Ukrainian Citizens and Military Brace for Uncertain Future Amid Russian Advances in Eastern Ukraine
As Russian forces make significant advancements along the intricate front lines in eastern Ukraine, civilians are faced with a daunting choice to flee their homes. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers express concerns over dwindling ammunition supplies, adding to the escalating tension in the region.
A T-64 tank is quietly positioned in a trench near Chasiv Yar, amidst the noise of Russian forces attempting to capture Ivanivske, a small village on the outskirts of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.
Despite the intense situation, the tank's gun remained silent for a 72-hour period, with CNN observing for one hour. This was due to a shortage of the Soviet-era shells it requires. As a result, Ukrainian soldiers explained that they had to wait for orders before engaging in the surrounding battle.
The unit's commander, Yaroslav, emphasized that while the war in Ukraine may seem distant to Western politicians, it is a harsh reality in his country. He urged them to imagine the war reaching their own doorstep, asking if they would then hesitate to provide support. Yaroslav stressed the importance of receiving weapons, as the enemy is much stronger and without assistance, survival as a nation is at risk.
The troops endure constant noise in the trench, considering it a "quiet" day amidst recent attacks by Russian Lancet drones. Yaroslav expressed concerns about the future if the $60 billion military aid package, currently stalled in the United States Congress, does not materialize.
Yaroslav expressed his fear, stating, "I think we all going to die. Everybody who is here. We will be no more." He also warned that the conflict would not just remain within Europe, as he believed the Russians would advance further.
In a different location, soldiers operating a US-donated Paladin artillery unit seemed more optimistic, thanks to their supply of US shells. They fired their artillery twice during CNN's visit, but the sky above them was filled with explosions from Russian-launched weapons. Their commander, Oleksandr, had some reservations about the challenges that lay ahead.
"We are facing a problem with a shortage of ammunition," he mentioned. He added that while they have sufficient resources to work with, it is important to be more accurate in order to conserve ammunition. He also expressed concern about the significant Russian assault, stating that there may not be enough ammunition to handle it.
Remnants of Ukrainian ammunition being fired.
Ammunition canisters at a Ukrainian position along the frontline in eastern Ukraine.
CNN
Gunner Artem âSailorâ stands on the Gvozdika artillery piece at a rare position in eastern Ukraine.
Remnants of Ukrainian ammunition being fired.
Russian forces seem to be making progress on the eastern front lines, where they recently captured Avdiivka and Bakhmut. They are now claiming success in Ivanivske, just west of Bakhmut. However, their greatest advances have been to the west of Avdiivka.
Three villages seized by Russia - Lastochkyne, Stepove, and Sieverne - were considered unimportant by Kyiv, as their defensive line was supposed to be further back. However, the new defensive line, now passing through Orlivka, Tonenke, and Berdychi, has also faced heavy Russian attacks. Pro-Russian sources claim to have gained control on the outskirts of each village.
Residents of the eastern Ukrainian village of Zhelanie being evacuated due to ongoing shelling.
Gunner Artem "Sailor" stands on the Gvozdika artillery piece at a rare position in eastern Ukraine.
Ivana Kottasová/CNN
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Soldiers in Ukraine have been expressing concerns about the preparedness of their leaders to defend territory once the military withdrew from Avdiivka. The recent assaults, although small victories, point to a larger issue along Ukraine's front lines.
One special forces soldier pointed out, "I believe it was a mistake on our part for not setting up proper positions behind Avdiivka. If we had established positions where our infantry could retreat to, we could have held the enemy off for a much longer period."
An American volunteer from Georgia named Garrison Foster shared his concerns about the equipment shortage in the war. He said, "I think this year will be the worst yet. Some units are even running out of tanks."
Garrison Foster was angry about the Republican-led Congress delaying American aid. He said, "It's unbelievable and ridiculous to me. The political games are just nonsense. Letting Russia take Ukraine will be very harmful for us."
Residents of the eastern Ukrainian village of Zhelanie being evacuated due to ongoing shelling.
CNN reporters observed clear indications of a strong Russian attack along the front lines near Avdiivka. In the village of Ocheretyne, which is the next target after Berdychi, the residents appeared to be stuck and unable to evacuate. For instance, Euhene, a 32-year-old local, was seen sitting on their suitcase, prepared to escape if the Russians manage to penetrate the area.
Yesterday, we packed our bags with clothes and essentials in case things get worse. We have a good relationship with the Ukrainian soldiers who come here for water. I believe they will keep us informed about the situation. We were taken by surprise by the Russian advances. We had hoped things would calm down somehow.
Just a couple of doors down, Viktor shared his frustration about having to repeatedly repair holes in his roof caused by shelling. He expressed his strong desire for the shelling to end. Viktor fondly remembered the time when Ocheretyne was a thriving village before the war. "My wife and I have been married for 52 years. We plan to be laid to rest here, in this very spot," he said, pointing to the trench outside. In the distance, the sound of artillery fire continued without pause.
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In nearby Zhelanie, some elderly residents had decided to leave and were utilizing the “White Angels” evacuation service, which is operated by a special Ukrainian police unit.
Fighting in nearby Avdiivka had been ongoing since Russia’s initial invasion in 2014 and had now become too close to ignore. Valentina, 74, shared, “The house has been shaking four times already. It's made of clay and straw. The shelling is so intense that every time I think this is it - we're finished. The most frightening part is if those Russians come here. We cannot trust people with blood on their hands."
In Chasiv Yar, near Bakhmut, some residents preferred not to be filmed, showing signs of worry about a potential Russian advance. Yet, they appeared to accept or even embrace the idea.
One man, standing at a relief center, shared, "Peace is all I want. I miss my granddaughter in Moscow and my sister in Kaliningrad. Many of my relatives are in Russia. But here I am, alone."
One woman, who preferred not to be named, shared that Ukrainian soldiers were stationed close to civilians, attracting Russian attacks to the area and depleting local resources.
She mentioned, “We have no access to water, gas, electricity, or any basic necessities. Whenever we try to get water, we see soldiers also fetching water and taking all of it.”
Ukrainian forces have always made it a point to avoid civilian areas and even encourage residents to evacuate. They drive directly to the houses where people reside and fire from within the houses, taking advantage of the civilians as shields.
Regardless of loyalties, the sound of Russia’s advance, and the brutality its forces have meted out elsewhere in occupied Ukraine, grow nearer.
Editor's P/S:
The article's vivid portrayal of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine evokes a profound sense of sorrow and urgency. The plight of Ukrainian soldiers, facing relentless attacks with dwindling ammunition supplies, is both heartbreaking and infuriating. The stark contrast between the optimism of US-donated Paladin artillery units and the grim reality of Soviet-era tanks standing silent due to a shortage of shells is a testament to the critical need for Western support.
The article also highlights the devastating impact of the war on civilians, who are caught in a crossfire between advancing Russian forces and Ukrainian defenders. The stories of residents in Ocheretyne and Zhelanie, living in constant fear of shelling and forced to evacuate, are a sobering reminder of the human toll of war. The concerns raised by Ukrainian soldiers and American volunteers about the preparedness and equipment shortages underline the urgency of providing Ukraine with the necessary military aid to defend its sovereignty and protect its people.
