Ukraine: Separatists fire missile at border patrol near Mariupol July 20 /update 3

Event

On Friday, July 20, pro-Russian separatist forces in Russian-occupied Donbass fired an anti-tank guided missile at a Ukrainian border patrol near Mariupol (Donetsk oblast). No casualties or damages to military equipment were immediately reported. Security forces have taken measures to restore order and ensure safety in the area.

Context

Clashes between Ukrainian state forces and the separatists have been taking place on a regular basis despite a number of ceasefire agreements made since 2014. According to the UN, more than 10,300 people have died since the eastern Ukraine conflict erupted in April 2014, soon after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The fighting has displaced more than 1.6 million people. The rebels remain in control of a large swath of territory in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, which are mainly Russian-speaking regions.

Advice

Individuals in the Mariupol area are advised to monitor the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, in particular, the cities of Mariupol, Donetsk, Makiyivka, Horlivka, Debaltseve, and Luhansk, as well as areas along the Russian border. The Ukrainian government has stated that foreigners entering Ukraine from Russia through rebel-controlled territory will not be allowed through any checkpoints into government-controlled territory.