Yahoo TV

STORY: A Ukrainian howitzer rolled into an open field on Tuesday (August 23) in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, preparing to fire as it moved towards the frontline with Russian forces.

Reuters was escorted by the Ukrainian army to meet with Ukrainian soldiers in the area and watch as an AHS Krab, 155mm self-propelled Howitzer fired off several long range artillery shells into the direction of the Russian-backed separatist controlled territory.

“We feel good, trusting that victory will be on our side, only ours, there is no other option,” said Yevhen, a Ukrainian soldier who declined to give his last name.

Ukrainian and Russian forces in the area have been battling it out since the beginning of the conflict in this region, thought to be critical to Russia’s objective to capture this swathe of eastern Ukraine.

August 24 marks six months since Russia's invasion, it will also be the anniversary of independence from Soviet rule.