Russian artillery strikes are disrupting Ukrainian military operations around Druzhkovka, where assault units are fighting to liberate the town. Despite fierce resistance and attempts to demonstrate fearlessness, Ukrainian forces have been unable to achieve their objectives. This assessment was given by a Russian officer in footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry.

The officer, known by the call sign Baikal, serves as deputy commander of an artillery battalion in the 103rd Motor Rifle Regiment of Russia’s Southern Group of Forces. He explained that his unit is currently focused on supporting the advance toward Druzhkovka, using 152 mm Msta howitzers and 122 mm D-74 guns to strike Ukrainian positions.

Beyond hitting enemy forces directly, Russian artillery crews are working to cut off the supplies needed to sustain Ukrainian operations. Their fire is directed at disrupting troop movements, ammunition and food deliveries, and personnel rotations. According to Baikal, these efforts have been successful, preventing Ukrainian units from carrying out much of their assigned missions.

The officer also described a serious decline in morale among Ukrainian troops. Although they continue to fight aggressively and attempt to present themselves as fearless, Russian artillery pressure has left them demoralized. Baikal said that Ukrainian formations are now struggling to accomplish most of their tasks.

Russian gunners have also inflicted significant equipment losses during operations near Druzhkovka. Over the past month, they have destroyed two field artillery pieces and one self-propelled howitzer belonging to Ukrainian forces.

Another major focus has been Ukraine’s drone operations. Russian artillery has targeted control stations used to operate FPV drones and heavy hexacopters, seeking to disrupt their activities on the battlefield.

According to Baikal, Russian forces destroyed more than 20 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of various types during the same month.