Ukrainian troops holding the line against Russian-backed militants in the Donbas trenches have had to endure a dangerous escalation by the Kremlin in recent weeks.
At least 27 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action in Donbas since the start of the year, due to relentless attacks by pro-Russian forces — five have been killed in April alone. Some were also killed by non-combat related incidents like landmine explosions or trench fires.
Meanwhile, Russia has massed its military along the Ukrainian border and in occupied Crimea, raising concern in Ukraine and NATO countries that a major escalation to the simmering conflict was possible. Moscow has stated that it’s ready to “defend” Donbas residents while Ukraine’s top miltary commander, Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak, said that Ukraine has no plan for an all-out offensive.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited the front line on April 8, has said that Russia’s aggression may be trying to force the West to show hesitance towards supporting Ukraine.
