Ukrainian Artillerists Work Hard To Maintain Old Howitzers From Estonia

Ukrainian gunners have learned to be versatile in their adoption of artillery pieces sent from various nations offering support. Targeting Russian invaders effectively in at least one case means mastering older Estonian-donated howitzers. Finnish shells are favored by one Zaporizhzhya team.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russi...
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[@PJ-ry4pt]

I am Estonian and I work in a Finnish-Estonian company. At the beginning of the war, we rented a bus and evacuated about 600 refugees from Ukraine. We took tons of clothes and essential goods there, which were collected from Estonia and Finland. Last month we sent 5000 led lamps and thousands of candles. There are a lot of such companies that help Ukraine with their own funds. This is a sincere help, we know how ruthless Russia is. Estonia's contribution to helping Ukraine is great. No need to be ashamed. Slava Ukraine!

[@nltalbottgmail]

Thank you Estonia.

[@marianlinden9736]

@@user-dt6gf2vr8s probably battery operated led lights

[@PJ-ry4pt]

@@user-dt6gf2vr8s Фонарики с батарейками. Батарейки в комплекте.

[@PJ-ry4pt]

@@marianlinden9736 yes, battery operated headlamps and flashlights

[@KKRCeb]

Ai Velled! Mestavennad!

[@zasmirko100]

I'm from very small Estonian town. Absolutely every time I'm visiting local library, in the evenings there are ten or more woman and men who after workday are making those hiding? camouflage? covers (what is the word for them?), so months and months continuously. It's not comparable to high-tech weapons but I'm quite impressed by their quiet everyday persistence to somehow help Ukraine's soldiers.

[@magnushelin007]

Thank you so much Estonia for all your efforts.

[@morskasvinka2413]

And I serve in ukrainian army since 25th of February! In peaceful life I was a dentist! And we have a great respect to you small country with a big heart! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Together we will win!

[@petemommo9622]

It´s called camouflage netting. Absolutely essential, especially for an arty battery like this one.

[@jacqdanieles]

👏

[@GnosticAtheist]

Those nets are time consuming to produce and a requirement for most missions so what they are doing is crucial support.

[@CountSadistOIII]

Proud Finn here, with love to All there ukraine, Slava

[@madserbz4912]

PROUD FINN ARE YOU? PROUD OF WHAT? GET YOUR PLAYSTATION COMMANDO ASS OVER THERE AND HELP YOUR GLORIOUS SATANIC UKRANIANS OUT

[@user-wz3ub7qf6j]

I haven't seen a single Finn in Ukraine who fought

[@MartinLV.]

@@user-wz3ub7qf6j we donate weapons an money so putins orks get destroyed by Ukrainian Heroes!

[@petemommo9622]

@@user-wz3ub7qf6j There are some but few because our government discouraged reservists from joining the UA foreign legion. I believe there are only a few dozen.

[@mikrosixtysix]

@@user-wz3ub7qf6j There were about 50 finns fighting in the summer..

[@ivancho5854]

Thank you Estonia for the artillery. Thank you Italy for the artillery. And thank you Finland and of course the USA for the shells. Everything helps! Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@piersp38]

Good luck mate , Happy to pay for supporting You guys 🇮🇹❤️🇺🇦

[@fargneta]

As an Italian, I am happy to see that with our contribution, the brave Ukrainian people are inflicting on the Russian army a severe response to their brutal and cowardly invasion...!!! GLORY TO UKRAINE...!!!

[@ismir8808]

Junk junk junk...

[@florinradu3316]

Baggers 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@3s0t3r1c]

@@florinradu3316 and you are a miserable human. or an ruzzian bot.

[@sherryberry2394]

I hugely admire Ukrainian improvisational engineering skills, and quick attitude to be adaptable! Ukrainian soldiers rock!!💪🏼💙💛🇺🇦 From Florida, USA.

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

this is typical for former east block people, scarcity economy trained us how to be flexible and adapt to every condition.

[@iare19]

Every Estonian agrees that Ukraine just saved us from russia for the next 20-30 years. Slava.

[@DR-pj7sr]

If Ukraine eaten up, RU would be too powerful and even more aggressive. Who remembers that back in 89 the RU military was in Berlin ? 🇺🇦🇪🇺🇺🇸💪

[@iare19]

@@DR-pj7sr I would've agreed with you in early stages of the war but now Poland is so strong that it's NATO #3-4 force so russia would never ever push Poland. NEVER.

