The militants have attacked the positions of the Joint Forces units near the settlements of Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske and Khutir Vilnyi in the morning of February 18, - the JF press center reports.
Illegal armed formations are firing at defenders from weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements. The enemy uses 120 mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns.
"Russian occupiers began active offensive operations under fire cover and made an attempt to advance through the demarcation line. As of now, the battle is ongoing. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian defenders suffered losses as a result of the enemy shelling", - the statement said.
The Joint Forces units that are defending give an adequate response to the militants, a fire defeat is being inflicted in order to suppress their armed activity. Losses of the opponent are being specified.