Nikolai Nikonov was commander of the 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled howitzer battery. He hid in the attic of a house in the village of Popasnoye, which was occupied by the Ukrainian army.
Nikonov approached the Ukrainian Armed Forces at a distance of 100 m and adjusted the howitzer fire using binoculars and a radio station. His words are quoted in the Telegram channel of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The Russian Armed Forces entered the territory and strengthened their positions.