Russia tries to expand conflict zone in Donbas – ex-intelligence chief

"The militants are stepping up eight major strategic directions. This is the current reality. On the one hand, we observe the expansion of the conflict zone, especially outside Donetsk. On the other hand, [this is done] to aggravate the situation and make the Western countries conduct active negotiations under the Russian scenario," Malomuzh stressed. According to him, Russia and the militants now build up forces and prepare the withdrawn weapons for combat readiness. "Twenty tanks and missile launchers were deployed in Donetsk last week. The withdrawn and stored weapons were put on alert," Malomuzh said.