ISW: Russia seems to be provocatively shelling Donetsk to spread anti-Ukrainian sentiment, step up mobilization

Russian troops are likely to shell temporarily occupied Donetsk, disguising them as actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to curb pro-Ukrainian sentiment in the region and increase mobilization in the so-called "people's republics" of Donetsk and Luhansk, writes the American Institute for the Study of War.

On June 15, locals in Donetsk and Makiyivka reported heavy shelling of infrastructure in these cities. "DPR" puppets blamed Ukrainian troops for the attacks.

However, according to analysts, these statements of the "DPR" were refuted by users of social networks and the Center for Combating Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council. They insisted the shelling was probably carried out by Russian troops to promote anti-Ukrainian sentiment and encourage mobilization in the temporarily occupied territories.

The ISW speculates that these possible provocative attacks may be a response of the Russians to the statements of Western officials on June 15 about increasing military aid to Ukraine.