 82 mm mortars, while in the northern section of the demarcation line, Luhanske was hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets.^[600] Pro-Russian media, meanwhile, recorded a number of Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the afternoon. A truck carrying supplies and workers to Donetsk water purification plant was attacked while on a highway west of Donetsk city. In the area of Horlivka, one pro-Russian soldier was killed was killed in Zaitseve, when the position he was manning came under small arms, sniper and heavy machine gun fire from Zhovanki. Heavy shelling was reported in the region of Mariupol, where pro-Russian redoubts at Sakhanka, Uzhivka and Dzerzhinske became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars.^{[601][602][603]}

13 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[604] (including on 3 occasions in Donetsk region and on 2 occasions in Luhansk region^[600]); the fire was not returned.^[600] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in the Donbass region on 12 March.^[600] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in five locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. Most incidents took place in the region of Mariupol. One pro-Russian soldier was killed by sniper fire at Zaitseve.^[605]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 3 occasions, one Ukrainian serviceman was injured.^[606] Pro-Russian media reported at evening that Ukrainian BMP-1 and BMP-2 armoured vehicles from Avdiivka engaged pro-Russian forces at Spartak. The location, west of Donetsk city, also became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars.^[607] For the second consecutive day, small arms fire from Ukrainian positions hit a truck carrying supplies and personnel to the water purification plant at Yasinuvata. No injuries were reported.^[608]

14 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire 4 times on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[609] (including two occasions in Donetsk and two in Luhansk region^[610]); the fire was not returned.^[610] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 13 March.^[610] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations, all of them west of Donetsk city, using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[611] In the main incidents, Spartak, west of Donetsk city, came under attack by small arms, heavy machine guns, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, BMP-1 and BMP-2 armoured vehicles. Ukrainian BMP-2 armoured vehicles also engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Trudovske. Small arms fire was reported at Yasinuvata. An isolated mortar attack took place at Pikuzy (Kominternove) in the region of Mariupol.^[612][613] The staff of Donetsk water purification plant refused to work after several small arms attacks on trucks ferrying supplies and personnel to the station, which was virtually under siege from nearby Ukrainian positions.^[614]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 there were no attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops.^[615]

15 March

The ATO HQ reported in the morning no ceasefire violations in the Donbass region on 14 March.^[616] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO confirmed the information at noon.^[617] No Ukrainian violations of the truce were reported by pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city.^[618]

According to the information provided by the ATO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops twice; no casualties were reported.^[619] By the end of the day, rebel forces in the northern sector of the demarcation line had attacked Luhanske with small arms, heavy machine guns and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and Stanitsya Luhanska with infantry weapons and automatic grenade launchers. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian positions around Vodiane and Lebedinske were hit by small arms fire and 82 mm mortar volleys.^[620] Pro-Russian media recorded a number of Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in the evening. BMP-2 armoured vehicles opened fire on Zhabicheve, in the surroundings of Donetsk airport. In the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Shyrokyne engaged pro-Russian positions at Uzhivka (Leninske), supported by 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. Nearby Sakhanka was fired at from the Ukrainian stronghold of Lebedinske from BMP-1 armoured vehicles and 120 mm mortars.^[621]

16 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 4 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[622] (including twice in Donetsk and twice in Luhansk region^[620]); the fire was not returned.^[620] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 15 March.^[620] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[623] The same sources said that in the course of the past week the Ukrainian military broke the ceasefire 14 times, targeted 12 settlements and fired 63 rounds from 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, weapons banned by the Minsk agreements.^[624] Officials from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported that, after seven days of full observation of the truce, Ukrainian forces from Lopaskine shelled Slavyanoserbsk with automatic grenade launchers.^[625][626]

The press-centre of the ATO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 no attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops.^[627] Later in the day, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles from Sanzharivka, supported by heavy machine guns, engaged Ukrainian forces at Troitske, in the northern section of the demarcation line.^[628] Separatist authorities told the press that early in the morning, Ukrainian BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Lebedinske engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Sakhanka, in the region of Mariupol, once again supported by 120 mm mortar fire.^[629]

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced the end of the "Antiterrorist Operation" (ATO) in Eastern Ukraine and its replacement by the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), based on the provisions of the law of reintegration of the Donbass. General Serhyi Nayev was appointed commander in chief of the joint forces.^[630][631]

17 March

The JFO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 1 occasion on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[632] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 16 March.^[628] No Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire were reported by pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city.^[633]

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, at Opytne, using rocket launchers. No casualties were reported.^[634]

