Kiev Forces Build Fortifications on Frontline in Lugansk – Militia

LPR militia reported that Ukraine's forces are building fortifications in the region after the recent announcement of ceasefire.

LUGANSK (Sputnik) – Ukraine’s armed forces are building fortifications on the frontline near the village of Novotoshkivske in Eastern Ukrainian Lugansk region, a people’s militia representative told reporters.

“Construction machinery has recently been seen close to the 29th checkpoint of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Novotoshkivske, they [Kiev forces] are strengthening their dugouts, building multistory underground structures and caponiers,” Mikhail Pisarev, deputy brigade commander of the Lugansk militia, told reporters Saturday.

According to Pisarev, since the announcement of ceasefire on Tuesday, the shelling of militia’s positions by Kiev forces began to occur less frequently, but provocations still happen periodically.

In 2014, Ukrainian authorities launched a military operation to suppress independence militia in Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Over 6,800 people have been killed in the conflict, according to the latest UN data.

Despite the Minsk deal stipulating a ceasefire, signed in February, both Kiev and the militias continue to accuse each other of violating the truce.