In the trenches near Kiev: ‘I don’t want to stand by and do nothing’

We cross a busy road to yet another part of the forest. More trenches, more soldiers. Earlier we heard shots from there. Soldiers train there, Andri explains. Deeper in the forest we see them busy. An instructor gives orders. Load gun, lie on the ground, shoot, change magazine, shoot again, get up and one more shot.

Although the Russians have withdrawn around Kiev and there are no more fights, this Territorial Defense is still fully present, in case the Russians decide to attack the capital again.

And are they prepared for the worst scenario? What if Putin decides to use a nuclear or biochemical weapon? According to the commander, you can’t prepare for that. He calls it pure blackmail and manipulation.

“I don’t think Russia has given up hope of conquering Kiev after all,” Andri said. “But I’m sure they won’t make it to Kiev, but they’ll try.”

Before we say goodbye, the soldier who is responsible for press contacts wants to check our footage. Whether sensitive images have not been shot by accident. He looks at the accelerated playback of the images in the viewfinder of the camera. He gives up about half way through. It’s okay, we can go.

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