Ukraine: Separatist militants’ attacks reported in Donbass November 3-4

Event

According to the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation press center, separatist militants have carried out at least twenty attacks in the Donbass region in a 24-hour period between Sunday, November 3, and Monday, November 4. Some sources indicate that at least one person was reported injured as a result of the attacks.

Further clashes between Ukrainian military forces and separatist militants are possible throughout the region over the coming days.

Context

The hybrid conflict in Donbass between government forces and Russian-backed separatist militias remains ongoing as of November 2019, and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are likely to remain effective Russian protectorates for the foreseeable future. Clashes between Ukrainian state forces and separatists have been taking place on a regular basis despite several 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.

Advice

Individuals in the Donbass region are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to the far east of Ukraine, including the cities of Donetsk, Horlivka, Makiyivka, Mariupol, and Luhansk.