Ukrainian Artillery Fights To Hold Back Russian Advance On Pokrovsk
As Russian forces push deeper into eastern Ukraine in their bid to seize the entire Donetsk region, RFE/RL photographer Serhiy Nuzhnenko captures the intense efforts of an artillery unit defending the strategic city of Pokrovsk.
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Dmytro, a member of the 15th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, discards a spent shell casing after firing onto Russian positions near Pokrovsk on September 5. The city is a key logistical hub for the Ukrainian military,
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on September 8 that its forces had captured the town of Novohrodivka, some 12 kilometers from Pokrovsk.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on September 8 that its forces had captured the town of Novohrodivka, some 12 kilometers from Pokrovsk.
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A Ukrainian soldier prepares 105-millimeter shells.
If Pokrovsk, which once had a population of some 60,000, falls, Ukraine may have to retreat to Chasiv Yar, moving the front line closer to Kramatorsk.
If Pokrovsk, which once had a population of some 60,000, falls, Ukraine may have to retreat to Chasiv Yar, moving the front line closer to Kramatorsk.
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This artillery unit, tasked with repelling Russian advances, fires hundreds of rounds each day.
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Yuriy, a 40-year-old who volunteered to fight the day after Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, emerges from his bunker to offer hot coffee during a brief lull in the fighting.
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While waiting to brew coffee, Oleksandr quickly puts on his helmet, turns off the water, and runs to the howitzer after the command "To battle!" is given.
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Oleksandr is responsible for transporting shells weighing between 15 and 20 kilograms. He plays a crucial role in maintaining the artillery unit's effectiveness.
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Dmytro, a 31-year-old volunteer who initially served in the infantry before becoming an artillery commander, reflects on his journey.
"I started as an infantryman, then became an artilleryman, and now I am a commander. That's how it goes."
"I started as an infantryman, then became an artilleryman, and now I am a commander. That's how it goes."
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Sasha, 22, a member of the unit who previously worked as a welder, enjoys a cigarette.
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Dmytro lights a cigarette quickly before returning to load another shell into the breech.
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Dmytro loads the shell into the chamber and closes the breech, preparing it for the next salvo.
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"This is a very difficult direction with constant 'meat assaults' by the (Russian) infantry," says Dmytro. "We work constantly to fight back."
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The artillery piece is aimed using the sighting system and information provided by reconnaissance.
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"To counter the large and small number (of Russian infantry pressing forward), we fire both during the day and at night," Yuriy said.
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Fires burn in the distance as fierce fighting near Pokrovsk continues.
