Kiev forces based in the Opytnoe village have opened fire on the territory of the embattled Donetsk airport more than 140 times over the past 24 hours, DPR military spokesperson Eduard Basurin stated. Ministry of Defence of DPR registered shellings from 120 mm artillery system, 120 mm and 82 mm mortars by the Kiev forces. Inherently, Kiev forces have increased activity following an interview of Self-proclaimed President Petro Poroshenko in which he said that the war would end when Kiev regained Donbass and Crimea. This speech has become a signal to the pro-Kiev military to increase provocations and violating of the ceasefire.
Ukrainian authorities have taken unprecedented precautions for the anniversary of the events of May 2. Up to 2,800 police, in addition to 500 personnel from other security organizations and volunteer units are being mobilized in the city. Armored cars and infantry fighting vehicles are set to reinforce them. Governor Ihor Palytsa told press that "we will respond firmly, and sort out whether the detention was lawful or not later. Those who might look even a little similar to the faces on wanted lists will face checked, so its best to carry [your] passports." Ministry of Internal Affairs Chief Ivan Katerynchuk added that anyone wearing St. George Ribbons will be detained.
On May 2 last year, the Ukrainian radicals set fire to the Trade Union House in Odessa, killing 48 and injuring over 200 activists, who refused to recognize the coup imposed government in Kiev, clashed with pro-Ukrainian football fan and radicals, including Right Sector nationalists. Some of the victims burned to death, while others suffocated from smoke or jumped out of the building's windows. Many of those who did jump out were strangled or beaten with bats by the attackers. Officials have already arrested 12 persons listed as "terrorists" ahead of the anniversary, including 54-year-old Lyubov Davidchenko, mother of Antimaidan activists Anton and Artem Davidchenko, who have fled to Russia, along with opposition journalist Artem Buzila.
Meanwhile, Moscow has called on the international community to put pressure on Ukrainian authorities over investigation of last year's Odessa massacre. "With a deep concern we have to state that one year, the Ukrainian justice system did not take any tangible steps toward an objective, independent and impartial investigation of this horrific crime in order to bring the perpetrators to justice," the statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Moscow urged the international community, including human rights NGOs, to "decisively and honestly" demand Kiev stage a fair investigation into the Odessa massacre and correct the "glaring flaws" in Ukrainian judicial system.
Comment: In case anyone has forgotten what happened in Odessa one year ago:
April 30, 2015
- DPR intelligence suggests Kiev planning Memorial Day offensive
- Defense Minister of Ukraine complains that OSCE isn't reporting on NAF violations of ceasefire
- Forest fire in Chernobyl zone
- Romania supported CIA torture for money
- Kiev massively shelling Donetsk with tanks and heavy artillery, OSCE ignoring them
- Pushilin warns against about Merorial Day provocations
- Putin reveals link between North Caucasus and U.S. intelligence
- Massive earthquake in Nepal kills thousands
- Kiev plan Satanic ritual
April 23, 2014
April 21, 2014
April 20, 2015
Comment: Don't miss South Front's latest Foreign Policy Diary, either: