Ukrainian Forces Utilize NATO Arms in Offensive Against Russian Positions

Ukrainian forces claim that their use of heavy weapons supplied by NATO is inflicting significant damage on Russian positions near Bakhmut. However, these claims cannot be independently verified by RFE/RL. Ukrainian commanders see the capture of nearby villages as a step towards recapturing the symbolic city of Bakhmut. The Ukrainian armed forces heavily rely on heavy artillery, including the US-made M109 self-propelled howitzer and the Polish-made Krab gun. Ukrainian officials believe they are well-positioned to continue pressing forward in the east, engaging Russian troops while searching for breakthroughs in other parts of the country.