DPR head accuses Ukrainian nationalists of preparing provocations against Donbas settlements

DONETSK. Feb 26 (Interfax) - Ukrainian nationalists are planning a series of provocations involving attacks on settlements in Donbas from heavy weapons, Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) head Denis Pushilin said.

"According to the DPR's intelligence, Ukrainian armed formations are planning to conduct massive attacks from Grad systems and other heavy weapons soon on residential areas of Kramatorsk, Slaviansk, Artemivsk and other settlements of Donbas which are presently still controlled by Ukraine," Pushilin said in his televised address on Saturday.

The goal of these provocations "is accusing units of the republics and Russia of attacking, destroying houses and infrastructure and possible civilian casualties," he said.