News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Facing constant artillery barrages, weary Ukrainian soldiers were fighting fiercely to save the small eastern town of Vugledar, currently in the crosshairs of the invading Russian force.
The town, situated some 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of the flashpoint city of Bakhmut which Russia has been trying to seize for months, has been under relentless attack for days.
Oleksandr, 45, commented about the situation from a trench just five kilometers from the village, “The more time passes, the worse the situation becomes”, while adding that the Russians “return again and again; further enhancing our workload”.
The elevation at Vugledar provides a commanding view of the countryside in the surrounding to whoever controls it. However, now, there was no snow, just an icy cold, especially when it rains.
“If we can, we sleep. If not, we don’t. It is our job,” Oleksandr said with his face creased with fatigue.
Troops to Protect the village
A 35-year-old commander Roman said the Russians were trying to breach their defenses from all sides but still had no success. However, he added that the situation has become very tense for the last few days.
If the village Vugledar falls, the Russians “can attack our positions nearby,” he said, adding that the Russians have the equipment and arms, and “they have more force than us.”
He further added that no one knows what will happen next, but for the moment, they have everything and have held their positions firmly.
Having an axe to arrange wood, 43-years-old Volodymyr said that they chop the wood there, and the guys come to take it.
He further said that despite the increasing attacks and the lack of drinking water, more than half the village’s 300 residents decided to stay put.
“We will not leave,” he said defiantly.
