Ukrainian troops try, fail to advance toward Mariupol - DPR
DONETSK. Dec 28 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to advance on the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) positions in the Mariupol sector before retreating with some losses, Eduard Basurin of the DPR Defense Ministry told reporters on Friday.
"Ahead of the Christmas truce, the Ukrainian side staged another provocation. [...] Today, troops of the 128th Mountain Attack Brigade carried out a sally aimed at advancing in the Mariupol sector and seize our positions. Two groups of the enemy numbering 12-14 each tried to stealthily approach our positions, but encountered their own minefield. According to tentative information, two were killed and another three injured in anti-personnel mine blasts," Basurin said.
More precise information about the number of casualties will be known at dawn, he said.