18 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 1 occasion on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[635][636] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 17 March.^[637] Pro-Russian officials from Donetsk city reported no Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire for the second consecutive day.^[638] Later, the press service of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Donetsk confirmed that the village of Sakhanka, in the region of Mariupol, had became the target of small arms and mortar fire on Saturday night. The attack damaged three civilian residences and left the settlement without electrical power and gas supply.^{[639][640][641]}

The press-centre of the JFO HQ reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked positions of Ukrainian troops once, near Avdiivka, no casualties were reported this time.^[642] Converserly, separatist media at Donetsk city said that Ukrainian forces from Pisky fired 120 mm mortars at pro-Russian positions around Volvo Center, Donetsk.^[643] Ukrainian forces also opened fire on the areas of Spartak and Yasinuvata, according to the same sources.^[644]

19 March

The JFO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 2 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day,^[645] exclusively in Donetsk region.^[646] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to JFO confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was injured in the Donbass region on 18 March.^[646] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian forces shelled the areas of Volvo Center, in the outskirts of Donetsk city, Uzhivka (Leninske) and Sakhanka, in the region of Mariupol.^{[647][640][641]}

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 no ceasefire violations were registered.^[648] By the end of the day there was 1 attack using infantry weapons on Ukrainian positions at Novohryhorivka, one Ukrainian soldier was wounded.^[649] Pro-Russian press reported that Ukrainian forces from Novohryhorivka fired heavy machine guns and antiaircraft artillery on pro-Russian positions at Krasnyi Oktyabr, in the region of Mariupol.^[650]

20 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 1 occasion on Ukrainian positions the previous day.^[649] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in the Donbass region on 19 March.^[651] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported two Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in two locations in the region of Mariupol using small arms, antiaircraft guns and 120 mm mortars. Ukrainian forces attacked Krasnyi Oktyabr and Sakhanka, the later with heavy mortar fire for the third consecutive day.^[652][653]

The press-centre of the operational headquarters reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had targeted positions of Ukrainian troops once, with heavy machine guns and rocket launchers; as a result one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded at Pisky, west of Donetsk city.^[654] By the end of the day 4 more attacks were registered and another Ukrainian soldier was injured. In the area around Donetsk city, rebel forces shelled Avdiivka with antitank rocket launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles. Ukrainian positions at Pisky were hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Ukrainian troops at Stanytsia Luhanska were harassed with small arms fire, while Luhanske and Troitske were struck by 82 mm mortar volleys. Troitske was later shelled from ZU-23-2 antiaircraft artillery.^[655] Pro-Russian authorities told the press that Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka opened fire on Yasynuvata with small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles.^[656]

21 March

The JFO HQ reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 5 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[655] (including twice in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[657]); the fire was not returned.^[657] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and another injured in the Donbass region on 20 March.^[657] Pro-Russian officials from Donetsk city recorded one Ukrainian violation of the truce in the past 24 hours.^[658]

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 no ceasefire violations were registered.^[659] Pro-Russian sources reported that in the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian forces in the area of Uzhivka (Leninske) and Sakhanka were fired at with 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars from Ukrainian positions at Lebedinske.^[660]

22 March

The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the morning that the ceasefire of 5 March was fully observed on 21 March.^[661] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence confirmed the said information at noon.^[662] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars.^[663] During his daily briefing, Donetsk People's Republic deputy minister of defence, Eduard Basurin, reported that Ukrainian forces attacked Zhabicheve, near Donetsk airport, with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, Uzhivka (Leninske) and Sakhanka were shelled with 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars.^[664] Though the ceasefire was holding for more than a week within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, local officials claimed that Ukrainian troops at Novotoshkivke opened fire with small arms, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars behind their own lines in an attempt to stage a bogus attack to blame pro-Russian forces.^[665]

The press-centre of the JFO headquarters reported in the evening that as of 18:00 no ceasefire violations were registered.^[666] At noon, pro-Russian officials told the press that Ukrainian forces had broken the ceasefire on two occasions, both of them in Sakhanka, in the region of Mariupol. The first at 09h00, when Ukrainian forces opened fire with 120 mm mortars from Shyrokyne. Two residential buildings were damaged.^[667] Later in the day, BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Shyrokyne engaged pro-Russian redoubts in the same area.^[668]