[@dimon3457]

Say only for yourself please

[@babushkinvnuk]

You are just delirious. 🤭

[@babushkinvnuk]

@@dimon3457 с 2004 года эти сказки слышу, как в НАТО вступили. Мы же первые на границе с Питером и флотом и сухопутно. Чухны и русофобы ссуться и напридумывали эти истории, тем временем Путин до сих пор к нам сохраняет нейтралитет и предлагает все необходимые энерго ресурсы для выживания людей в зиму. И это учитывая, как мы провоцирует, раскачиваем страну и сносим великие русские танки. Мы отказываемся сами от русурсов ещё и поддерживаем нацев, которые в 2013 до начала всяческих войн, собирали огромные рейды во Львове и Киеве и митинговали против русской нации на востоке Украины. Орали нац лозунги и прослрвляли бандеру. Ютуб все помнит по датам и к этому ещё вернёмся. 🤗

[@Vixctor13]

I'm glad they liked the Finnish shells. I guess the Finnish army knows a thing or two about artillery since we have such a large artillery force.

[@tarmaque]

Finnish weapons in general are better than your average bear.

[@karlvonbahnhof6594]

With Finland and Sweden in NATO, we will be the strongest alliance ever, there are however some traitors in our alliance, Turkey, who plays both sides and Hungary, who doesn't help Ukraine at all and blocks NATO military convoys to Ukraine, I would like to see these 2 countries OUT of NATO, we are alliance for a reason, to be stronger together against Russian threat, not to sabotage it, I'm talking to you Erdogan and Orbán, from Czech 🇨🇿, Sláva Ukrajině 🇺🇦✌️

[@terywilliam9730]

@@karlvonbahnhof6594 the real traitor is NATO who applies arms embargo against Turkiye. Turkiye helped Ukraine by sending Bayraktar drones and Kirpi armored vehicles, making grain exports available for Ukraine and closing the Turkish straits to Russian navy more than any NATO country.

[@TheStormtrooper00]

@@karlvonbahnhof6594 Indeed,they are like rats that chew the cables at night.The alliance will be so much more stronger without them.

[@tosa305]

I hope that our ammunitionfactories have skifted to bigger gear to meet ukrainian needs. I hope our quality meet your needs! There are lots of goodhearted russians but not those who donˋt respect boarders. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🇫🇮🤗!

[@rursus8354]

Estonia has per capita donated many more times the amount of weaponry and humanitarian than even USA. It's just that it is a small country with 1.3 million inhabitants.

[@leontinaleal3251]

Amazing people we thank you Estonian 👏❤️🇺🇦✌️

[@gregchambers6100]

True, but Russia is by far the biggest donor of weapons, ammo, fuel and supplies than all allies combined, albeit involuntary.

[@dmytro-skh]

Real friends

[@IggyRebellion]

Thanks Estonia

[@herptek]

Small countries can't do much in absolute numbers in a numbers game. Unless they are rich, of course, but even then they should avoid running out of necessities themselves. Industry should be put back to work to replace the donated weapons so that defensive means are not lost. Watching this from Finland it looks like the Baltic countries fully rely on NATO to deter any Russian response, or at least much more so than we should do here in my opinion. Finland doesn't disclose the contents of the aid packages for the sake of security.

[@crp5591]

Way to go Estonia!! With love and thanks from the USA for the extremely valuable help!! Slava Ukriani! 🇺🇦🇪🇪🇺🇸

[@vanamutt43]

and thank you, USA. you are an absolute powerhouse and Ukraine's fight for freedom would be lost without you.

[@mowgli2071]

🗽🇺🇲💙🇺🇦

[@Plisnensis]

Estonia - Department of 🇺🇸

[@Xenstein]

Radio Free Europe was our mental hope and support back in the days during communist dictatorship in Romania. Thank you Radio Free Europe! Multumesc Radio Europa Libera!

[@charlesphillips1468]

I'm a USMC M198 gunner from the 1980s. They may be old, but they work well. In boot camp, our Drill Instructor said to us one day, "What happens if you get killed by an obsolete weapon? You are still dead." Watching these guys, that thing is a luxury compared to a M198. The gunner never had a seat on the M198; the M198 doesn't have a recoil cradle, and the lanyard hooks up to the side instead of the back of the breach. Not to mention the ammo truck they are using; I've not seen that before; our rounds were just tossed loosely in the back of a 5-ton Cargo Truck we rode and lived in and rolled around while the truck was moving.

[@BrassLock]

Glad to see you're using the term Gunner. Same as Aussies - we call our artillery men "Gunners" too, not "Artillerists"

[@jameslynn7271]

looks like a storage rack that you can forklift into the truck with the rounds ready. Since they have FH70s, which is a european system, it might be organic to the system. I found additional photos on google. The shell actually is loaded manually into it on a sliding rack. So it's probably loaded up at the break bulk ASP before transported to the firing line.

