Photographer chronicles grueling conditions for Ukraine's frontline soldiers
Renowned Ukrainian photographer Kostyantyn Liberov recently spent a day embedded with the Second Mechanized Battalion, Third Separate Assault Brigade near Borova, documenting the grueling conditions faced by Ukrainian soldiers. He shared his observations on Instagram on July 2, drawing stark comparisons between the hardships of modern warfare and those experienced in the World Wars.
In his vivid account, Liberov described the relentless challenges: constant surveillance by enemy drones, extreme heat reaching 35 degrees Celsius, and the overwhelming stench from the decomposing bodies of fallen adversaries. "Entering and leaving the position only at night, the troops maneuver in complete darkness for 5-9 kilometers, fully equipped, carrying their own provisions," Liberov wrote.
During his visit, Liberov refused offers of water and food from the soldiers, acknowledging that his stay was temporary, whereas they would continue enduring the harsh conditions. He detailed how everything within the area, including his own vehicle, was targeted by guided bombs and anti-tank missiles.
"FPVs (fixed-pitch verticals) hover over the trenches, waiting for a mistake, a moment to strike," he added, describing the constant threat looming overhead.
Liberov also noted the oppressive heat, even in the minimal shade provided by makeshift shelters. "The urge to discard the stifling armor is overwhelming," he confessed. Yet, the immediate danger of artillery fire, just 200 meters away, underscored the ever-present risk of death by shrapnel over heatstroke.
"The smell of sweat and death pervades everything. The bodies of enemy soldiers are hastily covered with earth by our troops, as no one dares risk vehicles for retrieval," he stated, capturing the grim reality of the battlefield.
Liberov concluded that no film or book could adequately convey the horrors faced by the Ukrainian soldiers, living under constant, unyielding tension and the threat of death. His account provides a raw, unfiltered look into the daily lives of those on the front lines of Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
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