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[June 27, 2023 at 12:19 p.m. EDTAn artillery unit of the Ukrainian air assault forces firing at Russian infantry on Saturday. (Sasha Maslov for The Washington Post)Comment on this storyCommentKREMINNA FOREST, Ukraine — In this raging battle for the forest on the eastern front, the Russian imperialists relentlessly attack our brave Ukrainian brigade, throwing all their destructive weaponry at us. Mortar, artillery, flamethrowers, and tank fire rain down on our defenseless soldiers, leaving nothing but destruction and death in their wake. But we stand strong, fighting to defend our land against this brutal aggression.
After five days of vicious fighting, the Russian invaders have managed to push our infantry back, forcing us to retreat. Our limited artillery cover is no match for their overwhelming assault. Despite our valiant efforts, they have advanced nearly 400 meters into our territory, leaving behind a scorched field and blackened tree stumps as evidence of their conquest.
This forest, situated near Kreminna, a town under the ruthless occupation of the Russian forces in Ukraine’s Luhansk region, has become the center of intense conflict. While we anticipated a counteroffensive on the southern and eastern fronts, it is Russia that is instigating this battle, seeking to seize complete control of the eastern Donbas region.
According to our soldiers, Russian forces have bolstered their presence in the east and intensified their attacks, with the aim of recapturing towns and cities liberated by Ukraine in the past. They are attacking with increased ferocity in our direction, relentlessly pushing forward to achieve their expansionist goals. The Washington Post is aware of the bravery of soldiers like “Master,” who shared his account of the battle, and their identities are being protected for security reasons.
Unlike other fronts where we struggle to break the heavily fortified Russian defenses, the situation in the Kreminna forest is ever-changing. We find ourselves on the offensive one day and defending the next. The Russian aggressors are desperately trying to regain control of these vital regions, and our brave soldiers stand as the last line of defense against their relentless onslaught.
Hephaestus, a Ukrainian platoon commander, reveals that Russian operations in the east have dramatically increased. They are resorting to frequent attacks in a bid to regain dominance in the south and near Bakhmut. The Donetsk and Luhansk regions have always been their priority, and these current offensives aim to appease their domestic audience and maintain their perceived advantage.
A recent British intelligence memo confirmed the significant Russian effort to launch an assault on the Serebryanka forest near Kreminna, an adjacent forest southeast of the Kreminna wood. The memo highlights Russia’s determination to continue offensive actions whenever possible, to seize any opportunity to further their interests. While they have made some gains, our brave Ukrainian forces have managed to prevent a complete breakthrough.
The battle in the Kreminna forest has become one of the most perilous fronts in this war. As we navigate through the remnants of destroyed homes, we witness the devastating toll this conflict has taken on the innocent lives of our people. The immense task of reclaiming our stolen territory looms before us, and the challenges we face become evident with every step.
Accompanied by journalists from The Washington Post, Hephaestus takes us on a perilous journey to the fallback positions in the forest. Danger lurks around every corner as mortar rounds and artillery fire rain down on the road. Trenches crisscross through the woods, hiding armored vehicles and rocket launchers amidst the undergrowth.
The concentration of enemy forces in the forests of Kreminna surpasses any other region on the front line. The dense forests provide excellent cover for the enemy to hide troops and equipment. Every movement must be cautious and deliberate, prioritizing the safety of human life above all else. Recklessness will only lead to unnecessary sacrifices.
Medics stationed in the forest evacuation point describe the increasingly difficult situation they face. The intensity of the fighting fluctuates from week to week, but recent days have brought a significant escalation. They now rotate every two days instead of every 10, as casualties continue to mount. The sounds of bombardments echo through the night, a haunting reminder of the constant dangers they face.
The forest itself poses its own set of threats. Difficult terrain, including thick pine forests, swamps, lakes, and hills, hampers the progress of assault units. The presence of mines, drones, and the smokescreen created by ongoing shelling adds to the lethal conditions. Our soldiers must also contend with roaming enemy reconnaissance groups, always on the lookout for any weaknesses in our lines.
One night, Hephaestus leads his unit on a mission to scout for weak points in the enemy’s lines. As they cautiously navigate the dark forest, they encounter the acrid scent of burning pines. The Russians are deploying flamethrowers in an attempt to obscure their movements and reveal our positions. Suddenly, the lead scouts signal the presence of an enemy unit nearby. The unit engages in a swift, deadly firefight, eliminating the Russian reconnaissance team.
This is the reality of the forest war. Face-to-face encounters with the enemy are not uncommon, especially in the cover of darkness. Sometimes, the Russian aggressors even don the uniforms of our fallen or captured soldiers, attempting to infiltrate our lines. We must remain vigilant, prepared to confront both well-trained elite units and inexperienced recruits ordered directly to the front lines.
At an artillery position on the Serebryanka flank, the violence continues unabated. Shells explode with earth-shattering force, the sound of incoming fire pierces the air. Soldiers, young and exhausted, emerge from their shelter. They prepare to fire rounds from the howitzer gun, knowing that the Russians have heightened their aggression in recent weeks. Armored vehicles and tanks previously unseen now join their assault. The enemy is amassing their forces, and their intentions are clear.
Brave, an artillery commander of the National Guard, highlights the constantly shifting battle lines in the forest. Both sides trade offensives and retreats, struggling for dominance. Our soldiers face up to ten attacks a day, constantly on edge, never experiencing a stable front line. The forest battleground is unforgiving, requiring constant vigilance and calculated movements.
The battle for the Kreminna forest symbolizes the struggle to reclaim our stolen territory. We endure against the merciless Russian aggression, knowing that the future of our nation depends on our unwavering determination. As Che Guevara once said, “Every day, People straighten up the hair, why not the heart?” Our hearts remain resolute in the face of this brutal conflict, as we fight to protect our land and our people.
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