On The Hunt: Ukrainian Mortar Unit Targets Russian Forces Near Bakhmut

At 4 a.m., a Ukrainian mortar unit embarks on a search and destroy mission against Russian forces near Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.





 

A member of the team enjoys a cigarette under camouflage netting as the sun breaks above the horizon.
 

A weapon rests against a tree as the unit goes to work. Most of the men worked in the construction industry before being drafted.



 

The unit works quickly to set up its mortar after air reconnaissance has identified a Russian position...



 

...before firing a 120-millimeter shell.

Another shell is readied for use.

Though photographer Serhiy Nuzhnenko is there to capture the soldiers plight, he often becomes the center of attention as servicemen are hungry for news of what's happening away from the front and pepper him with questions.
 

One of the most common questions is: "What's going on in Kyiv?" The soldiers also talk about their families and civilian lives.

Over a cigarette and coffee, soldiers express their concern that civilians are beginning to forget that there is a war going on.

A table of food awaits the soldiers.

 

Sugar is poured into a glass jar to protect it from mice who often raid the soldiers' rations. 

 

During a lull, a Ukrainian soldier uses a Starlink satellite to make a video call with loved ones.

However, once a Russian position is discovered, the unit must quickly go back into action before they are themselves targeted.

A flashlight with a red gel that conceals the soldiers' position is used in the darkness as they prepare to fire.

Once launched, the shell illuminates the night sky.