Ukrainian soldiers say the battle in Kharkov is more fierce than the "fire pan" of Bakhmut

Ukrainian servicemen of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade load ammunition into an M109 self-propelled gun before firing towards Russian troops in Kharkov (Photo: Reuters).

Over the past few weeks, Russia has launched attacks from many directions, putting intense pressure on Kharkov on the border between the two countries.

Ukrainian soldiers operating howitzers in Kharkov have been fighting day and night to stop Moscow's advance.

Soldiers in the northern districts of Kharkiv said the fighting was much fiercer than in Bakhmut, the Donbass city that Russia seized control of last year and which was reduced to rubble after months of fighting.

"The fighting in Kharkiv is 24/7. Their infantry keeps attacking, we keep holding back. At least we try to. Whenever possible, we stop them," said Pavlo, a gunner in Ukraine's 92nd Separate Assault Brigade who operates a gun.

"We were previously deployed in the Bakhmut area, now we have been transferred here. Here the situation is much hotter. There we did not have artillery shells. Here, at least we have artillery shells as the artillery shipments are being delivered. We have to fight," he said.

Ukrainian forces have been struggling for months as a bill to provide aid to Ukraine has been stuck in the US Congress for months. Russia has taken advantage of the situation, gaining momentum on the Donbass and Kharkiv fronts in recent months.

With the $61 billion US aid package being disbursed, Ukrainian gunners say their thirst for firepower has been somewhat quenched.

Russia remains in control in Kharkov, having captured dozens of villages in recent weeks.

If Russia takes Vovchansk, it will put Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, in its sights next.

However, with artillery shells being moved to the front lines, the morale of Ukrainian soldiers has become somewhat more optimistic.

Vitalii, an artillery unit commander, was confident that artillery shells would continue to be "pumping" to the front because everyone was aware of the importance of holding the line.

"Yes, we will be provided with ammunition because we are up against a major opponent. If we can now prove that we can stop their large-scale attack on the Kharkiv region in such a difficult situation, then Russia will never think of attacking the Kiev, Chernihiv, Sumy or Poltava regions," he said.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/binh-si-ukraine-noi-chien-su-kharkov-con-khoc-liet-hon-chao-lua-bakhmut-20240522150456143.htm