(Marinka) “It’s too quiet. Disturbing, like before a storm, ”says a Ukrainian soldier by the nom de guerre Botsman deployed near Donetsk, the stronghold of pro-Russian separatists sponsored by Moscow.
Posted at 7:29
On the eastern Ukrainian front, enemy fire is less heavy than in the fall, a paradox at a time when Westerners, in particular the United States, are sounding the alarm at the risk of a massive Russian offensive.
In the town of Marinka, hidden among houses and gardens ravaged by bombardments, the positions of the unit of Botsman, 49, are certainly targeted by mortar and grenade launcher fire, but the intensity of the these attacks is not comparable to previous months.
“Before they prevented us from sleeping, spoiled our meals and now it’s calm”, continues Botsman, khaki bulletproof vest and white fatigues, observing with the help of a periscope the snowy separatist positions distant from less than one kilometer.
Worried families
Eastern Ukraine has been torn since 2014 by a war with separatists that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.
Russia, which had just annexed Ukrainian Crimea, is widely considered, despite its denials, as the instigator of this conflict and, if it were to launch a new offensive on Ukraine, it is a safe bet that the separatists will play their part in it.
With now more than a hundred thousand Russian soldiers camping on the Ukrainian borders, the nerves of the soldiers and their relatives are therefore put to the test.
“It’s tough on morale,” says Botsman, “the calls from family are very disturbing. I have to reassure them,” he explains.
To cope with the tension, another soldier, going by the nom de guerre Sytch, trains with dumbbells and rudimentary equipment in an improvised gym in a barn damaged by bombing.
“We must end this war-with the help of allies or alone, by any means available,” the 39-year-old said from his trench.
In the event of a Russian invasion, the army will cope, he believes, noting that the Ukrainian forces are much more seasoned than in 2014.
military aid
“Maybe Putin, like a crazy old man, thinks they can reach Kiev in two days. Let him try! “says Sytch.
“We were able to stop them in 2014 when we only wore flip flops and everyone had to find their own weapon. Now we are a very strong army,” the soldier continues.
Ukraine said on Monday that it had received more than 1,000 tonnes of arms and military equipment from the West in recent months for around 1.5 billion dollars.
For Botsman, more is needed, including anti-tank weapons and guided missiles, while Russia presents these arms deliveries by the West as a threat to its borders.
“Help must arrive in all its forms – moral and material, military and political”, continues the soldier.
The scenario he wants to avoid is that of 2008 and Moscow’s crushing victory against Georgia, another former Soviet republic with pro-Western ambitions.
“If, as with Georgia, the West only expresses its ‘concern’, then it will end in tears”.