Ukrainian Artillerists Battle For Control Of Key Luhansk Highway

The Ukrainian Army is using heavy artillery and drones to try and take control of the Svatove-Kreminna highway inside Ukraine's Luhansk region. Ukrainian artillerists spoke to RFE/RL just across the border in the Kharkiv region about their efforts to break through enemy lines.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-artil...
***
RFE/RL has one of the largest local reporter networks in Ukraine and the region.
Check (and bookmark) our regularly updated briefing on the latest situation and outstanding reporting: www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russi...
It includes reporting from frontline positions in Donbas to the vulnerable cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Kyiv.
We serve as the trusted source of news locally in 23 countries without a free press.
For our best reporting, visit rferl.org or follow us on:
Facebook / rferl
Twitter / rferl
Instagram / rfe.rl
#russia #ukraine

[@LumenMichaelOne]

Bravo Soldier!!!... Real-Manness!... 👏👏👏 ... ✊

[@maverick4177]

Artillery sweat saves infantry blood 👍🏻 Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@FandersonUfo]

his satisfied smile that they hit all targets is just great

[@cowboyx9380]

He knows that taking out his targets, is saving his brothers lives.

[@Enrij]

So civilian targets🤭

[@FandersonUfo]

@@Enrij - Ukraine has no ammo to waste on civilians when so many Russian soldiers are within range

[@nataliiateteruk585]

@@FandersonUfo If you read the "Enrij" troll here above and feel some secure in yourself and want to take some trolling yourself to THEIR grounds then go to the channel named железный феликс (iron felix) Go there and tell them your thoughts. You have to copy the cyrillic typings and paste it in the search bar then you see the Russian propaganda channel that today got ÷450k subs. Even if your comment most probably will get soon enough deleted you might have instigated a spiral effect positive for Ukranian effort!

[@FandersonUfo]

@@nataliiateteruk585 - he must be the most pro Russian channel on YT - he may even want the CCCP to be resurrected I'd bet - the poor guy should be really embarrassed about his country lately for sure

[@simplyamazing880]

I like these guys. They are professional and motivated with no BS and no false bravado. Just get the job done.

[@unknownscp169]

Just like the nazis were

[@BelloBudo007]

Yes that's what impressed me too. Very down to Earth.

[@eugenecrabs8622]

Well there is no such thing as bravado in Ukrainian culture overall. What is very obvious though it is their determination to win and liberate the country.

[@dichebach]

"Today we hit all the targets" . . . LOVE hearing that and seeing that smile of bravery and confidence!

[@jaykellett2327]

"Today we hit all our targets." (Little grin appears on his face) Priceless!

[@MrFitzz]

Slava Ukrani! 👊 🇺🇦🌍❤️☮️ #StopRussia

[@chrispatton7215]

Keep up the good work.

[@eardwulf785]

I'm in my late fifties and have followed many conflicts throughout my adult life. But ive never known anything like what we are seeing in Ukraine especially with the amount of information available on the internet these days. To witness the immovable resolve of the Ukrainian people and the astounding bravery of their military is extremely humbling. The Ukrainians are so dedicated and so tenacious in their fight to defend their homeland and their families and despite the setbacks and casualties they never waver. Slava Ukraini your golden fields, the brightest sun.

[@datsunlambchops4624]

What is truly sad is the fact that Ukrainians are dying in masses. For a corrupt heartless government, in a war they will never win. And your cheering makes certain more will dying.

[@williamburns9731]

I agree my friend, I'm a 73yo Australian male Pentioner and remember watching the Vietnam war on TV. American's counting their enemies dead. But what UKRAINE 🇺🇦 is doing puts American war efforts to shame. Victory only to Ukraine 🇺🇦.SLAVA UKRAINE 🇺🇦 from 🇦🇺 Australia 🇺🇦 🇦🇺 ♥️

[@datsunlambchops4624]

@@williamburns9731 You remember Gallopoli? Im actually nearby. Wasn't worth it.

