Ukrainian Intelligence suggests pro-Russian separatists are resigning at a high rate
According to intelligence reports, on the 19th of February, nine servicemen of the Gorlovka 3rd separate motorized rifle brigade submitted resignation requests, stating that they would "return to Russia". The Defense Intelligence asserted that with regard to mass resignations, the staffing of personnel in the brigade subdivisions must not exceed 50%. In addition, in the Novoazovsk 9th separate motorized rifle regiment reported that resignation requests were issued by almost all junior commanders of artillery units.
“Taking into account the constant losses of staff and the considerable difficulties in mobilization, soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces have to arrive daily to the occupied territories of Donbas to assist in the replenishment of formations and military units. On the 19th of February, another crew of more than 100 Russian servicemen arrived in Alchevsk,” the Defense Intelligence reported. They also reported on the intensification of mobilization activities in the region. In Lugansk, authorities implemented a mass distribution of call-up papers to men aged 18 to 45 years. "Fearing the forced mobilization, the vast majority of potential recruits are attempting to move to the territory of peaceful Ukraine", the Defense Intelligence explained.
According to the Ukrainian military intelligence, "nine servicemen of Russia’s Armed Forces were killed and eight were injured" in the area of Marinka. "The bodies of the decease citizens of the Russian Federation were secretly taken from Donetsk to Russia".
Conflict has been ongoing in eastern Ukraine since the spring of 2014. Russia has repeatedly stated that it is not part of the conflict in the Donbas region and that there are no regular Russian troops there.