Both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers wait in their trenches every day.Credit: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
Politics
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin was apparently in the through Russia visiting the annexed Ukrainian territories. At least that’s what the Kremlin reported. It has not yet been possible to independently verify this message, which is why it is now being debated whether the visitor was actually Putin himself or a double.
Meanwhile, the indications of a large-scale Ukrainian counter-offensive are growing. According to the latest reports, the Ukrainian soldiers should prepare accordingly for a counterattack.
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The Italian military expert Thomas Theiner had recently told the “Bild” analyzed a video that shows an unusually high number of soldiers. According to him, this is a brigade of around 3,500 soldiers who are currently training with eleven other brigades. Theiner assumes a “huge boiler battle”.
So while thousands of soldiers are apparently preparing for the counter-offensive, others are holding out in their trenches every day. In the meantime, some used their time in a very special way, as a video shows.
Video shows a soldier’s unusual pastime
American journalist Sarah Ashton-Cirillo was a war correspondent in the previously simmering conflict between Russia and the United States Ukraine. After Russia’s brutal invasion of its neighboring country, she enlisted as a combat medic in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On Twitter Ashton-Cirillo wrote earlier this week: “After four days of intense training, we’re back in our zero-line trench position.” Below that, a user reposted a video showing a Ukrainian soldier doing something unusual in the trenches. He wrote: “In case you have some free time…”.
The Ukrainian soldier in the video wields a pointed stick, which he used to carve a work of art into the trench wall. The military call “Slava Ukraini”, i.e. “Glory to Ukraine”, can be heard several times.
The sand/clay sculpture features multiple faces carved into the walls of the trench in great detail. Some with a moustache, or incorporating the roots lying underground, one was even depicted with arms and hands clenched into fists.
Under the video, many users commented on words of appreciation, such as: “What a talented sculptor” or “Hopefully this trench will never be hit”.
So far, it can only be guessed where and when a Ukrainian counter-offensive will start. The Kremlin recently eased the drafting of Russian men. The corresponding notifications no longer have to be handed over in person, but can be sent electronically.
