Ukrainian soldier launching a Javelin ATGM

While AFU has deployed some modern SPG around Bakhmut, a considerable part of their artillery force here consists of older pieces like this 122mm 2S1. Compared to Krabs or PzH2000 they not only lack in range, precision or shoot and scoot, but also in protection of its crew. This crew just arrived at the Bakhmut theatre a few hours ago after taking part in the liberation of Kherson. Gunner said he probably shot more than 1,000 rounds already. We were just about to have tea in their hideout when they were called to action. After firing the first shot the correction took a long time, so I asked him about the tea. “Serving Russians first”, he laughed. Apparently correction was more difficult due to different shells. Of course they would prefer to fight with a more powerful SPG which is better protected, the commander told me, but they have no choice and use everything available. Another 2S1 near Bakhmut had „Krabik“ written on it - „small crab“, referring to the Polish AHS Krab. A Ukrainian soldier launching a Javelin ATGM.