Although Ukraine claims it is planning a counter-offensive against the south, the horrors of war are entering its sixth month. People living in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine fear that the shelling will not stop.

They worry that they have been forgotten and left behind by a Russian army in slow advance.

They only move out of their apartments in Soledar for emergency situations.

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One car occasionally makes its way through the streets, and there is always the threat of rocket fire or shell damage. Bomb fragments also litter the roads.

Another reminder that death is not far away

Residents are afraid and camp next to their bomb shelters because there is no electricity or water.

A woman emerges from the shadows and tries to talk to us, but she won’t tell us her name because she is afraid.

She says she is no longer alive, but only living in an endless nightmare.

“What can you tell me? Is it possible to live here while they shoot or shell on your head? Can you sleep? There are small children around.

Everyone is scared. They don’t know who is winning this war. They want the fighting stopped.

It’s almost like a week. It’s both backwards, and forwards. Yesterday, the bombs landed in a shelter for a woman’s Dacha,” she stated.

This war isn’t over.

We are now approaching the positions of the Ukrainian military front lines. It is clear that this conflict could continue for many years.

Mikhailovich, one of the soldiers, guides us and warns that there may be incoming fire.

While there may be an “operational Pause” for the moment, the artillery duel is not stopping.

Both sides are well-dug in and the contact line stretches for miles.

However, Ukraine claims that Western long-range artillery gives them an advantage.

The sound of a British gun pounding into the Russian positions is heard just 700m away on the other side the Siverskyi Donets River.

It is difficult to determine if Ukraine is capable or just slow losing.

Russia is struggling, but it is making progress in the east. All you have to do is visit the cities at the firing line to see this.

Bakhmut is being slowly crushed by rockets and shells, which are traumatizing the local population.

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Ruslan claims he wants Ukraine’s victory, but he also wants stability and peace – even if that means he has to concede territory or live under Russian occupation.

“They should have given all (the territory in Donbas) at the beginning. It is impossible to fight with this side.

“Because it is possible to take all of Europe if Russia wants (or any other country).

The Russian government is already a well-known name in the area. Often, civilian targets are being hit.

The school is in ruin; it was smashed by an airstrike.

The rubble is filled with reminders of life once was, including photos of schoolchildren that hang on the walls.

As Russia’s attack gets closer, there is only violence.