"Ghost" from Bakhmut: I killed 76 Russians by myself
The BBC has been given exclusive access to a unit of elite snipers called the Ghosts of Bakhmut, who carry out night raids in the vicinity.
The Ghost, the sniper team commander, leads the reporters to what he calls "the edge of existence" - their base on the outskirts of the city.
"Ghost is my call sign. When we started bringing terror to Bakhmut, we got the name Ghosts of Bakhmut," explains the commander.
Their base is within range of Russian artillery: "Artillery always takes care of people. You can hide from artillery, but not from snipers."
Ghost leads a unit of about 20 soldiers that has been operating on the outskirts of Bakhmut for the past six months. They often hunt high value targets.
When asked how many Russians they killed, Ghost answers: "There is a confirmed number - 524. Of those, 76 are mine. The unit electronically records every shot through the sights of its rifles."
"Of course I'm afraid, only a fool isn't"
But not everyone counts.
Shooter Kuzja says: "We have no reason to be proud. We don't kill people, we destroy the enemy". Before the war, he worked in a factory. He says he never liked guns, but felt the need to pick up one when Russia invaded.
Kuzya once again checks his American-made Barrett sniper rifle: "Every mission is dangerous, when we make a mistake, the enemy can hit us. Of course, I'm afraid, only a fool is not afraid."
In tonight's mission, he will be accompanied by Taras, his observer. Kush is the driver who will bring them as close as possible to the front line. From there, the duo will have to walk two kilometers to the finish line. The ghost will remain at the base, along with the rookie, known simply as the Brit. The youngest member of the unit was named after...
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