Oleksandr Turchynov: Over the last day, the maximum intensity of firing of the Ukrainian positions for the last year was recorded

Over the last day, the maximum intensity of firing of the Ukrainian positions for the last year was recorded (since February 2016). This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov. According to him, as a result of the enemy attacks and attempts to break our defense, over the last day only, our positions were fired with more than 2 thousand shells and mines, 3 soldiers were killed, 16 - received injuries.

Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine stressed that the Russian-terrorist groupings are openly using heavy 152-mm artillery, 120-mm mortars, tanks, and "are actively using multiple launch rocket systems".

"The war criminals, who are directly supported and guided by the Kremlin, conducted aimed fire on civilian targets, including the center of Avdiivka (the tent camp, where the residents of the city constantly get food and heat, the school, where a collection point for humanitarian aid operates, etc.)", - he said adding that as a result of shelling, communications and infrastructure of the city were once again damaged.

Mr. Turchynov reported that the militants' artillery strike at humanitarian facilities in Avdiivka caused damages to people: the SES driver was killed, the head of the Avdiivka state fire and rescue team was injured. Moreover, a photographer from the UK got injured. 76 residential buildings were damaged in Avdiivka (of which 69 were private and 7 - apartment houses). In addition, Russian hybrid troops fired civilian targets in Maryinka, Krasnohorivka, Halytsynivka, Sartana and other towns. For example, in Maryinka district, 11 houses and the school № 1 of Maryinka were damaged.

"Ukrainian intelligence has recorded an increase in the number of military equipment (tanks, self-propelled guns, multiple launch rocket systems), ammunition, weapons, and Russian soldiers who get to the occupied territories of Donbas through uncontrolled border areas", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine noticed adding that this shows the intents of the military and political leadership of the Russian Federation to further escalate hostilities in the east of Ukraine.

Oleksandr Turchynov also noted that: "This escalation "coincided" with Putin's mendacious and aggressive statements regarding the events in Donbas, which is another proof of who is directly responsible for the bloody crimes and tries to proceed to full-scale hostilities, thwarting the Minsk agreements".

"Ukraine is ready to furnish the international observers and the international community with the necessary proofs of aggressive actions and war crimes of Russian hybrid troops against the Ukrainians", - Mr. Turchynov stated emphasizing that all criminals should be punished". "The Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations defend their country with dignity, courage, and professionalism, stopping daring attempts of Russian hybrid troops to attack. They will adequately and resolutely repulse any aggressive actions of the enemy", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine concluded.