**Ukraine Deploys Powerful Artillery System Near Toretsk**
The Ukraine has recently introduced a powerful artillery system into its forces near the city of Toretsk. This is according to correspondent Björn Stritzel, who visited Ukrainian positions in the area.
Toretsk is a strategically important settlement that has been under Ukrainian control since Russia’s first invasion of Donbas in 2014. If Russian forces were to take control of the city, it would give them a foothold to advance further into Ukrainian-held territory in Donetsk Oblast.
**The 2S7 “Pion” Artillery System**
The artillery system being used by Ukraine is called the 2S7 “Pion”. It is a self-propelled artillery system that weighs 60 tons and has a 12-meter barrel. This makes it the heaviest operational cannon in the world. The “Pion” was developed by the USSR in the 1960s for destroying concrete fortifications.
**Ukraine Receives US Projectiles**
In the past, Ukraine had run out of ammunition for the “Pion”. However, recently the US provided the necessary projectiles, which were produced in the 1950s and 1960s for their own M110 and M115 howitzers. This has allowed Ukrainian forces to resume using the “Pion” artillery system.
**Artillery Personnel Ready to Fire**
On the Toretsk front, Ukrainian artillery personnel are ready to fire the “Pion” even before receiving an order to do so. They explained that the system must reach its operating temperature first. Once given the order, the artillery units quickly position the “Pion” and fire it.
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