While the tension on the Ukraine-Russia border was increasing day by day, VOA went to the border region in Ukraine and observed that the people were preparing for war while hoping for peace.
Zolotoe is a town in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers patrol the area.
Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr said, “Sometimes fire is opened. “If I stick my head out, I could get a bullet to the head at any moment,” he says.
Shooting sounds are also normal for civilians living in this area. Aleksandra Gerasimova, 70, says she’s used to it. But not farm animals.
Gerasimova explains to the VOA team the damage caused by a missile that crashed into the area.
Nikolay’s garden was also hit by a missile a few weeks ago. Locals also say there are mines.
Nikolai said, “They planted mines here. I keep finding ropes from mines here. “I don’t know exactly how they are used,” he says.
According to the Ukrainian army, the separatists in Luhansk are placing mines in the region, which are prohibited by international conventions and the Minsk agreement.
Ukrainian soldier Denis said, “We saw that the POMZ-2 mine was placed. It is used by Russia and is used by illegal militant groups. It is only used against our military and civilians,” he says.
Just a few weeks ago, the town of Novozvanivka in Luhansk was at the center of attacks and clashes. It’s relatively quiet now, but the Ukrainian military is reporting some movement.
Ukrainian soldier Viktor said, “They started to move. We can see them marching without fear, and I also see them carrying ammunition these days,” he says.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian soldiers are training and have deployed artillery batteries right next to the border.
“Artillery batteries are training at firing range in occupied areas,” says Bogdan, another Ukrainian soldier.
Ukrainian soldiers say they will not be surprised if these batteries are pointed at them one day. However, he also emphasizes that they are not panicked and that they are prepared for everything to come.