immersion in the Ukrainian army

They are installed only two kilometers from the front line and are preparing to experience the great Russian offensive. An abandoned factory on the front line in the town of Rubzhin (Ukraine). The commander of this National Guard battalion agrees to speak to reporters from France Télévisions. These men defend the city of Rubjine, 60,000 inhabitants in peacetime, half conquered by the Russians, at the beginning of April. Since then, the 33-year-old commander explains that he has succeeded with his soldiers in stopping their advance, but the great Russian offensive announced worries them.

“We are ready, we have the best command, we have the best president in the world, but as he tells you again, we need your help and offensive weapons”, he said. All tirelessly repeat this same request: “we need anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down their planes, but also heavy artillery”. They have been here for over a month. In the basements of the enterprise, several bunkers are arranged. Behind a door, men, returning from the fighting, are resting in underground dormitories, in the humidity and the heat. What is striking is the youth of these soldiers.