[@afcgeo882]

The M777 the Army uses today is even more modern. The FH70 was designed back in the late 1970s.

[@lornamorgan3575]

One of the logistical advantages they claim for Ukraine is that NATO rounds are palletised and easier to load and unload from trucks. More compact, therefore, can carry more. I also like the term gunner. Arsenal FC are nicknamed "the Gunners" because of this ( ex is a fan )

[@arturs6812]

That truck was also given by the Estonians which was made for that same artillery

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Thank you from East Canada💝🇨🇦💙🇺🇦

[@LehySnek]

I'm glad you're having fun with our pieces. Glory to Ukraine from Italy

[@gabrielacentonzio-dyer9897]

THANK YOU ESTONIA!!!!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 GLORY TO UKRAINE

[@dvrn86]

Estonians are a great people! Aitah Eesti

[@egertroos1691]

You from Ukraine?

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Thank you Estonia 🇪🇪 for your kind support of Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

Even though US sends high amounts in money value, many of these smaller countries send a much higher percentage of value! Thank you Estonia and the rest for supporting freedom

[@nicolas2419]

Since the beginning of the war, Estonia and Latvia have given around one percent of their GDP to help Ukraine. It is far the two most implicated countries in the aid to Ukraine, followed by Poland and Latvia with around 0,5% of their GDP.

[@DR-pj7sr]

Tiny Luxembourg has sent 25% of its mili budget to brave Ukraine 🇺🇦🇪🇺💪

[@GnosticAtheist]

Also, the cooperation of Ukrainian neighbors makes logistics for American aid simple and painless.

[@GnosticAtheist]

​@@DR-pj7sr Dont they rely on their neighbors for military matters? Obviously they still have it as a budget item, but I assume they cant have a standing army, just like Iceland.

[@Dutch1961]

@@GnosticAtheist the Luxembourg army is around 1,100 strong.

[@dmytro-skh]

Thank you Estonia for support!

[@egertroos1691]

Tere Eestist Ukraina vend

[@Kyosti5000]

Good for you Estonians! Greeting from your brothers at north. Ukraine will prevail!

[@raparhitektid2342]

Kurat ja Perkele! Ei se Kannaksen-Peipsi järven takainen paskiaisuus ennen lope, kuin on pudonnut kappaleiksi. Mene vähintään pari sukupolvea, kun saa enemmistöstä kansasta pois taottu se mõ-mõ-mõ-ryssäläinen übermencsh-kuume...koska -venäläinen-se ei ole kansalaisuus-se on ominaisuussana-kenelle kuuluuva-valtiolle kuuluuva-ei enemmän kun orjat...ja jos heillä virallisesti on olnut käytössä semmoinen lausunto:"He ovat meille viholliset IKUISESTI!" - so kaikki heidän ümpäri-(Moskovan YOpiston prof Fursov), sitten ei ole enää mitään selitettävää ja viisaasti ododettavaa- paitsi TULI PÄÄLLE-HAKKA PÄÄLLE! Slava Gerojam!

[@Kyosti5000]

@@raparhitektid2342 Mitä ihmeen sopotusta? Nyt lääkkeitä ja äkkiä.

[@dylantheelephant]

A Baltic Beast! Thanks to Estonia! 🇺🇸 🇪🇪 🇺🇦

[@u.h.h4915]

🇸🇪👍🏻💛💙

[@blindmirorputinovbot2130]

Beast 2M people 🤣🤣🤣

[@dylantheelephant]

@@blindmirorputinovbot2130 Serbian detected, opinion rejected

[@MrKuti89]

@@blindmirorputinovbot2130 kicked Russia's ass after. WW1 to gain our independence and freed ourselves from USSR when time was right. And went on to economically outperform Russia per personal level. Beasts we are.

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Спасибо Эстонии и Вам, этих хороших ребят не останется ни одного через пару месяцев. За один январь - 100000 тысяч. Вы придёте на помощь?????? Горячие молодые Эстонцы, где вы????! Где вы 23 человека????? Через неделю будут выдавать помощников из под Артёмовска. Готовьте, ройте землю.

[@riparianlife97701]

Those barrels have a lifespan. I hope they wear out all of them, and get more. I wish I could go there with my drone and call in strikes.

[@briancase6180]

Thanks, Estonia!

[@karkevicius]

Proud of our Baltic brothers. Greetings from Lithuania🫶

[@egertroos1691]

Tere Eestist

[@MrIwan18]

You guys are doing good work, all the best wishes and an orc free country in 2023! Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🇺🇦✊🏽

[@richardevans3084]

“Orc Free in 23 “Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 all the best from Wales

[@leontinaleal3251]

Glory to UKRAINE 🇺🇦✌️💓 Glory to HEROES 🇺🇦 Glory to Army force of Ukraine you are the best of all 🌍

[@ristopahklamae903]

we continue to support Ukraine 🇺🇦🇪🇪

[@scottofford3061]

Estonians understand the risk here after being under the USSR for so long. SLAVA UKRAINI!

