We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptUSAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: UKRAINE FRONT LINE
HEADLINE: On Ukraine’s Front Lines, Fears Grow
TEASER: In eastern Ukraine, tensions over threat of a Russian invasion continue to rise, although in the eastern city of Avdiivka, along the frontlines facing Kremlin-backed separatists, the war has never ceased since 2014. Ukrainian soldiers say they’re ready, but residents fear an escalation.
PUBLISHED AT: 2/7/2022 at 2:10pm
BYLINE: Ricardo Marquina
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Avdeevka, Ukraine
VIDEOGRAPHER: Ricardo Marquina
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: LR, MAS
VIDEO SOURCES: VOA ORIGINAL
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:01pm
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATES: ENGLISH NARRATION BY JON SPIER))
((INTRO)) [[In eastern Ukraine, tensions over threat of a Russian invasion continue to rise, although in the eastern city of Avdiivka, along the frontlines facing Kremlin-backed separatists, the war has never ceased since 2014. For VOA, Ricardo Marquina traveled there and has this report narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff.]]
((NARRATOR))
Ukrainian soldiers lead us through the maze of trenches. Here, the Ukrainian troops have become stronger after years of battle against the separatists, supported and armed by Moscow. Barely 50 meters away, the enemy is also watching us.
As the soldiers who serve here see it, the war is against Russia, and the very survival of Ukraine is at stake.
((RADIO VERSION: Alexey, a Ukrainian soldier who withheld his surname, says he is ready to respond to any attack and is in no mood to surrender himself or his territory.))
((Alexey, Ukrainian Soldier - MALE IN UKRAINIAN - ORIGINAL VOA))
“There has been talk of a possible invasion for a long time, we are prepared for anything. We are in our land. We do not intend to leave it.”
((NARRATOR))
Despite the almost daily exchange of fire on this line of contact, Ukrainian forces consider the situation under control.
((RADIO VERSION: The Russian-backed rebels have not gained territory and the war could be described as low-intensity for the last few years. But Alexander, another soldier, says he is aware that could shift dramatically at any moment.))
((Alexander, Ukrainian Soldier (MALE, IN UKRAINIAN ORIGINAL VOA))
“The situation is stable. It is under control. If the enemy begins an escalation of the conflict, we will be ready for any change in the scenario.”
((NARRATOR))
This position is in the town of Avdiivka, which endured heavy fighting during the early days of the war eight years ago. Now, the population lives in fear of an escalation.
This is the city's military supplies store, which opened before the war. We spoke with the owner, Natalia, who - like all the residents - asked to withhold her surname. She confesses that she fears a new, full-fledged conflict.
((Natalia, Resident - FEMALE, IN RUSSIAN - ORIGINAL VOA))
“People are nervous, worried, especially because we are in this area. I would not want a new war.”
((NARRATOR))
For residents of this town, which still bears the scars of war, the attitudes and emotions these last few weeks have swung between fear and acceptance.
((RADIO VERSION: Irina says she fears for herself and her family.))
((Irina, Resident - FEMALE IN RUSSIAN - ORIGINAL VOA))
“We are worried. My parents live here. It is scary.”
((RADIO VERSION: Others, like Svetlana, another resident, want to think nothing will happen.))
((Svetlana, Resident - FEMALE, IN RUSSIAN - ORIGINAL VOA))
“If Putin had wanted to attack, he would have already done so.”
((NARRATOR))
On the now quiet front line, the men and women of the Ukrainian army wait and watch.
From the other side, the war could return at any moment.
((For Ricardo Marquina in Avdiivka, Ukraine, Elizabeth Cherneff VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 7, 2022 15:03 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
