Four Ukrainian military servicepersons were killed and two more injured in action in the war zone of Donbas as Russian-backed militants once again attacked the Ukrainian lines in the afternoon despite an ongoing general cease-fire.
According to reports, the incident occurred at 1:45 p.m. near the front line town of Shymy close to the Russian-occupied city of Horlivka in Donetsk Oblast.
The Russian-separatist forces opened fire with 82-millimeter mortars, automatic grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns.
“Ukrainian defenders returned fire in response,” the military said later in the day.
“The injured soldiers were swiftly administered first medical aid and evacuated for hospitalization.”
The military also notified the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe monitors in the war zone regarding the incident. Later in the day, the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas talks in Minsk said it would hold an emergency meeting regarding the incident.
“Following the turnover of the 503rd Marine Battalion, the Russian forces have been active in the area,” Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov, who specializes in defense and war coverage, commented on the incident. “The situation can’t help but give causes for concern, since this is one of the spots where the enemy constantly opens fire with howitzers, mortars, and firearms. It is in Shymy that the Russian command demanded an “inspection” of Ukrainian defenses in November 2020.”
“Chances are high that a Russian assault might follow in Shymy to seize Ukraine’s front defenses,” Butusov added.
The latest casualties increase the Ukrainian confirmed combat-related death toll to at least 22 amid the armistice continuing since July 27. The latest deadly incident was also the biggest single-time loss for Ukraine amid the ceasefire.
Nine soldiers have been killed in action in March alone.