[@vincegedeon6583]

Amazing weapon TY Estonia♥️🇺🇦

[@tsogobauggi8721]

2:38 Finnish shells explode happy when used against russians. That is what they were born to do. :)

[@wirksam6754]

Congratulations from Germany. Stay healthy and successful.

[@imaginemetoo]

Respect To Estonians 👍🏻 SLAVA UKRAINI 🇺🇦 HEROES 🇺🇦 Keep safe and TACTICAL WARRIOR NATION 💪🏻

[@samanthav8728]

The mere actions of loading the Howitzer with artillery is incredible physical. The maintain their physical health, mental and emotional health all countries that support them is vital! When the "smaller" countries give, it has a very large impact on the soldiers using their weapons. Thank you Estonia! God Bless you and yours! Slava Ukrayini! Slava Heroyam!

[@willfriar8054]

Yes and he's been doing it since 2014. Meaning he was showing the dumbass region the whole time. He's killed a lot of people a lot of ukrainians

[@hansulrichboning8551]

FH 70 was developed in the 70ies by Germany,UK and Italy. In Germany and UK these are already decomissioned but still in service in Italy.After estonian independence Germany sold some of its FH70 to Estonia. The FH70 in ukraine were delivered from estonian and italian stocks. Fh70 has a small VW or Audi-Engine so it can move over short distances without a truck. Japan has built the FH70 under license in large numbers.

[@pwa8453]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FH70

[@piersp38]

Yes Italy sent that , but We do not know much more about the official list . It's all covered as military secret by Our gov . We Just know to have sent panzerfaust, Milan , mines , Browning , Mg3 , artilleries shells and stop all Is hidden now ...

[@jantschierschky3461]

VW air-cooled

[@billyyank5807]

Teeny tiny Estonia is helping out.....? That's what's up. They understand what Ukraine is fighting for!

[@daniellucena9694]

Ukranians are not making friendship with all those countries that help them,but Brotherhood.Thank you Estonia,Italy and every country that helps Ukraine.Slava Ukraini!!!🇺🇦💪

[@daniellucena9694]

@john doe every country has a leader ruling it.Ukraine's president himself went to America not only 1 time to ask for help.His ministers did the same in european countries.So,what the hell are you talking about??in what planet do you live??authoritarian countries are not democratic,because Democracy don't exist there.

[@daniellucena9694]

@john doe Russia entered in Ukraine with it's army at once John.What time did ukrainians have to ask x anything??they just reacted to an act of war,and what russians would have loved the most from this war,was no country to help them ,so they could easily anihiliated them,like Hitler did with jewish people.If we're not counting million ukrs dead now, and only thousends,is because of the help of those countries.When and where would have ukranians,the chance to ask people if they wanted help from other nations or not?The 1st day of the war there were tanks in Kyiv,crashing cars and drivers.The following day they were coming many more destroying everything.What do you think what have happend if it was Russia the country invaded?honestly John now,what did you expect when a country attacks brutally yours?are you going to ask your people if they think they need help from other nations or not?John,you'll just don't have time to do any other thing that defend you and your country.

[@cheswick617]

@@user-hc5sr5we9t spoken like a true communist.

[@cheswick617]

@@user-hc5sr5we9t oh look another communist totalitarian bot trying to somehow make excuses for Putin killing thousands of Russians through his dictatorial tyranny

[@martinkoitmae6655]

With love from Estonia 🇪🇪

[@chairpersonofthecharlotteh5646]

Are these the same howitzers Germany tried to stop us from sending? Highest inflation in the EU, no western salaries etc, yet we still send the most aid per capita (Maybe Latvia / Lithuania send more nowadays) and you don't see anyone protesting, we know what's at stake for Ukrainians. Just today there was another batch of aid worth 50 000€ sent to Izium from my small local community, donated by regular people and small businesses. Very proud of how my country has acted this year🇪🇪🇺🇦

[@chefren77]

No, I think those were some old 122mm Soviet-era howitzers that Finland had bought from East German stocks, then later sold to Estonia and then when Estonia wanted to give them to Ukraine, the needed permission from both Germany and Finland to do so. Note that Estonia wanted to send these already in late December 2021, when the threat of a full-blown invasion by Russia was growing. Germany and Finland only approved the transfers after the invasion started in February.