[@eardwulf785]

@@datsunlambchops4624 Yes Ukrainians are dying but they are dying defending their country. Soldiers from Russia and it's dominions are dying in a war they don't want, they have no morale and most of them don't even have equipment and supplies. So you can push that backwards thinking narrative until the cows come home but tens of thousands of ill equipped and freezing cold RF troops will continue die for nothing and for archaic Imperialism. RF army is in such a mess that it cannot fight against another army so it retreats and instead from a safe distance it targets only defenceless innocent civilians including children. Historically the only parallels are Hitler and his V-Weopons and Hussein with his scud missiles. This will be Russia's epitaph

[@FarmerDrew]

Truly a warrior's most inspirational modern country! HEROYAM SLAVA!

[@Albert-Mag...]

"Today we hit all the targets" ... followed by a big smile...😊

[@Jyshrii]

Love that little smile after he says "Today we hit all our targets." Slava Ukraine! Heroyam slava!

[@laloelsalamanca]

He meant: Today we hit Poland!

[@Alexandra-zp3gr]

@@laloelsalamanca Geography is not your strong suit...

[@activechaos128]

Thats the smurk of someone that knows they are lying and hoping you're dumb enough to believe them.

[@laloelsalamanca]

@@Alexandra-zp3gr Just like Zelensky's Geography...

[@petrochumakov1035]

@@laloelsalamanca Do not worry. Tomorrow they will hit Moscow.

[@johnpartridge7623]

Stay safe lads & good luck in getting your Country back 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@janethompson5153]

Glory, Victory and Peace to Ukraine 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 ✨️

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

HUGE respect for these boys, from an old man in the US! Keep fighting! Keep winning! Slava Ukraini! Heroiam slava! 🇺🇦

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

Urging folks too their death. Why ain't they talking! The rooskies are going to roll over all of them eventually.. for what? Your entertainment?

[@user-lv4wj8cb2d]

Are you a Nazi?

[@hunterphung3638]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 they fight to defend their country and their people. Why do you have problem with that?

[@griechland]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 Just like the Americans eventually rolled over the Vietnamese. And the Russians eventually rolled over the Afghans. And the Americans eventually rolled over the Afghans. Just shut up already with your ignorance.

[@JNosewicz7569]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 if you are delusional enough to think ruZZia will prevail then you Obviously don't have a drop of slavic blood😅😉

[@ryanhartnett530]

Go Ukraine!! Take back your territory. All of it💙💛

[@xuantran-ok6tr]

Wonderful soldiers with wonderful minds !!! Glory to Ukraine !

[@aA-ye1cf]

God Give you belessings and a true aim boys! Slava Ukraine

[@alordswatchman]

"Today we hit all the targets" Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@Albert-Mag...]

Then That big smile of accomplishment...loved it... ""Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦""

[@ArpanMukhopadhyay93]

Hell yeahh! Orcs toasted. Slava Ukraini from India

[@RespectedDesperado]

Slava Russia!

[@ArpanMukhopadhyay93]

@@RespectedDesperado slave mobiks

[@janldecaleng1987]

@@RespectedDesperado go eat your master pooh-pooh shit 💩 doggy'

[@Captain-Nostromo]

God bless you Boys, the whole Free World supports you

[@marionwoodward5186]

Unbelievably proud I think Ukrainian men women all the civilians. It is a honor to watch you it is an honor to know you, it is a honor to support you God bless you crainia

[@pabbischannel8812]

Every day it amazes me that Ukraine is not only still-standing but counter-attacking the Orcs. Mad respect.

[@guylo88]

well they are being used by NATO as a proxy against russia. It helps the west is laundering money through Ukraine and providing them weapons to stay in the fight.

[@wf6951]

Ukraine still stands because of ALLIES and furthermore, Russia Government sucks donkey dicks.

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

Death is no reason for celebration, boy.

