“We’re real soldiers now."
@ChristopherJM went to the front lines to see how Ukraine's new generation is preparing for war with Russia. Here's what it's like. buzzfeednews.com/article/christ…
@ChristopherJM went to the front lines to see how Ukraine's new generation is preparing for war with Russia. Here's what it's like. buzzfeednews.com/article/christ…
.@ChristopherJM's week embedded with Ukraine’s military along the 250-mile front line revealed that fighting in the region is more intense than reported by both sides: Russian snipers have picked off unwary Ukrainian troops; mortar bombardment is common.
Over 14,000 people have already died in the war, which started in 2014. Fathers who first took up arms eight years ago have seen their teenage sons grow up to continue the fight. 
Russia has denied any plan to invade Ukraine anew, but the tens of thousands of troops it has amassed along the border, with trenches and armor, has Ukrainian soldiers tense and ready – but trying not to shoot back.
For months, Ukrainian troops have been under orders to not fire back, except when they’re under direct threat, in an effort to keep Russia from finding a pretext to attack.
The soldiers hate this. When asked about it, they complain.
The soldiers hate this. When asked about it, they complain.
Even with its 200,000-strong army, Ukraine is dwarfed and outmatched by Russia. Should Russia launch an offensive, there is little Ukrainian forces could do to stop it.
But Ukrainians are ready to fight to ensure their country's survival. buzzfeednews.com/article/christ…
But Ukrainians are ready to fight to ensure their country's survival. buzzfeednews.com/article/christ…
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