[1/5] Ukrainian servicemen of the Spartan Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine prepare a shell for a D-30 howitzer at a position at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak Acquire Licensing RightsSummary Spartan brigade fighting in Ukrainian counteroffensiveSoldiers encounter vast minefields and trenchesSpartan brigade says Russians know the terrain wellZAPORIZHZHIA REGION, Ukraine, Sept 14 (Reuters) - For soldiers in Ukraine's "Spartan" brigade, danger could lurk behind every bush and in every field as they fight in Kyiv's counteroffensive against deeply entrenched Russian forces. Progress through vast Russian minefields and heavily fortified defences has been slower than many Ukrainians had hoped since the counteroffensive began in early June. Just our boys," he said at a location in the Zaporizhzhia region. Stepan, 38, was a metal worker before he joined the Spartan brigade, which is part of Ukraine's National Guard, and was apprehensive at first.

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Persons: Oleksandr Ratushniak, Jordan, Stepan, Ron Popeski, Timothy Organizations: Spartan Brigade, National Guard, REUTERS, Ukrainian, Ukraine's, Spartan, Reuters, Ukraine's National Guard, Brigade, Timothy Heritage, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia region, Russian, Zaporizhzhia, Stepan