[@tankart3645]

what @chefren77 is correct, but to clarify the howitzers that they wanted to send were the D-30's. An Soviet time howitzer, but even American soldiers loved it in Afghanistan. If kept well, it's an very accurate and lethal weapon, and with upgrades that Estonia put on them, they are also extremely efficient tank killers. (main thing they were planned to be used for in Estonia in case of an war should brake out. So most artillery men were trained on them to use it as an AT) It's an excellent weapon, but has an short barrel life. It's generally lightweight, and quick to put up and take down. They would have had an quite strong effect if they would have been delivered before the invasion of the 24th of February. And most of all if all of the Ukrainian stock of them would have been upgraded/repaired, and new better training given to soldiers. But yeah, they finally got delivered this year, after the summer I think.

[@robertwilkinson8421]

Bravo Ukraine, Keep up the Good Work.

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Да, да..... исчезните, кончитесь..... И земелька под Львивом освободится. Только прибалтам не достанется, все полякам отойдёт, они посноровистей.

[@paintballusa1658]

Thank you for the artillery, Estonia and Italy! Keep up the good fight Warriors. Slava Ukraine!

[@sergiydekhtyar4065]

Thank you very much for all the support you have done for Ukraine.

[@matthiaslorber4271]

This are good guys. Slava Ukraini!

[@steveh5005]

They speak open and free ✌🇺🇦🇬🇧.Russian soldiers can not even say one word.

[@steveh5005]

@john doe. You complain about your weapons or they are faulty. Or the boots are no good. Or your AK 74 is old . You will be punished by prison. Russian soldier's cannot complain. The Russian army isn't like a western rules based open society. And I was a soldier for 17 years. So I know.

[@psychshift]

When Freemen fight, it's hard too loose. That's the secret sauce.

[@james64ibm]

Ukrainian soldiers will eventually be the absolute elite within NATO, not just because of bravery and tenacity but because they can use every weapon ever made ...

[@riharikaa809]

That's good soldering, knowing your weapon, its limitations and looking after it. Slava Ukraine.

[@wyyrdojim]

Thanks Estonia and Italy! Slava Ukraini!💙💛🇺🇦🇪🇪🇮🇹🇺🇸

[@clmarsik]

Bless you Ukraine, our hearts are with you.

[@marlenfras5490]

Old or new, Ukrainians MAKE THEM WORK. Well done. Good reporting. Go Ukraine.

[@lornamorgan3575]

Can you imagine not ever giving "Beard" the best work you are capable off. He looks a bit forbidding, but I think it's more he knows what you and the machine are capable of and you don't want to disappoint him. All the information NATO and The EDA are gathering on how the "standard" shells have slight variations and how to compensate. They get valuable insight for the audvthey give.

[@namastezen3300]

Diakuyu for encouraging news, I marvel everyday at the success of Ukraine. All the best regards to you 🙏 Slava Ukrayini 🇺🇦👍 peremoha/y!

[@marijanmisetic6367]

Nice to see the system still serving it´s aim. The Estonian FH-70 were once part of the German Army. Good Job Estonia to bring them here into action and good luck for the ukrainian Artillerists.

[@thefastandthedead1769]

“God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best.” ― Voltaire. I think this qualifies!

[@neutronalchemist3241]

"God is on the side with the best artillery." Napoleon Bonaparte.

[@jabom99]

I like these guys. They are professionals and hard workers. The war is brutal, but I actually wish I was there with them. Ukraine is going to win this war. Mark my words. It is going to win.

[@stewartlewis3503]

Thank you to all you Ukrainian warriors. I know our 'lot' doesn't have a great record when it comes to supporting your 'type' of people, fighting, your type of causes, then, after you have died, AND WON !!!, becoming turncoats on upon you and cut'n'running, but I know, I will do EVERYTHING I can to ensure we don't do the same to you. No matter how this War ends, Ukraine WILL be a member of NATO, and well on its way to being a part of the EU, if it so wishes (The EU not perfect!, none of us are)......... Slava ukraini!

[@kniespel6243]

Respect for all the countries who give help to Ukraine against russian pigs !

[@skipperclement2292]

Don't dehumanize Russian conscripts through such primitive language. Peace will need to be achieved soon through honest negotiations and that kind of language and the atmosphere it creates wont help!

[@mebsrea]

@@skipperclement2292 The massive and ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity being carried out by literally tens of thousands of Russian soldiers of their own volition makes it entirely reasonable to consider them subhuman scum to be extirpated from Ukrainian soil.

[@parginsgameplay]

@@skipperclement2292 you cannot hide the fact that they acted as inhumans, they tortured people, shooted families and even his little son, 2 and 10 years old, they killed a man that surrendered with a hammer in the head, and created this senseless war, they also wanted to make Ukrainians freeze, all these actions are not human, so they are not, there are also good people in there, but the majority are not, because propaganda in Russia makes you believe that this is good

[@skipperclement2292]

@@parginsgameplay Do you yourself experience propaganda? You should ask yourself that questions.

