Ukraine: Increased military presence in Luhansk November 21

Event

On Tuesday, November 21, armed men in unmarked military uniforms were reportedly deployed throughout Luhansk. The majority of the gunmen were stationed outside administrative buildings of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) and blocked access on major downtown streets. Radio and mobile communications are reportedly unavailable throughout the city. Media sources said that the head of the LNR, Igor Plotnitsky, attempted to order the men to leave the city, but his demand was ignored. Plotnitsky reportedly blamed supporters of former LNR interior minister Igor Kornet for the military occupation of the city center. 

Additionally, as of 20:00 (local time), there are reports that a column of around 200 military vehicles was seen entering the LNR from the neighboring self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR). The nature of the military activity in Luhansk is unknown. Details are still emerging.

Context

The ongoing situation Luhansk is reported to be part of a struggle between factions within the LNR government. On Monday, November 20, Plotnitsky reportedly fired interior minister Kornet. The following day, Kornet released a statement denying that he was fired and stating that the LNR was under law enforcement control. Additionally, Kornet stated that two senior LNR officials had been arrested for allegedly working with Ukrainian intelligence to carry out acts of sabotage in the LNR.

The LNR declared independence from Ukraine in April 2014, when fighting broke out between pro-Russian rebels and government forces. Fighting continues to in eastern Ukraine despite truce agreements. At least 10,000 people have been killed since the conflict began.

Advice

Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (Donbass region), as well as areas along the Russian border.