[@cowboyx9380]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 Liberty certainly is!

[@Ryanowning]

They have the GDP of the free world behind them. The only thing that's changed is that now we know that Ukrainians aren't just brave, but soak up military theory like a sponge.

[@AdventureswithaaronB]

Glad to see them on the offens

[@bassrooten2217]

Onward! To victory!

[@madmanmechanic8847]

Noting but respect and Honor and love for all of them 💗

[@rayn1728]

These guys seem very professional, and proficient in their work, may glory come to Ukraine, 🇬🇧 🇺🇦

[@imaginemetoo]

Sad times! SLAVA UKRAINI 🇺🇦🇺🇦 "Don't give them one inch!" 💪🏻💙💛

[@jonkelly1920]

Total legends!! SLAVA Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@adambussert3383]

What professionals! These guys know their jobs and know the importance of their work. Much respect to the Ukraine service members

[@romystumpy1197]

They have the upper hand ,motivated to kill the invaders

[@unknownscp169]

Yeah just like nazis

[@adambussert3383]

I’m impressed by that cannon also . I see the Russian bots and trolls found my comment. I’ve noticed the worse Russia does on the battlefield, the more the trolls chime in. Here’s to a future vision of a Free Ukraine.

[@donnacollins1356]

You all are doing amazing GLORY to Ukraine 🌻💪🙏

[@stacey_1111rh]

💪🏼🇺🇦✌🏼 Thank you interviewing these Ukrainian soldiers.

[@Symmetry77]

Stay safe. Stay strong. The world needs you. Slava Ukraini

[@jachnoavhnvaon]

Good luck guys. Good is with you in this battle against terrorism

[@Nembula]

Brave, honorable, courageous and handsome. How did Ukraine corner that market? Slava Ukraini ❤️🇺🇦❤️🌻🌻🌻🌻🌹

[@MythicPlague]

Thank you for your service not to just Ukraine, But to the whole world. Your steadfast holding the lines and supporting other branches of the military. In a way your the tip of the spear. Or at least like "AT&T you can reach out and touch someone:".

[@johndewey6358]

Impressive machinery and coordination. I wonder what is the range of V-46 with a 110KG shell. Slava Ukraini

[@BelloBudo007]

They sound cool, calm, collected, experienced & professional. I bet the Ukrainian infantry are pleased to have these men on their team.

[@kennethmarsh3194]

From your Military friends in the USA. Bring keep bringing on the pain to the Russians..stay safe our brothers and sisters in Uniform. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇺🇸

[@dirtthunder1638]

God bless the defenders of freedom! We all owe them so much! and there families for the sacrifice they have made! Slava Ukraine!!!!

[@chimai2870]

Cầu chúc cho các bạn bình an và Chiến Thắng

[@yvonnewey]

Total Victory and Freedom for Ukraine🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦❣️

[@philipthonemann2524]

Interesting and impressive - these people are doing a fine job!

[@TheGrenadier97]

The self-propelled howitzer is the soviet 1970's 2S7 "Pion" or "Malka", with a range of 37km-plus depending on the 203mm ammunition used. In comparison, most western systems are on the 155mm caliber size. Everything they said is pretty much textbook, traditional self-propelled artillery tactics. Key points are, drones for reconnaissance (to find the enemy as early as possible and locate their guns), spotting (to correct the artillery fires), weapons' mobility (to quickly move in and out after the fire missions) and range (for counter-battery action). The relatively casual appearance of everyone (like this civilian car in 0:27) surely makes management of manpower and materiel a bit easier to maintain and obtain. Oddly, they're acting as a single piece and look excessively calm despite mentioning counter-battery missions. I believe that drone dominance as "eyes and ears" - a field that the russians surely failed to conquer -, range and the overall war's situation give them some sort of aggressive assurance of safety.