[@skipperclement2292]

@@mebsrea Do you honestly believe Ukrainians haven't performed any war crimes? Or are you that ignorant that you believe all of this started only a year ago ?

[@JG-mp5nb]

Amazing determination! Slava Ukraine!

[@susanwestern6434]

Well done Estonia. For a small country, you have been amazing.

[@FinishPlayer]

Estonian guns and Finnish shells, that's not a mix i was expecting to see in Ukraine.

[@juhajuntunen7866]

152mm become obsolete several years ago, 155mm is new standard (NATO).

[@FinishPlayer]

@@juhajuntunen7866 I am aware, just didn't expect them to meet and then hear about it on a video.

[@amnevseravno2114]

Хохлосвиньям все сойдет

[@teemukustila]

152mm shells are still important for Ukraine. It's not like that have been able to suddenly replace all of their Soviet Era equipment overnight with NATO caliber. It will take years. Also, the 152mm artillery is not to be underestimated. It's the user and not (just) the equipment. Ukrainian artillery corps have proven to be way more effective than the Russian ones. Slava Ukraini!

[@tosa305]

Together we are strong against the evil! Thank you estonian brothers and sisters 🇺🇦🇪🇪🇫🇮! Slava Ukraini!

[@cmh6122]

41 years ago I was the newbie in my gun section getting ready for our winter rotation to Graf. Learned to make the M109a2 dance there and when the months of long shadows and short days come the shriek in my head that never stops gets really loud. Was just getting over watching 2 generations of this nation's children fight wars that failed my sniff test for necessity as soon as kids were flying kites in Kabul. Haven't been able to not hear the guns since I ets'd April of 86 (was a battery commander of a nuke-capable M109a3s of National Guard when the wall came down and a target analyst with the divisional fire support element of the 35th Infantry (mech) when the stop-loss came with Desert Shield), and watching your nation fighting the war I was trained for; less the intensity of NBC warfare that we were being prepared for in real time has nearly broken my heart. My lips still split when Northwind comes and nostalgia takes me back to the wash rack at Graf watching the ice slide off my GIA (grease, instrument, artillery) coated coveralls while we broke the gravel and mud that the heat our track and road wheels generated had turned into something akin to concrete out of our running gear with a tanker's bar and sledge hammer. The maintenance of the gun sucked the joy from our lives in that weather. Can only imagine that misery coupled with the crimes that Putin has led the Russians to commit against your nation since 2014. Glory to Ukraine. Your nation's courage is a beacon of hope for freedom in these dark time.

[@jantschierschky3461]

Grafenwöhr wind from the north ? In Germany wind comes from the west the very cold wind comes from the east.

[@cmh6122]

@@jantschierschky3461 Northwind brings us the polar horrors here in Kansas, but wherever the source they made an impact on my life. Was a gunbunny in the FRG so spent my winters there chasing cat-eyes through swirly fog, sleet, freezing rain and snow from the driver's hatch of our gun. Started carrying a compass as part of my kit at Benning's school of 90 day wonders. Did the rest of my time in the field at Forts Sill and Bliss on active duty and Ft Riley in the guard. Guarantee that I experienced everything but the fog at them all, but it was serving that piece at Graf that gives me some understanding of the conditions those Ukrainian gunners are operating under. Is amazing to see a bit of what we were testing at Sill while I was there (83-6) playing out as was hoped. To know what has happened to information technologies has added to their toolkit is gratifying. Always knew the Soviets/Russians were waaaaaay more show than go..

[@jantschierschky3461]

@@cmh6122 i was in grafenwöhr in the winter 84-85 and trust me I know what you talking about. In that winter come from the east and we had temperatures down to -40C still have hypothermia just thinking about it

[@GEOFERET]

All gunners I see here! In a way I'm kind of jealous of these guys. With so much practice and so many different guns to work with, they must have become the best gunners in the world! I so hope they soon feel the taste of victory and have stories to tell their grandchildren! Slava Ukraini! 🔵🟡

[@TheBongReyes]

That’s the thing about NATO weapon systems. Accurate. Lethal. Effective. BUT many require a higher level of maintenance compared to others. Many supporters of Ukraine don’t understand this but constantly demand weapon systems that require massive logistical support to maintenance. Sadly, Ukraine doesn’t have that support infrastructure built up at the moment.

[@dogsnads5634]

FH-70 are very good. But they've been around in service since 1980. UK retired theirs 23 years ago. The Estonian ones were secondhand from the Germans in the early 2000's.

