You're reading: France 24: Ukrainian soldiers in the Donbas prepare for conflict (VIDEO)

Like pictures of a war from a bygone era, Ukrainian soldiers are manning trenches. Over the last few weeks, Russia has been steadily amassing thousands of its own soldiers along this border. Clashes between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels happen virtually every day. Landmines litter the landscape. Despite loud backing from Western powers, the troops here say they aren’t relying on outside help. “I don’t think we should be counting on getting help from countries that support us, like the United States and others,” says Youri, a sergeant in the Ukrainian army. “We must learn to fend for ourselves.”

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