23 February: The press centre of the Ukrainian Joint Forces recorded 14 pro-Russian violations of the ceasefire.[22] Pro-Russian forces intensified their operations on this date.[23] In the eastern area of operations, an airstrike was carried out by a hostile drone on Ukrainian positions around Talakivka fitted with a VOG-17 grenade launcher.[24] In the northern front, heavy shelling was reported at Novoleksandrivka, which became the target of 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery. BMP-2 armoured vehicles launched an attack on Luhanske, supported by grenade launchers, 82 mm mortars and 120 mm mortars. Krymske was hit by heavy machine gun fire, antitank rockets and 120 mm mortar volleys; 120 mm mortars were likewise fired at Orikhove. Novozvanivka, Zolote-4, Vilnyi and Popasna came under 82 mm mortar fire.[23] |