German-Made Howitzer Shows Strain as Ukraine's Battle for Bakhmut Persists

The relentless fighting in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has taken its toll on even the recently supplied Western weaponry, such as the German Pzh2000 howitzer, which is now showing signs of wear and tear.

After an arduous eight-month struggle, the city fell into the hands of Russian forces in May. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, particularly among the Moscow-backed Wagner mercenary force leading the assault.

However, the conflict did not reach its conclusion with the fall of Bakhmut. Ukrainian units swiftly adjusted their strategy, launching offensives on the northern and southern approaches to the town, now under Russian control.

While other regions of Ukraine prepared for a broader counteroffensive with newly trained brigades equipped with NATO-supplied tanks, battle-hardened units, though fatigued, continued their fight outside Bakhmut.

Assault infantry brigades are making gradual progress through the surrounding woods and fields, aided by heavy artillery targeting Russian trenches and positions.

Among the units engaged in the battle is the 43rd Artillery Brigade, armed with the German-built Panzerhaubitze 2000. This self-propelled howitzer, resembling an oversized tank with a formidable 155 mm gun, was donated to Ukraine by its western European allies last year. It has proven to be more accurate and effective at longer ranges than Ukraine’s previous Soviet-designed artillery.

However, the delivery of Pzh2000s has been limited, with less than 30 units received thus far. The Ukrainian gunners have been maintaining an exceptionally high rate of fire, surpassing the expectations of German engineers.

One of the gunnery teams, led by a young officer known by the call sign “Pravda,” has already sent one howitzer for servicing due to the strain of continuous use. Mechanics work tirelessly to keep its replacement operational.

The gun’s turret bears the scars of shrapnel from a Russian shell that exploded amidst tree branches overhead, while the intricate automatic loading system requires constant maintenance.

Similar to soldiers everywhere, Pravda’s team, many of whom received training in Germany, expresses discontent with their equipment, arguing that it was designed for German roads rather than Ukraine’s muddy forests.

During over a year of fighting, the team has been granted a mere 10 days of leave, enduring the hardships of living in self-dug trenches and bunkers.

“The sooner this ends, the sooner we can return home. We will expel the occupiers and go back home; what other choice do we have?” Pravda stated.

Jokingly, he added, “I long to walk on paved roads again, but I might have forgotten how.”

– Coping with the Challenges –

Another member of the platoon, who has carried the call sign “Krasavchik” or “Dreamboat” since 2015, finds solace in simpler comforts.

“Don’t touch that shovel,” he warns a visitor to their position. “That shovel is like therapy. When you’re shoveling, you forget everything.”

Despite their exhaustion, the gunnery team continues to operate the howitzer effectively. Residing in bunkers concealed beneath forest foliage and camouflage netting to avoid detection by Russian drones, the soldiers receive coordinates from their command.

Swiftly, they ignite the 1,000-horsepower engine of the Pzh2000 and emerge from the cover of trees into a nearby meadow, distancing their firing position from vulnerable hiding spots.

The immense barrel is raised, and four resounding booms reverberate across the hills.