“By the time they realize the mistake, it’s already too late” – Only the patient survive on the southern front

2023-09-01 20:09:15

Ukrainian soldiers during an exercise

The clearly visible plains and the many mines on the southern front cost numerous Ukrainians their lives.

(Photo: Reuters)

Velika Novosilka The ammunition is already loaded and the gun barrel is aligned when the order to cancel comes. “Russian drone”, calls a metallic voice through the radio, “immediately into the dugout!” The three artillerymen jump out of the self-propelled gun and pull the camouflage net just removed over the steel combat vehicle. Then we run back to the trench through the narrow strip of forest in southern Ukraine.

Wolt, as the lieutenant in the marine infantry unit is known by his combat name, doesn’t want to take any chances. “We have to protect the lives of our people,” says the 21-year-old, who came straight from the military academy to the front.

Ukrainians have suffered enough casualties from kamikaze drones to act cautiously. The size of the gun and the smoke emitted when fired also make the position relatively easy to pinpoint. There is hardly any cover at the front.

Read on now

Get access to this and every other article in the

Web and in our app free of charge for 4 weeks.

Further

Read on now

Get access to this and every other article in the

web and in our app.

Further