Mariupol area became hottest spot in ATO, – Butusov

“Intensification of fighting near Mariupol (the Donetsk region) reported in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area.

Censor.NET Chief editor Yurii Butusov wrote on Facebook.

"Battles at Mariupol made the city the hottest spot of the forefront since Oct. 8", he wrote.

"In order to prevent rumors I must say: Ukrainian units continue to give an adequate rebuff to the Russian occupational troops in this area. The situation is under control, and our army is active. The enemy, which is the "9^th Motorized rifle regiment" of the 1st army corps of the Armed Forces of Russian Federation, suffers serious losses in the Donbas. This Russian regiment is responsible for the territory of Kominternove, Dzerzhynsk, Leninske, Sakhanka, Vodiane, Shyrokyne. Thus, the regiment provides seaside flank of the enemy's front. Russian commandment decided to consolidate in these locations, though our army won't give the enemy the opportunity to expand the 'gray zone'", Butusov wrote.

"The nature of the fighting is the harassing actions to improve the tactical positions. Ukrainian units try not to lose the initiative. The worsening of the situation occurred on Oct. 8, when our patrol confronted an enemy sabotage unit near the village of Leninske. Two militants were killed, one sniper was captured", the journalist added.

"As a result of this battle, 'the 1st corps' started attempts to knock our units from the suburbs of the Leninske and Kominternove. This has led to more active firefight," he wrote.

"Ukrainian commandment is not going to give up the positions in the 'gray zone'. There are forces to eliminate possible threats in this area", Butusov added.