[@ken-dw4or]

The US & NATO considered the 203 mm gun obsolete in the 1980's with it slow rate of fire 1 round every 2 minutes. They developed fast set up and lightweight 155 mm with digital fire controls systems for the towed & sp gun. The rate of fire for the M777 howitzer is 4 rounds per minute down range. Plus the development of M270 MLRS systems that where more responsive and nimble that can hit multiple targets.

[@RTmadnesstoo]

I think their 'calm confidence' comes from working individually spread out so it's much harder for counter battery operations to concentrate on them especially since most of the Ruzzian Artillery in worn out now and inaccurate. I understand the Ukrainians use an app similar to Uber that lets them fire from many locations but have the same time on target. It helps the Commanders assign Targets and keep track of moving artillery pieces and delivering 'supplies'. Amazing what they've come up with since this started -like all the drone applications that dovetail together.

[@TheGrenadier97]

@@RTmadnesstoo well said. The flexibility based on drones and fast communication surely gives them the possibility to operate by fractions of batteries, which is undoubtedly a further headache to the russians.

[@TheGrenadier97]

​@@ken-dw4or agree. It's interesting to note however that this comparatively large gun retains a margin of superiority in firepower and range.

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

that some shells can get lobbed over 60 km is Amazing

[@graeme9114]

My humble thanks to the brave heroes defending democracy and freedom. There's nothing in this war quite like this 203mm gun firing 110kg shells. What a beast. Edinburgh Castle fires a gun at 13:00 every day. It was done to provide ships with accurate time. The tradition persists to this day. When Ukraine pushes the Russians out of their territory they should do something similar with this beast. I think it could drive tourism all by itself :)

[@djamirali69]

I pray for you guys safety ❤

[@johnnyenglish583]

Love the fact they've named their gun "Punisher" :-) "Destroying the Russians - in style!". But I'm not convinced about what one of the guys says about the range and accuracy being superior to Western counterparts. In fact, the range is pretty much the same on the German Pzh2000 and the Polish Krab, and I'm pretty sure they are more accurate. But the 203 mm has a more destructive shell, of course.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

He may be a little biased! But a howitzer that hits every target in a day may deserve his praise.

[@Msevertrue147]

Bravo Ukrainian soldiers 🇺🇦👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@christinedor4482]

Respect 🇺🇦

[@tomad4051]

“Today, we hit all the targets” … enuf said 🇺🇦💪🏼🇺🇦

[@d.l.hemmingway3758]

The SPG these men use reminds me of the old American M-110A1/ A2 8 inch Self Propelled Gun of the 1980s. I think the track of the M-110 was smaller though and we had a single dozer blade like spade. From 13 January 1980 to 31 December 1985 I served in a firing battery of the Kansas Army National Guard. In January 1986 I was transferred from C 2BN 130th FA to B 1BN 635th Armor as part of a reorganization. I went from being a Cannon Crewman to being an Armored Vehicle Crewman.

[@2_dog_Restoration]

Been there done that. I was with the Nebraska National Guard with the artillery in the panhandle of Nebraska from December 1980 - to August 1986. We had the 155 SP M109s . I trained on the 8" at Fort Sill OK the summer of 1981. We did a lot of training at Camp Guernsey Wyoming.

[@marcaurel2610]

Absolutely, the howitzer also reminded me exactly of my good old M 110 (8 inch/203 mm). With the German artillery, I was first trained on this gun as a gunner and later as commander (1989-1991). My god I've spent quite a few cold nights and even more rainy days on this beauty ...

[@johnpartridge7623]

I worked on & drove the M110 in Germany in the early 80's, good bit of kit.

[@readhistory2023]

I was FDC 6/37FA 79-81 Korea (M110's). Being a gun bunny on a M110 is miserable in the cold and wet. o7

[@joem5903]

7/9th FA for me. M110A1. This gun is kid of a cross between the 110 and the older M107 175mm gun. Long barrel. It is much heavier than our old girl because this thing appears to be mounted on a modified tank chassis. The vehicle was the weak point of the M107/110. I was told that its less than stellar mechanical performance in Desert Storm expedited its retirement. Couldn't fault the 8 inch gun though. Deadly accurate.

