Rebels Dig New Front-Line Positions Despite Ukraine Ceasefire

The rebel soldiers hack away at the soft mud on the hilltop with picks and shovels, slowly digging a long, narrow trench. The nearest Ukrainian government position is only a couple of kilometers away and there is the sound of sporadic shelling in the distance. This open ground feels horribly exposed.

"We're digging trenches and dugouts, because troops have to hide somewhere from mortar strikes." says Michail, a rebel commander, who doesn't want to give us his last name. "We're doing reconnaissance, trying to find out what our enemy is preparing for us. We're getting ready."

The troops say they come under frequent attack from Ukrainian forces, despite the ceasefire. Michail shows me a large crater in the back yard of the small house he and his soldiers occupy. He says a shell struck just yesterday. The freshly disturbed earth appears to back his claim. "They're shelling in a chaotic way, trying to find a target. It isn't clear now which positions they're shelling. We're trying not to return fire, or respond to their provocation."

The Ukrainian government has in turn blamed rebels for firing on its troops in previous days. It is not possible to determine who is attacking who at this front-line position in the open fields. But an exchange of small arms fire is audible in the vicinity. The rebel soldiers here are establishing a small base in anticipation of further fighting.

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http://www.dw.de/rebels-dig-new-front-line-positions-despite-ukraine-ceasefire/a-18305362