Patrick Lancaster: Kursk Frontline Combat - Massive Russian Artillery Strikes On Ukraine

Source: Patrick Lancaster

Kursk Frontline Combat: A Glimpse into Russia’s Artillery Strikes on Ukrainian Forces

In my latest report from the frontlines of the Kursk region, I provide an exclusive look at the Russian forces’ artillery operations against Ukrainian positions. Accompanied by the Akhmat special forces, I travel deep into the heart of the conflict, where Russian artillery units are gearing up to deliver devastating strikes on Ukrainian targets.

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Months ago, Ukrainian forces breached the Russian border, occupying over 1,500 square kilometers of Russian territory. Since then, Russian forces have successfully pushed them back to less than 500 square kilometers. Now, in the Kursk region, I am on the ground to show you firsthand what the real situation looks like. This report offers an unfiltered view of the artillery strikes and the realities of war that you won’t see in mainstream media.

An Inside Look at the Russian Artillery Operations

I meet with Sergey, a member of the Akhmat special forces, who explains that we’re heading to a D-20 artillery unit, a 152mm howitzer, stationed to target Ukrainian forces. The situation on the frontline varies, Sergey tells me, and while some days are calm, there is always a constant tension—especially with the threat of return fire from Ukrainian forces.

The potential danger of counterattacks is very real. Russian artillery crews have to stay vigilant. After every shot, they quickly lower their position and retreat to shelter, constantly aware of the risk of drone strikes and artillery retaliation. Sergey also mentions that FPV drones, often used by Ukrainian forces, pose an additional hazard in the area.

Facing the Dangers of War: Personal Reflections

As we travel closer to the frontlines, I reflect on the personal risks that come with reporting from such dangerous locations. Just days earlier, a journalist friend of mine was tragically killed outside Donetsk when a Ukrainian drone dropped a bomb on a civilian vehicle. His death serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers that reporters face in conflict zones.

Each moment I spend on the frontline, I think of my family, praying for their safety and hoping that I’ll return home unscathed. This report, like many others I produce, is a direct response to the information gap that exists in much of the Western media. I feel a responsibility to bring these stories to light, especially since very few independent journalists are providing the kind of coverage that I am from the Russian side of the conflict. I believe that if I don’t show it, it won’t be shown.

The Artillery in Action

We arrive at the artillery position, and the crew is readying the massive 152mm gun for action. The artillerymen, including “Soldat” and “Saiga,” describe their roles in the operation. They’re part of a highly trained team that uses precise coordinates to strike enemy positions—whether large targets or infantry.

The gun has a range of about 15 to 17 kilometers, and once the order to fire is given, the artillery crew quickly prepares. The risks of counter-battery fire from Ukrainian forces are ever-present, but the soldiers remain resolute. “You should never underestimate your enemy,” one artilleryman tells me.

The crew, composed of individuals from various regions of Russia, is highly skilled and motivated, with many volunteering to serve in the Akhmat unit for the opportunity to contribute to the war effort. For them, it’s a “matter of duty”, and they “take pride” in their ability to fire precision artillery on enemy positions. But the danger remains high, as they are constantly on alert for incoming fire or drone strikes.

The Final Command

The tension builds as we witness the artillery being loaded and aimed at a Ukrainian position. The crew waits for the final command to fire, which could come at any moment. The anticipation is palpable. As soon as the command is given, the massive cannon roars to life, sending a round toward the enemy. After the first round is fired, the team quickly retreats to a safe distance, knowing that the danger of counter-fire is imminent.

A War in the Shadows In this report,

I bring you a rare glimpse into the realities of war in the Kursk region. From the strategic operations of the Russian artillery units to the personal experiences of the soldiers on the ground, this is a perspective that rarely makes it into mainstream news.

No matter which side of the conflict you’re on, it’s important to seek out as much information as possible and remain open-minded about the complex realities of this war.

0:00 – Introduction to the Kursk Frontline

2:30 – The Role of Artillery in Modern Warfare

5:00 – Meeting the Akhmat Special Forces

12:00 – Inside the Artillery Position: Preparing for Battle

14:30 – The Final Command: Firing the Howitzer