23 March

The JFO HQ reported in the morning no ceasefire violations in the Donbass region for the second consecutive day.^[669] The information was confirmed by the spokesman of the Ministry of Defence at noon.^[670] On 24 March it was reported that Ukrainian positions in Donbass were attacked once on 22 March, when Ukrainian troops were harassed with small arms fire at an undisclosed location at Donetsk Oblast.^[671] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported four Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in two locations using 120 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles. In the area of Horlivka, 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Zaitseve, while in the region of Mariupol pro-Russian redoubts at Sakhanka were attacked by BMP-1 armoured vehicles supported by 120 mm mortars.^[672] Eduard Basurin told the press that Ukrainian forces shelled Sakhanka with the assistance of a drone to direct fire. Basurin claimed that the unmanned aircraft was eventually shot down by pro-Russian troops. There were 12 Ukrainian violations of the truce over the past week. The Ukrainian side fired 76 rounds from 82 mm and 120 mm mortars on the same period.^[673]

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops once, when rebel forces around Donetsk city shelled Avdiivka with 120 mm mortars.^[674] By the end of the day 2 more attacks were registered. Rebel troops fired heavy machine guns and rocket launchers at Ukrainian redoubts around Marinka, while 82 mm mortar rounds hit nearby Kamianka.^[675]

24 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 3 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day, exclusively in Donetsk region.^[675] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 23 March.^[671] No Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire were recorded by pro-Russian authorities from Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic over the past 24 hours.^[676]

The press-centre of the operational headquarters reported in the evening that as of 18:00 pro-Russian forces had attacked positions of Ukrainian troops on 5 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[677] By the end of the day the Ukrainian side registered 8 more ceasefire violations. Around Donetsk city, Kamianka and Butivka mining complex became the target of small arms, heavy machine guns and rocket launchers. In the region of Mariupol, the same kind of weapons were fired at Ukrainian forces near Lebedinske, Staromyhailivka, Novotroitske and Pavlopil. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian troops at Troitske was hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Small arms fire was reported at Shchastya.^[678] One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another wounded due to improper handling of ammunition.^[678]

25 March

The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 13 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[679] (including on 11 occasions in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region^[678]). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence reported at noon no combat related casualties in the Donbass region on 24 March.^[678] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city recorded three Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in three locations using small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and tanks. In the area of Donetsk city Ukrainian tanks opened fire twice at pro-Russian positions at Donetsk airport, supported by infantry weapons, rocket launchers and 82 mm mortars. In the region of Mariupol, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds landed in Sakhanka and Pikuzy.^[680][681] In a separate incident, a Ukrainian patrol of 15 infantrymen trying to slip through the demarcation line was forced to get back to their lines after stepping on a minefield near Pisky. The Ukrainians covered their withdrawal with mortar and tank fire.^[682]

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 18:00 rebel forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 19 occasions, one Ukrainian serviceman was killed. Pro-Russian tanks engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Pisky, in the outskirts of Donetsk city, while 120 mm mortar volleys landed in nearny Opytne. Avdiivka, Butivka mining complex, Verkhnyotoretske, Kamianka, Marinka and Krasnohorivka were struck by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Pisky was shelled with 120 mm mortars at night, and sniper fire was reported at Marinka, Kamianka, Krasnohorivka and Butivka mining complex. Butivka mining complex was also fired at by armoured fighting vehicles. In the region of Mariupol, Lebedinske and Shyrokyne became the target of 120 mm mortars, while Talakivka came under 82 mm mortar fire. Rebel troops also fired at Talakivka, Shyrokyne, Bohdanivka, Hnutova, Novotroitske, Pavlopil and Vodiane. Ukrainian forces at Hnutove were engaged by armoured fighting vehicles and snipers harassed Ukrainian troops at Shyrokyne. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Novhorodske was hit by small arms fire, heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Heavy machine guns were also fired at Troitske.^[683][684] By the end of the day the total number of registered ceasefire violations had risen to 44, one Ukrainian soldier was injured.^[685] Pro-Russian sources told the press that the outskirts of Horlivka received ZU-23-2 antiaircraft fire. One civilian female resident was killed.^[686] Later in the day, in the region of Mariupol, Ukrainian forces from Talakivka attacked Pikuzy with small arms, rocket launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles and 120 mm mortars.^[687] The same kind of weapons were used to pound pro-Russian positions at Shyroka Balka, near Horlivka, which later became the target of BMP-2 armoured vehicles from Novhorodske.^[688] Donetsk city media also reported heavy fire around Yasinuvata.^[689]

26 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 44 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day (including on 42 occasions in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region^[684][690]).^[685] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence confirmed at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another injured in the Donbass region on 25 March.^[684][690] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported eight Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in six locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles.^[691][692] According to local authorities, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on one occasion within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic when BMP-1 vehicles from Luhanske shelled pro-Russian positions at Nyzhne Lozove.^[693]

