Russian forces have intensified their activities in eastern Ukraine, penetrating nearby settlements and fortifying positions, escalating tensions in the region. Scouting parties from Russia have infiltrated Neskuchne and Novyi Komar, prompting concerns among Ukrainian forces, who have recently captured Russian prisoners in possession of psychotropic drugs. Meanwhile, Russian mechanized units are steadfastly defending Velyka Novosilka in the south, as they edge closer to Dnipropetrovsk oblast for the first time in over a decade.
The town of Mezhova, located in Dnipropetrovsk oblast just across the administrative border from Donetsk, finds itself at the heart of these developments. With a population of 20,000, including 5,000 displaced by conflicts further east, Mezhova remains on high alert. Despite the looming threat, Ukrainian authorities have yet to issue evacuation orders for families with school-age children. However, some residents have already fled as Russian forces approach.
Volodymyr Zrazhevsky, the mayor of Mezhova, has been striving to reassure anxious residents during the festive period. He remains hopeful that peace will prevail.
"My inner voice tells me the Russians will stop. Everything will be OK," said Volodymyr Zrazhevsky.
Despite his optimism, Zrazhevsky acknowledges the uncertainty of the situation and the possible need for international intervention.
"There will be a buffer zone. Maybe we will find ourselves in a grey area with international peacekeepers. I don’t want to think about other scenarios," he added.
The threat extends beyond Mezhova as Russian troops gain control over crucial roads leading to key garrison cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Vladimir Putin's strategic aim is to seize full control of Donetsk oblast, which was "annexed" by Russia in 2022. The area along the Vovcha River, once inhabited by nomadic Scythians, now finds itself embroiled in conflict once more.
Mezhova, unlike other urban areas like Bakhmut, has not yet suffered extensive damage from Russian glide bombs. Nonetheless, the apprehension among residents is palpable. Yevhen Khrypun, editor of the local newspaper Mezhivskyi Merydian, remains committed to maintaining operations despite the challenges.
"We’ve never missed an edition. I hope we can celebrate our 95th anniversary in May," expressed Yevhen Khrypun.
The recent loss of Andriy Zakhary, a 30-year-old Ukrainian soldier killed in battle and buried with military honors on Saturday, underscores the grave human cost of the ongoing conflict. Mayor Zrazhevsky paid tribute to Zakhary and all those who have fallen.
"Heroes live in our memory for ever," he declared.
As Russian forces tighten their grip on essential routes and continue their advance, the residents of Mezhova hope to avoid the fate of areas like Pokrovsk.
"We don’t want to be the next Pokrovsk," Khrypun emphasized.
On the ground, Ukrainian soldiers remain vigilant. Andrii Hrebeniuk described their relentless operations against Russian forces.
"During the day we hit them with artillery. At night the foxes and dogs eat their remains," he stated starkly.
Valerii, another Ukrainian soldier on the front lines, expressed their sharp surveillance capabilities.
"If a mouse moves, we can see it," he asserted.