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Recently, World Conflict Films promoted some combat footage from a Ukrainian infantry battalion named the “Donbass Battalion” in action against rebels in the Ukraine. Some of the Youtube movie is very revealing as to what the Ukrainan forces are actually using in combat. The video can be watched here. It lasts for 3 minutes and 47 seconds, and is interesting from a military standpoint as to how the Ukrainians conduct their operations. But for the purposes of TFB, we’ll be looking at the small arms in use by the Infantrymen. All of the ensuing pictures are screenshots from the clip about the battalion.
This RPK74 has a scope mounted to his rifle. The soldier is actively returning fire in this scene. This particular soldier is disciplined enough to know not to fire from a window but several meters from it, thus concealing his shots. In this role, the machine gunner is utilizing himself in more of a Designated Marksman role, than as a support weapon.
Notice the sniper with SVD peering through the window at right. Also throughout the video, soldiers are taking a break on the floor while others are returning fire at the same time.
A soldier returning fire with his RPK74 while another one takes cover.
At top left corner, a soldier is seen launching a GP30 grenade launcher. Whether he purposely withdrew his magazine just for the grenade shot or just happened to launch one without the magazine in is unknown. This is puzzling as the platoon pictured is shown taking effective fire from the enemy.
Notice the soldier with ammunition tin strapped to his back, he must be the new guy.
Apparently Ukrainian operators have alot in common with their American counterparts in the facial department. Notice how the stock of the AK74 in the foreground is tactically painted. And the stock on the solder on the left has a recoil pad on his rifle.
A shotgun with what appears to be a holographic sight and shell carrier.
An interesting wrap around a soldier’s AK74. It seems a little surprising that despite all the modern tactical gear these soldiers have, the Kevlar’s, the vests, the goggles, the gloves, not one of them is seen with a one point sling on their weapons, instead most have the conventional type two point.
This grenadier has the same pouch carrier for his GP30 that has been in constant use by the Soviet Union since the 1970s. Notice the tactical one strap backpack on the lower left.
One man is opening up ammunition supplies for 5.45x39mm, and the other is linking grenades for an automatic grenade launcher. It is interesting that civilian shooters in the States are using the same kind of 5.45 tins.
What appears to be a M76 LAW rocket strapped to this soldier’s back. His RPK74 has a scope attached as is evident in another picture.
