Ukrainian troops prepare BM Grad-21 rocket system in Bakhmut near frontline

UKRAINIAN troops prepare a BM-21 Grad rocket system as fierce fighting continues in the frontline by the countryside of Bakhmut bordering Donetsk.

The BM-21 "Grad" which means “hail” is a self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher designed in the Soviet Union.

Bakhmut has been abandoned by its residents as Russian strikes destroy infrastructure and disrupt essential services such as gas, electricity and water.

Before the war, the city was home to 80,000 people. Now, 90% of the residents have been evacuated to safer areas.