Ukrainian soldiers on duty on frontline in Donetsk despite freezing cold

CHASIV YAR, BAKHMUT, UKRAINE - NOVEMBER 28: As fierce fighting continues in the countryside of Bakhmut bordering Donetsk, a flashpoint in Russia's war now in its ninth month, Ukrainian soldiers are on duty near the frontline despite the freezing cold. Military vehicles carrying tanks, artillery systems, armored vehicles, multiple rocket launchers, and other heavy weapons have been concentrated in the areas controlled by the Ukrainian forces. In some parts of the front line, only high-terrain vehicles or tracked war machines can move in areas turned into deep mud by rain. Sergeant Andrey, who is serving as the armored combat vehicle commander in the 4th Tank Brigade, told Anadolu Agency that “For now, Bakhmut and Soledar are the hottest spots of the war. We were assigned to this region to support our army." Stating that he has been at the front since the start of the war on Feb. 24, Andrey said, "We have completed our preparations to take the infantry to the place where the hot clashes take place." Andrey was trying to warm up with his friends with the fire they lit in the cold air in an area close to Bakhmut where explosions can be heard. Emphasizing that they will continue to serve at the front in all weather conditions, Andrey said, "Every season has a difficult side. Our main task is to drive the enemy out of here, from our lands." The city of Chasiv Yar, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Donetsk front line, is under the control of the Ukrainian army, bearing the scars of the war. On Friday (Nov. 26) five people were killed and four others injured during Russian strikes in Chasiv Yar. As of Monday (Nov. 28), civilian casualties from the ongoing war in Ukraine have reached 17,023, including 6,655 killed and 10,368 injured, according to the UN figures. (Footage by Metin Aktaş /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)