The press-centre of the operational headquarters reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 20 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[694] By the end of the day the total number of registered ceasefire violations had amounted to 47. In the outskirts of Donetsk city, the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka was hit by small arms fire, antitank rockets and 82 mm mortar rounds. Rebel forces fired rocket launchers at Kamianka and Butivka mining complex and heavy machine guns at Verkhnyotoretske and Pisky. Ukrainian troops at Marinka were harassed with small arms fire. In the region of Mariupol, the separatists attacked Marinka with infantry weapons and rocket launchers. Pavlopil was raked by heavy machine gun fire, while small arms fire was reported at Talakivka, Hnutove and Shyrokyne. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles, supported by heavy machine gun fire, engaged Ukrainian redoubts at Novhorodske. Luhanske and Troitske were targeted by heavy machine guns and rocket launchers, while Ukrainian forces at Stanytsia Luhanska came under small arms fire.^[695]

A renewal of the ceasefire to come into effect on Good Friday (30 March) was agreed in Minsk by all involved parts.^[696]

27 March

The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 47 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[695] (including on 40 occasions in Donetsk region and on 7 occasions in Luhansk region^[678]); the fire was returned on 10 occasions.^[678] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 26 March.^[678] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city told the press that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire once, when Zaitseve came under 120 mm mortar fire. One pro-Russian soldier was killed in action, and the settlement was left without electrical power.^[697]

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 13 occasions, no casualties were reported.^[698] In the surroundings of Donetsk city, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles opened fire on Ukrainian positions at Pisky. Rebel forces fired rocket launchers at Opytne and Marinka, while Avdiivka became the target of infantry weapons. Small arms fire was reported at Butivka mining complex and Kamianka. In the region of Mariupol, Novotroitske, Starohnativka, Hnutove and Lebedinske were hit by antitank rockets. Ukrainian forces at Talakivka, Pavlopil and Vodiane were harassed with small arms and heavy machine gun fire. Small arms fire was reported at Shyrokyne. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, 82 mm mortar volleys landed in Novoluhanske, while Luhanske was hit by heavy machine gun fire and antitank rockets. Rebel forces fired small arms and heavy machine guns at Zaitseve. By the end of the day the total number of registered attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops had risen to 32.^[699] A substantial number of ceasefire violations were denounced by pro-Russian authorities during the evening. The Ukrainian military attacked Sakhanka,^[700] Sosnovske,^[701] Dokuchaievsk,^[702] Zhabicheve, Spartak,^[703] Petrovsky district,^[704] Krasnyi Oktyabr,^[705] Yasinuvata^[706] and Zaitseve^[707] using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles.

28 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian troops had opened fire on 32 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[699] (including on 27 occasions in Donetsk and on 5 occasions in Luhansk region^[708]); the fire was returned on 13 occasions.^[708] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence reported at noon no casualties in the Donbass region on 27 March.^[708] Pro-Russian sources at Donetsk city reported 12 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in ten locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery.^[709][710] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on one occasion within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic when BMP-1 armoured vehicles from Luhanske opened fire on Pro-Russian positions at Lohvynove supported by automatic grende launchers and 82 mm mortars.^[711]

The press-centre of the operational headquarters reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 24 occasions, exclusively in Donetsk region; no casualties were reported.^[712] By the end of the day the total number of registered ceasefire violations had risen to 54.^[713] In the area of Donetsk city, Pisky came under 82 mm mortar fire, and rocket propelled grenades landed in Avdiivka, Kamianka, Opytne and Pisky. Ukrainian troops at Marinka were harassed with heavy machine gun fire and with small arms fire at Butivka coal mine, while small arms fire was reported at Novomykhailivka.. In the region of Mariupol, pro-Russian forces shelled Shyrokyne with rocket launchers and 122 mm self-propelled artillery. Intense fire was also reported at Pavlopil and Hnutove, where Ukrainian positions were attacked with heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars and armoured fighting vehicles. Antitank rockets landed in Novotroitske and Talakivka. In the northern section of the demarcation line, Katerinivka came under heavy machine gun and 82 mm mortar fire, while heavy machine guns and rocket launchers were fired at Shchastya. One officer of the State Emergency Service was wounded by explosion of an unidentified explosive device near Avdiivka.^[714] Pro-Russian authorities at Donetsk city told the media that Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on several occasions by evening. The Ukrainian military attacked pro-Russian positions at Dokuchaievsk, Spartak, Sakhanka, Sosnovske, Dolomitne, Zheleznaya Balka, Shyroka Balka, Ozeryanivka and Volvo Center using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 120 mm mortars and BMP-2 armoured vehicles.^{[715][716][717][718][719][720][721][722][723][724]}