[@TheBongReyes]

@@dogsnads5634 I’d still prefer those over Soviet/Russia 152mm pieces. 😆

[@zcrib3]

@@dogsnads5634 Machine guns in service since 1933 are used by most modern NATO militaries. Just because the weapon is old doesn't mean it is bad or obsolete.

[@jantschierschky3461]

@@zcrib3 1933 ???

[@tankart3645]

@@jantschierschky3461 he might mean the MG3 and it's precursor the MG42. And get the design year wrong by an decade. The MG42 was designed in 1942 and nearly an half a million built, with even more MG3's built (designed in 1960's thought). Both are still weapons you can find in NATO armies, because of how simple they are but still with that extremely high fire rate, and cheap cost. They are very popular.

[@davidcapacidad7262]

Ukraine army is becoming into a ver multifuncional force, capable of using old soviet era weapons and NATO's simultaneously.

[@E3ECO]

They should fit into NATO's military structure very well when the time comes.

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Только остаётся её все меньше и меньше, ждёт вас... помощников со всего света... Как в 1941 - 1945гг..........из было много,,, Итальянцы, Французы, Румыны, Чехи, Финны,........ Все были..... И в этот раз обосретесь.

[@olgadodge4904]

These incredibly brave soldiers are awesome & dedicated. Much respect & love & prayers are sent to them. Glory to the Ukrainian military. ❤❤❤😊

[@saintsinner7565]

I’m Estonian and we have such a small country,yet we lend our hands to our friends,cause having been under the Russian invasion,we hate this shit with passion Thank you for every country,who has helped Ukraine with us! Мы люблю вас ❤

[@stephenbrand5661]

The Baltic states know better than most that defending Ukraine means defending Europe. As an American of Lithuanian descent I'd like to thank Estonia and apologize for the Republicans here in America who think they're "owning the libs" by falling for Kremlin propaganda.

[@zcrib3]

Don't apologize. Americans are way more reliable than French or Germans.

[@stephenbrand5661]

@fudgepacker Close, Baltic

[@stephenbrand5661]

@john doe 🤣 Yes "john" and I'm having to eat my pet hamsters too!

[@egertroos1691]

@@stephenbrand5661 Your surname isn't baltic

[@stephenbrand5661]

@@egertroos1691 correct

[@clmarsik]

Such incredibly brave and talented soldiers, stay well.

[@roverM30ds]

The FH70 is probably one of the best artillery pieces ever produced.

[@TheBongReyes]

The funny thing is I saw way too many people say the FH70 were just scrape that Estonia was trying to dump off to Ukraine. When it was announced that Estonia was giving Ukraine those pieces. That’s how I knew those people didn’t know shit about what they were talking about.

[@unitrx5535]

@@TheBongReyes Those FH70's were in reserv storage or smth, due approaching EOL. They were still better than D-20's we gave away as well. But still rather well-worn already. Paradoxically, pro-Russian opposition party tried to claim that we unduly weakened our national defense by giving up all thaf artillery and Javelins (formers which were to be reserve anyway and latter which had to be soon used due approaching date of expiration). From my POV, we should have also sent most of our K9 Thunder brand new self-propelled artillery to Ukraine. It would have served us better there than they do staying here.

[@TheBongReyes]

@@unitrx5535 I can’t speak for nations’ policy on what they send to Ukraine. As an American taxpayer, I’m fine with what my government as send & continue to send. US military inventory isn’t an Amazon wishlist for Ukraine. Certain weapon systems & platforms should be kept for ourselves. As only the US military has the infrastructure to maintain those weapons for effective lethality.

[@rockykoast7065]

Сумно, що це потрібно, але мужності та сили Україні та її людям! 🇺🇦

[@VaucluseVanguard]

British designed. Biggest users are Japan who manufactured about 500 under licence. Some of those provided by NATO countries are 40+ years old. Japan made their last ones 14 years ago, so if they were 'up' for it they could provide a Regiment or two of relatively new guns.

[@ellasmommy9278]

Thank you Estonia and Italy for the howitzers. And thank you to the rest of the world who donated ammo. I really love to see the Western World come together to fight Putin and his orcs

[@George-dx2sd]

This was the first Gun I worked on back in early 80's ; FH 70 . Brings back a lot of memories .

[@mickeberg1234]

God bless heroes of Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦🇸🇪🇺🇦

[@gunner678]

FH70 is an excellent gun system!

[@vaultguy]

Me jätkame teile nende relvasüsteemide saatmist. Слава Украийни!

