Russian Artillery Destroys Ukrainian Positions in Donetsk Using Guided Shells

Russian artillery units of the 1st Army Corps have destroyed Ukrainian positions in the Donetsk region using 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled guns with a range of 22km, guided by UAV reconnaissance. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that over the past week, Russian troops delivered 34 combined strikes on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, targeting energy sites, military-industrial enterprises, railway infrastructure, air defense systems, arsenals, and fuel storage facilities for military hardware.

In the Kupyansk direction, Russian troops improved their frontline positions and repulsed 11 Ukrainian counterattacks, inflicting casualties on Ukrainian forces. In the Donetsk direction, Russian troops gained more advantageous positions and repulsed seven counterattacks by Ukrainian forces, inflicting significant casualties. In the Avdeyevka direction, Russian troops repulsed 53 Ukrainian counterattacks and advanced deeper into the enemy's defenses. In the south Donetsk area, Russian troops improved their tactical position and inflicted casualties on six Ukrainian army and National Guard brigades. In the Kherson area, Russian troops inflicted casualties on seven Ukrainian army brigades.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has escalated in recent weeks, with Russian forces ramping up pressure on exhausted Ukrainian troops across the front line. The use of guided artillery shells and UAV reconnaissance by Russian units has proven effective in destroying Ukrainian positions and inflicting casualties, potentially setting the stage for further Russian advances in the Donetsk region.

Military Aid Plea: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for urgent military assistance from NATO members, stating that Ukraine's capabilities on the ground are limited without additional support. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg reiterated the alliance's support for Ukraine and stressed the need for further aid, including missiles, artillery, and ammunition. The U.S. has been the main provider of military assistance to Ukraine, and a $60-84 billion aid package has been blocked in the U.S. House of Representatives, but is now expected to be voted on soon.

Tactical Maneuvers: Despite Moscow's advantage in firepower and personnel, a massive ground offensive would be risky, and Russian military bloggers and experts say smaller attacks across the front line to further drain the Ukrainian military may be a more effective tactic. Last summer's counteroffensive by Ukraine was doomed when advancing Ukrainian units got trapped on vast Russian minefields and massacred by artillery and drones. "The Russians have no reason to make the same mistake," said a Russian military analyst. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ordered his forces to build trenches, fortifications, and bunkers behind the more than 1,000-kilometer front line, but analysts say construction work moved slowly, leaving areas unprotected.

Key Takeaways

• Russian artillery destroys Ukrainian positions in Donetsk using guided UAV reconnaissance.
• Russian troops repel Ukrainian counterattacks, inflicting casualties across Donetsk region.
• Ukraine calls for urgent NATO military aid as Russian forces gain ground in Donetsk.
• U.S. military aid package for Ukraine faces delays in Congress, but expected to pass soon.
• Analysts warn smaller Russian attacks may be more effective than a massive ground offensive.