The invasion alert: Confessions of Ukrainian soldiers at the front

Timur, age 28

I, personally, don't think there's any danger of any major invasion. I think these are just games. We had the same situation in April and May of this year. There were so many rumors of a possible attack. They were made so that Russia could secure the completion of the <x1 North Stream 2” pipeline. This time, maybe it's just Putin trying to pressure again. From what I've heard, the Kremlin is trying to get guarantees that NATO will not expand as far as Ukraine, and in other Eastern Partnership countries, such as Georgia and Moldova”.

The fighting here happens every now and then. Last week I experienced the worst bombing in this position. Prorus forces used “type grenade launcher SPG-9” Later, for a few days, it was almost quiet. To be honest, I feel a little scared when it's quiet here, because I start thinking: Maybe they have a plan. A low level of bombing makes me feel more comfortable”.

The other side often uses devious tactics. For example, OSCE monitors use their fears almost every day to control military positions. They report that both sides of their driver's flight to control positions on both sides, so that we know he's coming, but then the prorus forces start fearing them immediately after that of the OSCE, to do their own observations, while we are not allowed to shoot him in that direction”.

Vlad, 22,

The Russian army is not prepared for war. It does not have field hospitals or oil tankers on alert, and there are not many soldiers or vehicles ready. It would need 300,000 to 400,000 troops to attack; now it has only 100,000. I think that figure would only be needed for Kiev. We have a lot of defence levels”.

If we don't come here to the front now, we'll die in our homes later. It's a Ukrainian saying: Anyone who does not protect his family in peacetime will eat up his children in times of distress. It's reference to the Holocaust. If a Russian wants to drink some vodka and have fun, it's okay. But if he comes into my house with a gun, I'll kill him”

Here, the enemy is using sniper rifles and machine guns every day, and sometimes they use grenade launchers. Last week, they used an 8 - inch [82 mm] mortar nearby. This situation will not change in the near future. Russian Federation is not prepared for attack, I guess. Just sending a message, because conflict is a policy extension. Everything's gonna be all right”

Irene (s) has shown age)

I think if an invasion happened now, many people would die. More than 2014. There would be great bloodshed. It'd be horrible”

But, of course, many soldiers do not believe an invasion will occur. The front line feels no different than before. Another reason they don't believe these rumors is because there are many lies in our country. Everyone in strong positions lies. Our president has promised to end the war within a week after taking power. Now, two years later, here we are”

I don't think financial sanctions against Russia would change anything. They're like the Minsk deal. They don't have that much effect. People write something on paper, but, in reality, here on the front line, the situation is the same. They're still using heavy calibration weapons. There may be an invasion, but once later”

Petro, age 27

All I know is that people will stay and protect their country. The veterans, who were at the front in 2014, when the war was beginning, have returned home, but if an invasion occurs, they will come back here to fight”.

On the early morning, when sleeping at home, two grenades ended up nearby, but these things are normal. I can't say there's been any weird activity lately. Sometimes, from here you can hear enemy tanks start their engines. The tank engines have a very specific sound. They do it more often in colder weather”.

There's been a lot of situations when I saved for a while. Once, I was standing on an armored vehicle, and I noticed an enemy tank. Then I saw his rifle targeting our vehicle. I put my match between my teeth, I bit her hard, and I prayed to God. She didn't fire”.

I don't think sanctions will change anything. Russia is a rich country. Ukrainian President and MPs must make serious decisions. I want to swim for Free Crimes one day.