Russian forces left northern Ukraine's Sumy region in late March, but this part of the frontline has never really gone quiet. "There were 55 strikes on this region in the last 24 hours, including a couple on our sector," said Ukrainian soldier Andzhei. "According to our intelligence [the Russians] are building up positions that they could later use for offensive actions on this position," added another Ukrainian soldier, Vadym. "So, they're preparing themselves and so are we, and we are ... letting them know that we're here," Vadym continued.

They insisted that the bad news from Soledar has not affected their morale. "It doesn’t mean anything, our guys have shown that they are able to hold the line, but there’s no need for people to risk their lives unecessarily in my opinion. If we lose Soledar today we’ll get it back the day after tomorrow for sure."

Ukraine insists that it will take back all of the currently occupied territories, but officials have also been saying that they expect to have to defend in the coming weeks and months against renewed Russian offensives on multiple fronts, perhaps including this one.


🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen
🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen
Follow us on Twitter: https://f24.my/TWen
Discover the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen