Ukrainian forces strike, destroying key Russian artillery assets

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense recently shared a video showcasing the destruction of Russian artillery in recent attacks. What enemy equipment was taken out?

The footage offers a glimpse into a day of successful Ukrainian strikes along the Zaporizhzhia front. The primary method of attack was aerial, utilizing drones—a tactic frequently employed by both parties in the conflict. This time, the effectiveness of drones was made clear to the aggressor's forces.

"The Ukrainians declared it a job well done," listing the enemy's losses as including 2S7 Pion artillery, 2S1 Carnation, and two D-30 howitzers, along with an armored personnel carrier and five vehicles.

Particularly noteworthy is the targeting of the 2S7 Pion. This heavy artillery piece, known as part of Putin's "murderous bouquet," is among the more potent weapons in the Russian arsenal. The 2S7 Pion, equipped with a 2A44 cannon, is designed for 203 mm caliber shells. Although primarily utilizing fragmentation-explosive shells, it can also be adapted for nuclear and chemical munitions.

Using standard shells, the 2S7 Pion can reach targets approximately 25 miles away, and with rocket-assisted projectiles, the range extends up to 31 miles. This capability allows Russian forces to strike significant Ukrainian positions, such as ammunition storages or fortifications, with minimal risk. Notably, the 2S7 Pion is a self-propelled unit, with its cannon mounted on a T-80 tank chassis.

Russians still have an abundance of 2S1 Carnation artillery

The destruction of the 2S1 Carnation was also highlighted among the Russian losses. Recent estimates suggest that, along with the 2S3 Acacia and 2S5 Hyacinth, it ranks among the most plentiful artillery systems still available to the Russians, with around 1,800 units in reserve.

This howitzer, crafted in the 1970s, is built on the chassis of an MT-LB armored personnel carrier and designed for 122 mm caliber shells. It can hit targets nearly 16 miles away.

The takedown of two D-30 howitzers was also reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, marking the least significant setback for the invaders. These towed howitzers, developed in the late 1950s, launch 122 mm caliber shells to a distance of about 12 miles.