Ukraine receives world's most advanced self-propelled gun from Germany: Column by Serhiy Zgurets

Germany's support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces

On January 13, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius handed over the first RCH-155 wheeled howitzer to Ukraine as part of efforts to bolster Ukrainian artillery. The ceremony took place in Kassel, Germany, at the KNDS production facilities, a joint venture of Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter.

The Ukrainian Army will be the first to use this cutting-edge artillery system, which the manufacturer calls the most advanced wheeled howitzer in the world. It features an unmanned turret equipped with a 155 mm caliber gun. The barrel length matches the Panzerhaubitze 2000, which is already in service with Ukrainian forces. The RCH-155 has a range of 40-50 km with standard shells and up to 70 km with advanced Vulcano rounds.

This ultra-modern, fully automated howitzer requires just two crew members. Ukraine’s Armed Forces will now operate two state-of-the-art howitzers — the German RCH-155 and the Swedish Archer. While the Archer is already in use on the battlefield, the RCH-155 will take some time to appear in combat. The first six units will be used for training Ukrainian crews in Germany.

In total, Germany has promised to deliver 54 of these self-propelled guns, with the Bundeswehr planning to purchase them afterward. These systems are likely to undergo further upgrades, as real-world combat experience often drives new developments. It’s likely that both the Ukrainian Army and the Bundeswehr will eventually receive an even more advanced version of this equipment. For now, though, the RCH-155 stands as the most advanced self-propelled gun in the world, alongside Sweden’s Archer.

Germany also provides ammunition for these howitzers. Rheinmetall, for instance, supplies Vulcano shells, which are used to target and destroy Russian Shahed drones.

Strike on Russian command posts

Ukraine's military continues to successfully target Russian command posts. Over the past three weeks, at least seven command posts — ranging from brigade to corps and army levels — have been hit. On January 12, reports confirmed the destruction of the command post of the 2nd Combined Arms Army, marking a direct strike on a Russian control center. This army is currently engaged in combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction.

Earlier, on January 8 and 10, strikes were carried out on the command posts of the 8th Army of the Russian Military District in Khartsyzk. The 8th Army oversees Russia's efforts in the Kurakhove direction. On January 10, another strike targeted the corps control center of the 3rd Army Corps, which is leading offensive operations toward Chasiv Yar.

Previously, strikes were also launched against Russian Marine Corps brigades in the Kursk direction. Notably, three attacks hit the command posts of the 810th Marine Brigade, as well as the command post of the 76th Division in Lgov, Kursk region. These strikes disrupt Russia's ability to coordinate their forces.

Frontline situation

Russia is actively trying to break through Ukraine's defenses, focusing primarily on the Pokrovsk direction. They are also intensifying efforts near Chasiv Yar and Toretsk.

In Toretsk, Russian forces have nearly destroyed the city. However, Ukrainian military holds the northwestern part of the city and defends the Toretsk mine. Currently, about 20% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control, though the situation is fluid as fighting continues throughout the city.

Urban combat in Toretsk has been ongoing for seven months, starting in June. Interestingly, the city's defenses were constructed to prevent Russian forces from flanking it, forcing them to launch frontal assaults through industrial zones. These attacks have resulted in heavy losses for Russian forces, particularly in areas beyond the industrial sector.

Yevhen Alkhimov, the chief officer of Ukraine's 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade operating in the Toretsk direction, reported that Russian assaults involving both personnel and equipment have increased over the past week. The brigade’s defenders hold the left flank, where Russian forces attempted a frontal attack but failed. There have been no territorial changes in the brigade’s area of responsibility. The defensive positions are set up to prevent the Russian occupying forces from advancing, allowing Ukrainian infantry to quickly reposition. Whether Russian troops strike head-on or try to flank the positions, they are destroyed by crossfire.

Alkhimov also commented on a video highlighting the challenges of urban combat. Civilians remain in the area, often used by Russian troops for reconnaissance, mining, or sabotage. The part of Toretsk opposite Ukrainian positions is occupied, and the invading troops are employing every possible method. The video shows, perhaps, so-called "camels" — fighters overloaded with ammunition and supplies, tasked with marking targets for future Russian assaults. In one case, a civilian-looking person with a bag over their shoulders walked along the road, only to pull out anti-tank mines and begin mining the road. Such incidents are common, so drone operators are on constant alert. Extreme caution is needed because Russian soldiers disguise themselves as civilians. Before engaging, it’s crucial to confirm they are enemy targets.

The serviceman noted that Russian troops have adjusted their tactics, now using equipment to quickly approach Ukrainian positions. After advancing, the equipment either withdraws or provides cover fire, followed by an assault group’s attack. On January 13, for instance, a BTR-82 was destroyed while covering a Russian assault group. The vehicle hit one of their own anti-tank mines, and Ukrainian drones finished the job. As for guided aerial bombs, the Russians are using far fewer than before. A few months ago, they would drop 7–8 bombs; now, it’s usually no more than 1–2.

Alkhimov confirmed that Russian activity in the Toretsk direction has intensified. Previously, a single assault could stretch over several days, but now attacks happen daily, sometimes 2–3 assaults on different positions in one day. It’s clear the Russian command is desperate to outmaneuver Ukrainian forces, but they have failed so far. The fighting is escalating, yet the 28th Mechanized Brigade continues to hold its ground, keeping the situation stable in their sector.

It’s worth noting that this brigade is effectively defending the left flank of Toretsk, creating conditions that prevent Russian forces from executing their usual flanking maneuvers to seize the city. Toretsk itself is completely destroyed, with ongoing battles turning it into a "gray zone."

The city’s defense is concentrated in the northwest. Ukrainian forces also control the Toretsk mine, a strategic high point used to direct artillery fire and operate drones. Despite Russia's relentless efforts to break through, the brigade’s press officer makes it clear that the Ukrainian defenders are holding firm. If they ever have to withdraw, the enemy will face a massive cost. For now, this remains a war of attrition.