The situation in the zone of military operations in the Donbas region remains extremely difficult. As a result of the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops as part of the re-grouping, Russian-terrorist troops took control of virtually all of the South region, further shifting units in the district of Luhansk and pursuing an offensive north of the Luhansk region.

At the same time the enemy seeks to take control of territory in the Donetsk Oblast [region] of the settlements from Donetsk to Mariupol. There is a transfer of enemy units towards the settlement of Volnovaha.

Active clashes [intense fighting] reported in the areas of the settlements of Debaltseve, Stukalova Balka, Starobesheve, Amvrosiivka.

Last night the Ukrainian troops were fired at more than 20 times. From artillery and mortar fire near the village of Krasny Yar, Vesela Hora, Stanitsa Luhansk. From a BM-30 Smerch positions near the village of Pobeda were shelled.

From the territory of Russia the BM-21 Grad [multiple launch rocket system] shot at Ukrainian security forces roadblocks near the village of Makarovo.

Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine