The deteriorating military situation in the Donbas

In July 2016 the military situation in the conflict zone in the Donbas region further deteriorated. After months of relative calm both sides intensified exchanges of fire, including the use of heavy artillery, along the entire demarcation line.

It may be assumed that Russia intends to use the present escalation of exchanges of fire to put more pressure on Kyiv. Moscow’s strategic objective is not only to extend its exclusive influence to Ukraine but also to realise the Kremlin’s vision of the international order.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Ukraine Flare-Up Lays Bare Fears in Europe’s East http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-flare-up-lays-bare-fears-in-europes-east/

ESO: Background information: The Voices of the Displaced in Ukraine and Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-voices-of-the-displaced-in-ukraine-and-russia/

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