Two Ukrainian marines were killed and seven wounded on March 20 in a fierce attack by Russian-backed forces near the frontline village of Vodyane, some 10 kilometers east of Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast.
According to an official statement published by Ukraine’s military press center, the army’s positions were attacked by an enemy sabotage unit.
“At 9:30, two groups of 40 fighters approached our positions near the town of Vodyane,” the Ukrainian military’s statement reads.
“On meeting serious resistance during their attack, the enemy’s saboteur groups retreated. Meanwhile, a unit of the Ukrainian armed forces advanced. The unit returned to its positions after taking fire from enemy heavy weapons – BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, and 152- millimeter and 122-millimeter artillery shells.”
Up to 65 Grad rockets were fired at Ukrainian positions during the clashes, along with 40 152-millimeter and 122-millimeter artillery shells, and 55 120-millimeter mortar rounds, the Ukrainian military said.
According to the People’s Project civilian volunteer group, a Ukrainian marine unit repelled the enemy attack near Vodyane. The group also said that apart from heavy artillery, the Russian-backed forces had used tanks in the attack.
Other witnesses in Mariupol said the sounds of fierce fighting could be heard in the city.
