The DPR reported that the Ukrainian army fired four artillery shells at Yelenovka.

DONETSK, May 18 – RIA Novosti. Ukrainian troops bombarded the village of Yelenovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, firing four 122 mm artillery shells, informs Representation of the republic in the Joint Control and Coordination Center of the ceasefire regime.

Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. President Vladimir Putin described his goal as “protecting people who have been subjected to eight years of bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime.” According to him, for this it is planned “demilitarization and gentrification of Ukraine” in order to bring to justice all war criminals responsible for “bloody crimes against civilians” in Donbass.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces attack only the military infrastructure and Ukrainian troops, and as of March 25 they have completed the main tasks of the first stage – they have significantly reduced the combat potential of Ukraine. The main goal in the Russian military department was called the liberation of Donbass.