Ukrainian artillery crew fire at Russian forces on Donbas frontline

As Ukraine's counter-offensive is underway, an artillery gunner on the eastern frontline said on Monday (June 19) that his unit had become 'more active' in recent days.

Asked about the frontline situation in the Donbas' northern forests amid the counter-offensive, the 48-years-old gunner 'Skipper,' who did not want to give his real name for security reasons, said both sides were increasing their activity.

"It all happens in waves... They became more active. We also got more active, but it's better if everything else remains a secret," Skipper told Reuters before adding with a grin on his face: "You'll see what's next"

Skipper and the rest of the artillery crew fired several rounds with a U.S. supplied M119 howitzer.

Russia reported fierce fighting on Sunday (June 18) on three sections of the front line in Ukraine while Ukraine's president praised his troops for repelling enemy advances and said their counter-offensive was progressing well.

Ukrainian officials have imposed an information blackout to help operational security, but say that Russia has suffered much greater losses than Ukraine has during its new assault.