29 March

The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 54 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[713] (including on 52 occasions in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region^[714]); the fire was returned on 28 occasions.^[714] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence reported at noon no combat related casualties in the Donbass region on 28 March.^[714] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 13 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine different locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and tanks.^[725][726] Authorities from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic reported five Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire. The Ukrainian military engaged pro-Russian positions at Krasnyi Yar, Slavyanoserbsk, Lozove and Pervomaisk with small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles.^[727]

According to the information provided by the JFO press-centre in the evening, as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had opened fire on positions of Ukrainian troops on 32 occasions, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded and another injured.^[728] By the end of the day the total number of registered attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops had risen to 57 and another Ukrainian soldier was wounded.^[729] Around Donetsk city, Avdiivka, Opytne and Pisky were hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets. Heavy machine gun and small arms fire was reported at Verkhnyotoretske, Kamianka and Marinka. Ukrainian troops at Butivka mining complex also received small arms fire. In the region of Mariupol, armoured fighting vehicles engaged pro-Russian redoubts at Pavlopil, Pishchevik, Hnutove and Talakivka. Rebel forces fired small arms and 82 mm mortars at Shyrokyne. The separatists also fired heavy machine guns at Talakivka and small arms at Pavlopil. Vodiane, Hnutove, Novotroitske, Pishchevik and Lebedinske. In the northern sector of the demarcation line, Ukrainian troops at Artemove were harassed with small arms fire, while Luhanske became the target of heavy machine guns.

30 March

According to the information provided by the spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters in the morning, pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 57 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[729] (including on 55 occasions in Donetsk region (53 of these were targeted) and twice in Luhansk region^[730]); the fire was returned on 38 occasions.^[730] By 11:00 am of 30 March 11 ceasefire violations were registered.^[730] The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence confirmed at noon that two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and one soldier was injured in the Donbass region on 29 March.^[730] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported six Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in four locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles and 122 mm self-propelled artillery.^[731][732] In the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, local authorities recorded two Ukrainian violations of the truce. Ukrainian forces from Svitlodarsk and Luhanske and attacked pro-Russian positions at Lozove and Lohvynove with infantry weapons, antitank rocket launchers and 73 mm antitank recoilless rifles.^[733]

The press-centre of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the evening that as of 6:00 pm pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 16 occasions; as a result one Ukrainian serviceman was killed, three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.^[734] By the end of the day the total number of registered ceasefire violations had risen to 32 and one more Ukrainian soldier was wounded.^[713] Pro-Russian authorities told the press that Ukrainian forces opened fire on Pro-Russian positions at Uzhivka (Leninske), Yasinuvata, Staromyhailivka, Zheleznaya Balka and Sakhanka using small arms, snipers, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars and BMP-1 armoured vehicles.^{[735][736][737][738][739][740]}

31 March

The spokesman of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the morning that pro-Russian forces had opened fire on 32 occasions on Ukrainian positions the previous day^[713] (including on 29 occasions in Donetsk region and on 3 occasions in Luhansk region^[741]). The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on issues related to ATO reported at noon that one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in action in the Donbass region on 30 March; one Ukrainian soldier was killed and three were wounded by explosion of unidentified explosive device.^[741] Pro-Russian officials at Donetsk city reported 19 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire in nine locations using small arms, heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, armoured personnel carriers and armoured fighting vehicles.^[742] According to local sources, Ukrainian forces broke the ceasefire on four occasions within the boundaries of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic. The Ukrainian military employed small arms, heavy machine guns, under-barrell launched grenades, and BMP-1 armoured vehicles to pound pro-Russian redoubts at Zhovte, Lohvynove, Krasnyi Yar and Kalynove.^[743]

The press-centre of the Ukrainian operational headquarters reported in the evening that as of 9:00 pm pro-Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian troops on 7 occasions.^[744] Around Donetsk city, rebel forces fired small arms and rocket launchers at Ukrainian positions at Avdiivka and Marinka. In the region of Mariupol, Pavlopil came under small arms and heavy machine gun fire three times. Ukrainian forces at Vodiane were hit by small arms fire and antitank rockets. In the northern section of the demarcation line, pro-Russian armoured fighting vehicles engaged Ukrainian positions at Katerinivka. By the end of the day the number of registered attacks had risen to 11 and two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.^[745] Pro-Russian authorities told the press that Ukrainian forces from Krasnohorivka shelled Staromykhailivka using automatic grenade launchers.^[746]