[@arnishook3918]

Great story glory to God and Ukraine.

[@marrhrie4416]

OUR ALMIGHTY GOD THE FATHER, Please Bless, Save, and Protect all the UKRAINE Leaders, Soldiers, Warriors to their DIVINE VICTORY ... AMEN. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@maristelayared1518]

Wow...this machine is amazing.

[@paulmattt]

It’s so inspiring to see those brave Ukrainians defending us all from Russian fascism.

[@dutchschultz3076]

Take back your freedom almighty Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏 Love a prayers from Detroit USA 🇺🇸

[@activechaos128]

Detroit USA A.K.A. American Meriupol. 😂😂😂

[@griechland]

@@activechaos128 Have the Russians murdered 20000 civilians in Detroit aswell?

[@spiderknight9893]

Freedom to have drag queens read to your kids and small hat bankers run your country !!!!!

[@dutchschultz3076]

@@spiderknight9893 yes unfortunately those people have rights to be free also. I known the nose behind the curtain runs things in the world not just the banker.

[@volkernimke312]

SLAVA Ukraine💙💛🙏👍🇺🇦

[@davidheyl1206]

I never expected drones to become such an efficient element in warfare

[@ukraine_tbic]

I hope we take Kremina soon too! That’s key to securing Lymanske region!

[@bluemoondaren]

Great channel,always trust what is said/seen. Keep up the good work and Slava Ukraine, love from England

[@theconqueringram5295]

God speed, gentlemen! You're doing great so far.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Happy Hunting! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️!

[@danielavila5081]

Can't lose with Howitzer Field Artillery The King of Battle...

[@scottstevens2752]

Ukrainian military willl go down in history of one of the BEST, way to go guys give them hell!

[@stfsgtking]

Thanks for allowing me to come and help Ukrainians fight against Russia.

[@mohamedbarrie1537]

Congrats Ukraine, Kee it on

[@mpgrenda]

These guys are no nonsense professionals!

[@brandonhoszkiw9395]

"Time to work" they know what time it is... Destroy Russian aggressors time.. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇲

[@lululu7994]

Goosebumps when he says "we hit all the target" damn

[@pennylane428]

Ukrainian language is so beautiful, like singing, it’s very lyrical. It’s becoming one of my favorite languages. 🇺🇦💙🇺🇸

[@Mrdevs96]

Oddly less guttural sounding than German or Russian, despite the similarities. Linguistic history is absolutely fascinating!

[@bigcoolviking]

SALIVA Ukraine

[@antoniograncino3506]

@@Mrdevs96 Ukrainian is greatly influenced by Romanian, a Romance language: longer vowels, a more flowing syntax than other Slavic tongues. Foarte bine !

[@greatsarmatae]

@@antoniograncino3506 i mean, it isn't influenced by any Roman tongue 😄😄 But the characterization of it based on flowing build and gentle nature comparable with Roman languages is reasonable.

[@youdaman5069]

God Bless the Ukrainian People and Military! 🙏🇺🇦Slava Ukraini!

[@ThePearsson]

Heros! Best regards from Sweden

[@joannebottcher9779]

May Ukrainian forces succeed in every effort.

[@MrMarimero1234]

SLAVA UKRAINI...HEROYAM SLAVA !!!!

[@TheLobohobo]

Klasse. 🫡 🇺🇦 ✨

[@rizaradri316]

2S7 Pion is a big gun. 203mm shell is giving a bigger punch, but not as precise as Western made self-propelled artillery.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇨🇦💙💛💙💛💙💛🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@andrewwarren4206]

Good work.

[@nordland2235]

Our ANG armory here in town has those 155mm self propelled howitzers.....my brother used to train NG soldiers how to use them.

