By Maks Levin

KRYMSKE (Ukraine) – As snow fell thickly in the fields surrounding Krymske, eastern Ukraine, a soldier looks out from the top of a wood trench.

One soldier in the trench is standing next to a Christmas tree. There are messages and drawings by well-wishers on the wall behind the tree.

This is the frontline of Ukraine’s eight-year war against Russian-backed forces in the Donbass region https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/how-rebel-held-regions-eastern-ukraine-have-grown-closer-russia-2021-12-15.

Russian troop movements near Ukraine’s borders https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/why-is-russias-putin-so-focused-ukraine-2021-12-15 have alarmed Kyiv and its Western allies in recent weeks. According to the soldiers, they’re ready for any Russian escalation.

We will never give up on our country, and we are determined to keep standing firm. One serviceman gave Martin his nom de-guerre and said, “We fought for independence for many years.”

He said, “At home my parents and wife worry.”

“I do not intend to live here forever. “I plan to resist (a Russian attack), and return home to my daughter so she can say, “Wow, dad, you were able to end superpower by your own hand.”

According to U.S. officials, Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine in the first half of January.

Russia claims it doesn’t plan an offensive, and Kyiv accuses Russia of building its own troops in the eastern part of Ukraine. Moscow, however, has asked for security guarantees from the West to help defuse this crisis.

Oleh is another name given by a serviceman. He downplayed the possibility of an important escalation.

They won’t attack if they flaunt their muscles or rattle their swords. “If someone wishes to attack, it is done covertly,” said he.