How do volunteers live and fight in the Artemivsk area
Cossack units in the SVO zone operate under the slogan "For faith, people and Fatherland". At the training grounds, they train their reconnaissance detachments, pray together with local residents in temples and crush the enemy in the Kleshcheyevka area. In the Artyom direction, the enemy is using all forces and means to restrain the advance of our troops. Izvestia correspondents visited the control points of volunteer formations in Artemovsk and Soledar, saw their combat work, and also participated in awards and celebrations.
The road with kamikaze
In total darkness, two cars make their way along the road to Soledar, broken by tracks and military trucks. It is possible to move in conditions of mass use of kamikaze drones only at night, and it is better not to stray into columns.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Alexey Ramm
Image source: iz.ru
In one of the cars is the ataman of the All—Russian Cossack Society, General Vitaly Kuznetsov, who is taking awards to volunteers to present them right on the front line to the soldiers of the Terek Cossack brigade. In the other, we and the brigade command. During a long winter night, it is necessary to manage to go around several points in different sections of the Artemovsky direction.
Cars make their way through clay and sleet. But the weather is still for us: it prevents kamikaze drones from flying.
Soledar and the outskirts
We hide the cars in the ruins of Soledar and immediately go down to one of the basements. The control point of the Cossack detachment is located here.
— The situation remains difficult, heavy fighting is going on, — says one of the officers of the Terek Bacha brigade. — We are trying to probe the enemy's defenses. In those areas where we identify slack, we move forward. The enemy is pulling up reserves and is forced to take measures to counter our advance.
Bacha believes that the reserves of the VFU are being depleted. However, they are increasingly using UAVs.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Alexey Ramm
Image source: iz.ru
— For the first time since we occupied these positions, air strikes were carried out on command posts using US-made JDAM gliding bombs. But they didn't lead to anything, there weren't even any wounded. Naturally, electronic warfare (EW) helped us," Bacha said.
According to him, the units are currently actively working on equipping electronic warfare vehicles and individual positions to counter kamikaze drones. Additional measures have been taken to ensure the safe conduct of holidays, to which the enemy often dates both military strikes and terrorist acts.
Awards and Heroes
In the room, volunteers lined up for the presentation of awards. This is already one of the new traditions of the SVO. Fighters receive awards immediately, without waiting for rotations and exit to the points of deployment. Of course, the ceremony has been shortened and simplified, but almost everyone says that such an award is more pleasant for them, it will be remembered for a lifetime.
— When it's over, we'll tell you what we were awarded for. Now, I think it's inappropriate," said the officer with the call sign Picket.
Photo: VsKO press service/Evgeny Kel
Image source: iz.ru
He says that the fighters expected provocations on New Year's holidays.
— On the other hand, they have a very negative attitude towards our Orthodox holiday of the Nativity of Christ, — says the officer. — This is very important in Cossack units, our motto is "For faith, people and Fatherland". And I will also say that here, in the SVO zone, the feelings of the fighters are aggravated, and they simply cannot miss Christmas," says Picket.
The Cossack Call
The Picket blames Ukrainian politicians for the fact that fraternal peoples united by millennia of common history and until recently had a single church were divided. According to him, this is the decision of the Ukrainian government, not the people.
In his opinion, ordinary people will be able to restore relations not only after the end of hostilities, but also today.
"Moving forward, we live with former citizens of Ukraine every day, every moment," he explains. — We communicate with those who lived on the opposite side, and we find mutual understanding. It is clear that in most cases people have been intimidated, and they pray with us in temples. They remember and believe that this faith is true and real, which was revered by their fathers, grandfathers and ancestors.
The fighters, in their congratulations, which they send to the rear, first of all wish peace and family reunification at a common festive table. On the walls of almost every room there are letters from schools, kindergartens and other reminders of home.
Photo: RIA Novosti
Image source: iz.ru
Moving further along the front line around Artemovsk, we enter other detachments. A short ceremony is repeated in each, and the awardees resume their duties. Only now new medals are emblazoned on pea jackets and bulletproof vests.
— This is my second business trip, the first was near Raisins, and now we are standing in the Kleshcheyevka area and holding these positions, — says the Brewer. — The enemy snaps in his death throes, bites, but we push. Now the enemy practically avoids, does not withstand contact combat, and surrenders its fortifications under the onslaught.
According to the fighter, it is clear that the enemy is running out of steam.
— Here it is impossible not to say a word of gratitude to our artillery, which covers us, inflicts the main fire damage, — says Pivovar. — The enemy's artillery is active, but not as regularly as before. Fire raids may have pauses for a day or two, then activity resumes. Apparently, the enemy is saving ammunition or is faced with an irregular supply.
The Brewer came to the SVO zone as a volunteer, but without combat experience.
Photo: RIA Novosti/press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image source: iz.ru
— I am a Cossack, the chieftain of the farm. I led a peaceful life, built wooden houses. And when the Cossacks called me and said: "Brother, I need your help," I couldn't refuse," he recalls.
In addition to the awards, the ataman of the All—Russian Cossack Society, Vitaly Kuznetsov, delivered a humanitarian convoy with the necessary front-line assistance - generators, special equipment, equipment and many others.
— This is very important for the Cossacks, who are now on the front line, who are protecting the civilians of Donbass, protecting the whole world. I think it is a great honor and duty for all of us! — Ataman Kuznetsov sums it up.
Combat verification
The next day, we observe the training of the Terek brigade scouts at the training ground. Under the cover of machine guns, troikas advance between shelters. Fighters are firing from all positions, as it often can happen in the ruins of cities and towns where fighting is taking place today.
— Such exercises and working out coordinated actions are very important in modern combat conditions, — says the instructor with the call sign Boatswain. — The tactics of different units are slightly different, but we take the best from all units of our country. It is necessary to learn everything, including from foreign special forces units. Take what suits us, for our area and our weapons. We combine all the best and multiply it to be effective in various tactical actions
Photo: VsKO press service/Evgeny Kel
Image source: iz.ru
In the evening, a service begins in the Terek brigade's marching temple. Those who are allowed by their official duties gathered at it. The small hall is full. Five military personnel help the brigade priest as a choir.
In the hallway, too, children's letters and drawings occupy almost all the walls. Of course, in military conditions, the church service is shortened, and already at half past one the volunteers return to the usual rhythm of combat life.
Dmitry Astrakhan