Zakharchenko:  The entire territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic - along the Donetsk region borders - will be freed from invaders

The airport in Donetsk is under control of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Armed Forces, but the Ukrainian military are still blocked in the premises of the new building of the airport, Alexander Zakharchenko, the head of DPR, told reporters, late on January 15.  

He denied the reports suggesting that the Ukrainian invaders are provided with a humanitarian corridor. In fact, Zakharchenko said, they attempted to break through and escape. An infantry combat vehicle was destroyed during the incident and only a few officers managed to flee.  At present, about 10 Ukrainian soldiers remain actually walled-up in the premises of the new building. They cannot show resistance, but they do not surrender either.

Alexander Zakharchenko told reporters that the entire territory of the DPR that coincides with the borders of the former Donetsk region will be liberated from the Ukrainian occupants. “Most likely, by force,” Zakharchenko said.

Observers in the DPR link the sudden deterioration of resistance in the area of the airport and the tactical successes with the Thursday powerful artillery attacks of the DPR Armed Forces on the airport and in the area of Pesok community.   

According to DPR media outlets, Kyev has brought up to 18 Tochka-U ballistic missiles close to the territory of Donetsk and may use them shortly.

Donetsk municipality has disseminated reports today that heavy artillery was used in the town overnight. Earlier this morning, firing of heavy weapons was heard. Four civilians were killed and six suffered from shrapnel wounds. The city authorities report destruction of several apartment blocks. They warned residents of the Kyev district of possible water supply cuts as the Northern water pipe hub was damaged.