[@u.h.h4915]

✨💛🙏🏻💙✨🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@kusefs]

Дякуємо! Ми це ніколи не забудемо! 🙏❤

[@augustkasemaa3290]

Ükskord me võidame niikuinii! 💙💛

[@user-pj4wu2wj5s]

Скоро вам чухна ссаная хана подачки кончатся от бидона будете silgupead kartulikortega глотать🐓🤣👍

[@LearningSpanishwithDrL]

Peace to Ukraine!

[@MrKaido93]

Good to see this! As a Veteran of both the US and Estonian militaries, I feel that it is good for Estonia to help as much as possible, the Ukraine's Defenders, so long as the Estonian defense capabilities are not compromised by doing so. Slava Ukraine!

[@brianlinke1856]

Old IDF saying, "The best field gun is the one with the best crew".

[@andruspuusta4230]

Well said!

[@huntermccrea475]

Proud to be Estonian

[@marlenfras5490]

You are amazing. We are grateful. God bless you.

[@furicd446]

De tout cœur avec le peuple Ukrainien ❤️ . Difficile de trouver les mots. Je voulais quand même vous souhaiter une bonne année. Respect pour vous tous.🇨🇵🇺🇦❤️

[@johntait491]

Another excellent video RFERL. The Ukrainian resistance is a model of courage. It’s a reminder of why bravery, duty and a willingness to defend your nation are utterly indispensable. Too many of us in the West have grown cynical about these virtues. We in the West have given up on courage. Our safety-first approach to life equates bravery with recklessness. The Ukrainian resistance reminds us why courage matters - and why we all need to rediscover this virtue. 😉

[@LeadingInnovations]

Hope the PZH2000 will be back on the battlefield very soon. And shame to our Kanzler for not providing Leopard 2 to this righteous warriors. Slava Ukraini, Slava ZSU 🇩🇪❤️🇺🇦💪🏼

[@kravic5003]

Thank you Ostland 🇪🇪

[@keithhaynes8079]

Well done boys keep it going, Happy New Year to you all take care and stay safe, God Bless you all in Ukraine.

[@inhocsignovinces1081]

My living father, 93, saw combat in Korea with the A674 FA Battalion, 187th RCT, 11th Airborne División. The FA Battalion carried three batteries of four 105mm towed artillery each. He made the US Army’s only two combat jumps in Korea.

[@parrotraiser6541]

I'm still trying to visualise the cleaning rod for that piece.

[@AKC0412]

Gloria a Ucrania desde Uruguay !! 💪💪🇺🇾🇺🇾🇺🇦🇺🇦✌✌🥂🥂

[@franciscomaldonado2071]

Thanks, Estonia

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

The mark of a true professional. Get the job done with the tools available. We need to get them new barrels for those canons. S.T.A.T.

[@sgtellioman]

They can pay for them themselves

[@johngormaley4231]

Ukrainians will have a lot to teach US SF about improvised battlefield interoperability.

[@ChinaPower1]

Than you Estonia! ♥️

[@iam5085]

Just donated via the 'Sign my rocket'

[@volkerr.]

If it’s from Estonia, then it’s old German one. Isn’t it?😊

[@BS-my6qx]

Yes 😊

[@daanveld2887]

Slava Brothers stai strong stai save ent kick ther ruski ass respect to you al slava ukrnia from Holland

[@louiezamudio8610]

God bless Ukrainian soldiers! God bless USA, UK, Estonia, Italy, EU member States and all other countries that support Ukraine!

[@bettygray1213]

Ukraine Warrior's 🌻 Artillerist are Heroes !

[@irvhh143]

These videos say a lot. The guns are out on the open, not dug in pits, not covered by camo nets. The officer casually chats with a reporter. There is little or no RU response. It is overcast, which blocks satellite. But, the battery could be seen by drone or radar. Either RU can't see it, or recon can't get the coordinates to arty/air in a timely manner. Or, RU does not have weapons to hit back. RU missiles fly over UKR trenches to hit bombed out apartment buildings that were abandoned months ago.

[@gregsscubavids5128]

Thought the same. With the drones and satellites and counter-battery radar, it would be hairy (to me anyway) to fire more than a few rounds before moving. Necessarily having the ammo truck so close to the crew cringes me too. Guess you’d get used to it or ask for a transfer.

[@Wojti0182]

Slava Gierojom on the front line. Greetings from Poland.

[@marcusmoonstein242]

The famous German 88mm from WW2 had a barrel life of only about 1200 rounds because of the high pressures it used. Modern 155mm artillery has even higher pressures, so expect the gun to need a complete overhaul at about 1000 - 1500 rounds, depending on the charges used. The drop in accuracy being experienced by these gunners may be caused by barrel wear, not differences in ammunition.

[@jantschierschky3461]

Well the pressure actually is lot less, even with a 8 Load. You can expect easily 4-5000 rounds. However re sleeve is not too hard