KIEV, July 9 (RIA Novosti) – Ukraine’s National Guard said it does not use Grad rocket launcher systems, according to a statement issued on the army’s website Wednesday.
“The National Guard units do not have Grad systems in their arsenal,” the statement reads.
Independence forces have repeatedly stated that Ukrainian troops are using Grad rocket launchers. In early July, the press service of the self-proclaimed People’s Republic of Luhansk reported that the Ukrainian Army installed three Grad systems on the outskirts of Luhansk.
On July 1, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced a ceasefire in the east of the country. Despite the ceasefire Ukrainian Special Forces continued shelling the cities of Slaviansk and Kramatorsk, as well as the villages of Semenovka, Nikolaevka and other settlements. The Ukrainian Army has reportedly used multiple artillery rocket systems, mortars and tank guns. Numerous casualties have been reported.
Kiev’s authorities launched a military operation in eastern Ukraine mid-April in a crackdown on independence supporters who protested against the February regime change. After the airstrikes and shelling started, the citizens of Donetsk and Luhansk regions held referendums, where the majority of population voted for independence from Kiev. Moscow has labeled the operation punitive and called on Ukraine’s leadership to stop the bloodshed.
