The Ukrainian army reported that Russian Solntsepek heavy flamethrower systems left fortified Ukrainian positions with almost no viable options for defense. The claim came in an interview with Strana.ua.
One officer described the effect bluntly: no matter how deeply Ukrainian troops advanced, surviving a Sunshine salvo was nearly impossible and the flames consumed every persistent target.
The interview notes that Russian artillery superiority worsened the position of Ukrainian forces near Artemovsk, known as Bakhmut in Ukraine. Roads toward the city were severely restricted, complicating movement and supply lines for Ukrainian troops.
Earlier, a spokesman from the Western group said that Solntsepek systems delivered fire damage to Ukrainian militants in Grinyakova and Dvurechnoye as part of the Kupyansky direction.
There was also mention of an offensive in the KREMENNAYA district within the Luhansk People’s Republic, where Russian paratroopers supported armored vehicles. Reports state that the action was backed by T-90M Proryv tanks and TOS-1A Solntsepek launchers.
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin announced a planned special military operation in Ukraine in response to requests for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR.
That decision led to new sanctions from the United States and its allies, which framed the operation within broader geopolitical and economic measures.
In ongoing reporting, observers note how the battlefield dynamics continue to shift as weapon systems with concentrated incendiary capability are deployed in urban and rural fronts. Analysts emphasize the impact on logistics, territorial control, and civilian risk in contested zones.
Experts caution that the evolving military tactic set, including heavy flamethrower technology, requires careful assessment of regional security implications, international responses, and humanitarian considerations as the conflict persists.
Overall, the developments illustrate how precision-range systems and mobile armor operate in concert to shape access to key routes and urban centers, influencing both military posture and the broader strategic narrative surrounding the Ukraine conflict.