Ukrainian gunners finally have artillery shells to fight in Kharkiv

Lacking military aid including artillery shells and other weapons, Ukrainian defenders have struggled for months to keep up with Russian advances on the front lines. But after the US Congress approved a $61 billion aid package last month, Ukrainian fighters say the dire shortages are starting to ease.

Ukrainian soldiers load ammunition into an M109 self-propelled gun before firing at Russian troops in the Kharkiv region, May 20. Photo: Reuters

Ukrainian soldiers in the northern districts of Kharkiv region said fighting there was more intense than their previous mission in Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian town captured by Russia last year.

“Russian infantry is attacking 24/7 and we continue to counter those attacks. At least we are trying to. Whenever possible, we try to take them down,” said Pavlo, a gunner in Ukraine’s 92nd Separate Assault Brigade.

"Before in Bakhmut, we didn't have artillery shells. But here, they started delivering artillery shells to us, giving us something to work with, something to fight with."

Earlier this month, Russian troops pushed deep into the Kharkiv region, claiming to have captured dozens of villages. The town of Vovchansk, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the border, remains the focus of the offensive. Capturing Vovchansk would be Russia’s most significant victory since the start of the offensive. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, is 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.

"We saw them walking to their positions. When they moved, of course we tried to attack to cause maximum casualties," said Vitalii, commander of the brigade's artillery unit.

Vitalii is confident that artillery shells will continue to appear because everyone is aware of the importance of holding the line. "We will be supplied with ammunition. If we can stop the enemy's large-scale attack on the Kharkiv region, the enemy will not dare to think about attacking the Kiev, Chernihiv, Sumy or Poltava regions," he said.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phao-thu-ukraine-cuoi-cung-da-co-dan-de-chien-dau-o-kharkiv-post296423.html