The only reason for massive losses among Ukrainian troops was an unexpected attack by Russian armed forces, Serhiy Sobolev of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine told a Kyiv press conference timed to the fourth anniversary the tragedy, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
The official noted that as of Aug. 20, 2014, were preparing to surround pro-Russian militants and mercenaries in order to terminate them in the area.
