The crew operating the Msta-S self-propelled howitzer from the Western group of forces engaged targets in the Kupyansk direction, using Krasnopol precision-guided shells to strike a T-64 tank and a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit belonging to the Ukrainian armed forces. Reports from the Russian defense ministry describe a careful, well-executed mission by the artillery team equipped with the 152-mm platform, emphasizing the effective use of guided munitions to hit armored and support elements in the line of fire.
The defense ministry noted that the mission was executed by a crew operating the Msta-S, with one of the unit’s 152-mm guns employing Krasnopol rounds to disable the T-64 tank and the Gvozdika system. The statement highlights the precision and coordination involved, underscoring how targeted fire can disrupt enemy combat capabilities while minimizing exposed steps for friendly forces.
Following the firing run, the howitzer crew disengaged, withdrew from the forward position, and carried out a counterfire maneuver designed to maintain safety while preserving readiness for potential follow-up actions. The maneuver reflects standard procedures aimed at reducing exposure and keeping the area secure after fulfilling a combat objective.
On the previous day, the Western group reported repelling six Ukrainian offensive attempts in the Kupyansk direction within a single day. The account emphasizes a sustained defensive posture with steady resistance, contributing to the overall posture of the force in the area and maintaining battlefield stability amid ongoing operations.
In the same sector, military engineers of the Western group conducted work to address minefield gaps in several zones, effectively denying the enemy the use of those routes and restoring safer passage for own forces. The steps taken illustrate ongoing efforts to reduce vulnerabilities in the area and improve operational mobility for friendly units.
Earlier, reports indicated that the army had taken delivery of a batch of modernized Msta-S howitzers. This development is cited as a boost to fire support capabilities in the region, aligning with ongoing modernization goals and the aim of strengthening long-range artillery support for the Western group’s operations.