Ukrainian soldiers operate U.S. military aid M777 howitzers. Image: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
During the 84 days of the Russian-Ukrainian war, European and American countries continued to provide various weapons to Ukraine. Among them, the US-made M777 howitzer was the most eye-catching. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced today (18th) that it had destroyed “one” M777 howitzer artillery battery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Major General Igor Konashenkov, spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defense, said at a press conference: Russian missile forces and artillery destroyed 76 command posts, 421 areas where active forces and military equipment were concentrated, and 147 missiles that entered launch positions in Ukraine. Artillery and mortar batteries, including a US-made 155mm M777 howitzer. However, it did not specify the period of obtaining the above-mentioned results, and the exact number of M777s destroyed.
According to preliminary understanding, the U.S. military aided Ukraine with 90 guns and Canada also provided 4 guns, with a total of 94 M777 howitzers. Due to the different establishments of various countries, it is impossible to know for sure how many artillery guns are included in the “one company” claimed by the Russian side. Earlier, some military experts predicted that due to the lack of air transport maneuverability of the Ukrainian troops, the M777 would not be able to play due to its light weight and fast movement characteristics, and would become a howitzer generally “tracted” by a truck, and it would be difficult to avoid “counterattack”. “destroy.
Other achievements claimed by the Russian Ministry of Defense include the destruction of the bridge built by the Ukrainian army for the forced crossing of the North Donets River, and the use of high-precision missiles to destroy the Ukrainian army’s 2 command posts, 31 active forces and military equipment concentration areas, including European mercenary units. station. In addition, the Russian Air Force shot down two Ukrainian Su-24 fighter jets, destroyed a battalion of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, four missile units and ammunition depots.