Russian tsars conquered the south and east of present-day Ukraine using the term “Novorossia,” in the 18th and 19th centuries, but at least for now, the Kremlin’s imperial dream of repeating history seemed to be turning to dust thanks to a rash of infighting among field commanders in the war-troubled eastern regions of Ukraine. By the end of the first week of this year, 14 commanders and their fighters in the Luhansk region had been murdered, including a notoriously corrupt field commander, Alexander Bednov—known as Batman. The leaders of thousands of Cossack forces, which control an area containing more than 1 million people in the Luhansk region, blamed Moscow-appointed Novorossia politicians for abusing their power, ordering the murders of their militia allies, and stealing Russian money and humanitarian aid sent to the region.
KYIV, January 12 /Ukrinform/. Russian-backed militants continue to violate the ceasefire regime by firing at the positions of Ukrainian military. Terrorists have carried out 63 attacks over the past 24 hours, including 22 since 18.00 on Sunday, the press center for the anti-terrorist operation has reported on Facebook.
"Near Donetsk, terrorists fired with mortars at the meteorological tower of the Donetsk airport and Avdiyivka. Also, militants shelled Tonenke, Pisky and Opytne with mortars, artillery and Grad multiple rocket launchers, and antitank guided missiles were launched against Hranitne," reads the report.
"In other areas illegal armed groups fired with mortars at the settlements of Vuhlehirsk, Leninske and Hnutove, with artillery systems at the outskirts of Nikishyne, and with Grads at the settlements of Odradivka and Hnutove," the anti-terrorist operation headquarters said.
According to the press center, the Donetsk airport and settlements around it remain the tensest zone. Last night the military protecting the new airport's terminal were engaged in a battle with terrorists.
"Our military confidently control the situation and, if necessary, launch strikes in response, suppressing the most active firing points of terrorists. The enemy sustains losses," the press center added.
The headquarters also reported that not a single shot had been fired in the anti-terrorist operation zone in Donbas since 01.00 until the morning.
Here is today's map of the military situation in eastern Ukraine, according to the National Security and Defense Council:
Should any translation be required, Ukraine's PM is saying, "Don't worry, dear, we'll always be with you."