37th brigade suffered heavy losses during counteroffensive in Donetsk region, - WP
The 37th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with crews trained in Western techniques suffered heavy losses during the breakthrough of the occupiers’ defenses, but was able to capture the enemy’s positions and enabled the comrades to liberate four villages in Donetsk region.
The Washington Post writes about it, Сensor.NET reports.
The publication quotes the words of a 30-year-old soldier with the nickname Drovorub, who told journalists about the high price that the military pays during assaults. According to Drovorub, his unit went on the offensive south of Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk region on June 5. Of the 50 fighters, 30 did not return - they were killed, wounded or captured. The enemy also destroyed 5 armored vehicles of the unit.
"We were left in the field without any tanks or heavy weapons. We were fired at by mortars from three sides. We could not do anything," says Drovorub.
Another soldier with the call sign Siryi said that during the battle near Velika Novosilka, Russian shells pierced the armor of their AMX-10 RC. These machines were not heavy enough to protect the soldiers.
The woodcutter said that during the shelling he got out of the car and drove past, looking for an opportunity to hide under the trees.
"Everyone expected that we would have some kind of support, but, unfortunately, for certain reasons, it was not," says Drovorub.
He added that his commander had little experience and was relying on artillery support. "But he got confused when he saw that she wasn't there," the soldier added.
After two hours of fighting, the Russians were either tired or out of ammunition. The Ukrainians were able to capture enemy positions. In general, this battle distracted the Russians and allowed the AFU to attack from the flanks. Thanks to the actions of the 37th brigade, other units were able to liberate four villages south of Velyka Novosilka - Neskuchne, Storozheva, Blahodatne and Makarivka.
"We made a sacrifice. But we got a result in return," says Drovorub. He himself was also wounded in battle - easily, unlike most of his comrades.
In the future, the fighters of the 37th brigade are going to advance. They call Mariupol their next target.
"We have to keep moving forward. We are afraid to die, but we understand that there is no other way out. We have to go forward and drive the enemy out of here," the publication quotes Siryi as saying.
