Frontline report: How 3rd Assault Brigade's mortarmen halt Russian onslaught

Izium after the occupation

More than two years have passed since the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated the city of Izium in the Kharkiv region. Afterward, the world was shocked by the horrifying traces left by the Russian invaders. Images of the exhumation of Ukrainian bodies spread across the globe.

More than 400 people, most of them civilians — men, women, and children — were tortured to death and buried in the forest. Despite this grim legacy, people began returning home after the de-occupation in September 2022. Today, Izium can be considered one of the symbols of the country: partially destroyed and scarred, yet standing strong.

The city is full of contrasts — next to a completely ruined building, there may be a brand-new, beautiful café with friendly people. Almost every street bears the ruins of structures destroyed during the occupation, yet the Russians continue their attempts to annihilate the city, using aerial weapons and shelling civilian targets.

Recently, enemy forces once again launched a missile strike on residential buildings, injuring more than 50 people and killing five.

With the development of military technology, movement along the front is becoming extremely difficult. Dozens of drones from both the enemy and the Defense Forces can swarm in the sky at the same time, some of them are reconnaissance drones but most are strike drones.

Until recently, it was possible to reach the positions of mortar launchers in daylight, as artillery batteries are located at a relatively safe distance from the front line.

But now the situation has changed dramatically. Logistical routes have to be laid out taking into account the constant shelling by Russian drones, including fiber optics. Their enormous number makes it impossible to move in daylight.

Road to the front

Any vehicle movement on the front can attract enemy attention. That’s why I set off with a crew delivering ammunition to the mortar positions.

The journey is long, as staying too close to the combat zone is dangerous. During rotations, fighters are stationed far from the front line. Several kilometers before reaching the positions, the driver turns off the headlights and puts on a thermal imaging device. From here on, we move in complete darkness.

The vehicle growls heavily, struggling through the muddy terrain. At times, it feels like we are stuck in place, but soon the car starts bouncing over the deep tracks left by armored vehicles. The moon is our only source of light. In the night’s silence, the engine’s roar is all we hear.

Suddenly, a flash and a loud explosion appear ahead. An enemy FPV drone has struck the ground — likely aiming to "hunt" our vehicle — but the electronic warfare prevented the drone from getting closer.

By morning, a single crew had fired about 60 mortar rounds at enemy forces

After more than an hour on the road, we finally reached the position. As soon as I jump out of the vehicle, I feel thick mud under my feet. The conditions in which the soldiers have to work are, to put it mildly, not always pleasant. But this is the least of the obstacles. While the fighters quickly unload the mortars, I grab my belongings and head into the dugout.

Within a few minutes, all the soldiers returned and greeted me warmly. The crew consists of four guys: commander "Cop," gunner "Vidmak," crew members "Lavryk" and "Vivaldi."

The mortar operators show me their modest quarters and tell me to choose a place to sleep since I'll be staying for at least a day. In conversation, we don't even notice how time flies — it's already nearly three in the morning. Since there are no immediate tasks, one person remains on watch while the rest of us lie down for a short rest.

Morning. Combat, daily life, and field cooking

I wake up to the sensation of everything around me shaking. The guys have received orders to get to work — the Russians have launched an assault. By morning, a single crew had fired about 60 mortar rounds at enemy forces. After productive work, we finally have the chance to talk with the soldiers in a calmer setting.

The fighters of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade continue to hold back the occupiers' attacks at the junction of three regions — Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk. According to the soldiers, their task is to support the infantry and repel enemy assaults using a 120-mm mortar.

"This thing is awesome — it shoots far and hits well. We've already mastered it and can now operate it precisely, quickly, and effectively. The key is constant training because every second at the front matters. Regular exercises help the crew respond quickly to threats and complete combat tasks efficiently," says crew member "Vivaldi."

The guys' mission is to support the infantry and repel enemy assaults using a 120-mm mortar

Their unit is responsible for its sector of the front, with actions coordinated by commanders at the command observation post.

"We don't see the whole battlefield, but the commanders keep the situation under control. They give us clear instructions, and we carry them out with maximum precision. This coordination allows us not only to defend but also to inflict large losses on the enemy," adds "Vivaldi."

During short breaks between combat actions, the soldiers try to arrange some semblance of daily life in the dugout. Inside, there's a small gas burner with a frying pan containing a meal. The air is filled with incredible aromas. "For us, lunch is a real ritual. Today, for example, we're making rice, and honestly, it's the best rice in the world," jokes "Lavryk."

He adds that it's important to create a homely atmosphere even in difficult conditions, as it boosts morale. "We try to cook simply but deliciously — a little canned meat, some spices, and you get a great meal," he says.

After a nourishing lunch, everyone gets back to work. Equipment maintenance is especially crucial for the soldiers. "Vivaldi" shares a smart trick — here, even a toothbrush isn't just for hygiene but is also used to clean the mortar's threads.

Each of these fighters has been at war for a long time

"This ensures the best shot at the enemy. We meticulously clean every detail, every hole, to keep our mortar functioning flawlessly. This attention to detail is the key to our effectiveness on the battlefield," explains "Vivaldi."

Besides combat, the soldiers devote significant time to fortifying their positions. They regularly reinforce trenches, deepen them, and cover them with branches and camouflage nets.

"Digging is a constant task — setting up positions, strengthening shelters, or protecting ammunition. The enemy tries to locate us, so we have to stay ahead. Every day we work to make our position invisible and protect ourselves and our comrades," says crew member "Lavryk."

The crew usually stays at positions for a few days and then gets a short rest. But for soldiers, rest is just a change of activity. When they’re not on the front line, they improve their skills. Training is an integral part of service. One of the fighters noted that daily exercises helped them master not only mortar operations but also tactics, medical skills, and marksmanship.

The defenders say that digging must be constant: it is extremely important as it saves from enemy fire

"You must be able to replace your comrade in any position — gunner, loader, or scout. In battle, there is no time for hesitation; you just have to know what to do and how to do it. That is why we train every day — it gives us confidence and coordination in our actions," explains "Lavryk."

The soldiers emphasize that such versatility helps them act swiftly in combat, where every second is priceless.

'For everyone who believes in victory.' On motivation in service

Each of the fighters has been at war for many years and admits that they sometimes feel tired. But they have no intention of giving up. The main motivation for the soldiers remains the memory of fallen comrades and the desire to protect their families.

"The enemy must be destroyed, driven out of our land, and the civilian population must be protected as much as possible. When you imagine that your family, friends, and neighbors are behind you, it gives you the strength to hold on until the end. We are here not just for ourselves — we are here for everyone who believes in victory," says "Vivaldi."

The main motivation for the guys is the desire to protect their loved ones and the memory of fallen comrades

The soldiers clearly understand that behind them are people who work daily in cafes, bakeries, factories, and other enterprises. "Our task is to ensure that the war does not reach them. We hold this frontline not just as a piece of land but as a shield for our people," concludes "Lavryk."