Ukrainian Artillery Fights To Hold Back Russian Advance On Pokrovsk

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.


 

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.


 

This artillery unit, tasked with repelling Russian advances, fires hundreds of rounds each day.

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.

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.
 

Oleksandr is responsible for transporting shells weighing between 15 and 20 kilograms. He plays a crucial role in maintaining the artillery unit's effectiveness.

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."

 

Sasha, 22, a member of the unit who previously worked as a welder, enjoys a cigarette.

Dmytro lights a cigarette quickly before returning to load another shell into the breech.

Dmytro loads the shell into the chamber and closes the breech, preparing it for the next salvo.

"This is a very difficult direction with constant 'meat assaults' by the (Russian) infantry," says Dmytro. "We work constantly to fight back."

 

The artillery piece is aimed using the sighting system and information provided by reconnaissance.

"To counter the large and small number (of Russian infantry pressing forward), we fire both during the day and at night," Yuriy said.
 

Fires burn in the distance as fierce fighting near Pokrovsk continues.