Kyiv has said that its use of heavy weapons supplied by the West is inflicting a significant toll on Russian forces near Bakhmut. RFE/RL cannot independently verify battlefield claims made by either side.
Ukrainian Forces Deploy NATO Weapons Against Russian Positions Near Bakhmut
The devastated landscape of the recently liberated village of Klishchiyivka, located on the southern flank of Bakhmut, is seen from above on September 24.
Ukrainian commanders have described the capture of Klishchiyivka and nearby Andriyivka as stepping stones to recapturing the devastated city of Bakhmut, which has taken on huge symbolic significance.
A destroyed tank is seen from the window of an armored vehicle near Klishchiyivka.
The use of heavy weapons supplied by the West is inflicting a significant toll on Russian lines, Ukrainian commanders say.
A modified U.S.-made M109 self-propelled howitzer that has been concealed in a forest is readied by a Ukrainian crew on September 22.
The M109 self-propelled howitzer fires at Russian positions.
Ukrainian troops have lauded the 155-mm howitzers as key equipment being provided by the United States and other NATO members.
A Ukrainian soldier drives his armored vehicle along the front line near Klishchiyivka on September 24.
Oleksandr, a unit commander, said that Ukraine's armed forces "very much rely" on heavy artillery, including the Polish-made Krab gun and the U.S.-made M109.
A Ukrainian soldier launches a drone to locate entrenched Russian positions.
"The main thing is to aim where needed. They (the Russians) hate our hardware. That's what we gather from our intercepts. We hear that we keep giving them hell and they keep wondering how much ammunition we have left," Oleksandr said.
Ukrainian soldiers aim an antiaircraft missile launcher near Klischiyivka on September 24.
Ukrainian officials say they are well-positioned to keep pressing forward in the east, where analysts suggest Kyiv intends to keep Russian troops engaged as it searches for breakthroughs elsewhere in the country.