[@cowboyx9380]

Those shown are the 203mm guns…Bigga-Booma!

[@raipe105]

Very good boys!❤❤❤👍

[@ObamAmerican48]

Slava Ukraine 💪🏾💙🇺🇦💛💪🏾

[@ivusahlupic3867]

HEROJI 🙏🙏🙏🙏💙💛🇭🇷

[@namastezen3300]

Very encouraging. They seem to be very thoughtful. My neighbor spends time in Ukraine and says that he is treated well, the country is beautiful and he has fun. All the best regards to you 🙏 Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦👍

[@donaldshotts4429]

I traveled to Ukraine 5 times from 2016-19. I wanted to retire there. Good people, beautiful women, and very affordable. I laughed when a few of my military buddies said Russia would roll over them.

[@bransfordsmith3059]

It is about time the west give the champion soldiers Ukraine every thing that they needed, put my question is why the Russian soldiers can strike every where in Ukraine and what are we going to do about this situation please

[@rubiconklbrutorowman7577]

Many kudos to crews and very well done indeed! USA

[@scubaguy007]

My hope is you'll push the invaders out and they will forever stay out. Slava Ukrajini!

[@galinamogyla2577]

Героям України СЛАВА і ПОШАНА 🇺🇦💓🙏😇

[@metkic94]

This older USSR arty is very good piece good range solid accuracy more than enough explosives. You can even dig a trench behind it and if enemy counter-arty you, you can save the crew.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

The guy talking seemed to know about a nearby trench.

[@Interactive-gp8xf]

Ukrainians are amazing! Great respect for their fight against the brutal ruZZki invaders. Ukrainians are defending their land, and they defend European countries as well. Thank you, Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@user-xm2hg3xy7l]

Ukrainians now, like the Mujahideen before

[@user-xm2hg3xy7l]

But now a traitor is at the head of Russia

[@jainepal4844]

What is amazing about people that burned alive hundreds of innocents in Odessa in 2014, shelled and murdered thousands in Donetsk for almost a decade, you are a fool, a misguided sheep, For the record if Ukraine is so great why has the majority of the population been trying to escape for the last two decades.Corrupt shithole.

[@lotti_vonStein]

Das stimmt sie verteidigen unsere Freiheit mit ihrem LEBEN. Wenn das nur alle verstehen würden ... leider gibt es Menschen die nicht denken können.

[@Albert-Mag...]

Give them hell Ukraine, The orc.'s deserve every bit of it. ""Slava Ukraine""🇺🇦🇺🇦""

[@nanjinglaoyangtou]

Бог благословить Україну! Слава Україні! Я китайця. 上帝保佑烏克蘭！榮耀歸於烏克蘭！我是中國人。God bless Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! I am Chinese.

[@stryngh]

Slava i peremoha Ukrayini!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@brankakovacic2719]

🇺🇦🙏💙💛

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Are the shells heavy, he says.... no if you are super-men. Which these guys pretty much are as far as I can tell. Ukraine has an amazing army, how an army can become so good so fast during what passed for peace-time since 2014, is astounding.

[@johnahh5130]

'' Now we hit all of the targets''. Now that' s what I like to hear!

[@lordofthemfl9899]

Drone + howitzer = deadly combo

[@iainclark4835]

Дайте їм біса, хлопці ... Шотландія з вами! 💛💙

[@Glostahdude]

Pound em!! RELENTLESSLY!!!! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 💪 ✌️

[@ronald5204]

Slava Ukraina💛💙🧡💙💛💙

[@passenger3]

Well done Boys

[@timmommens901]

👍❤Slava ukraini 🇺🇦🇧🇪🇰🇷

[@tedzehnder961]

These guys need to stay active, alive, continued good morale with plenty of shells.Hopefully their leadership values them and they stay motivated. Ukraine should decide when they want peace with Russia. Ukraine is doing NATO a big service so please don`t bail on these people.

[@alexandermccarthy]

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