The fighting is clearly taking its toll on Ukrainian forces, but there is no sign of them giving up. Nor does Rabbit agree with any suggestion that Ukraine should give up more land for peace.
He says too much blood has already been spilt: “We are part of this land. If we give it up Russia will want more.”
Another soldier – call sign “Ghost” – fighting in another unit in Pokrovsk describes the situation as “tense, but not critical”. He dismisses reports of its capture as “Russian propaganda”, saying reports that “Pokrovsk is surrounded is fake information”, but adds that “everyone is exhausted – both Russia and Ukraine”.
For Ukraine, holding ground is also proving costly. The Skala Regiment shares recent videos taken by their troops on the front line – often having to take cover in buildings from Russian drones. The buzz of an approaching drone is often accompanied by heavy automatic fire as they try to bring it down.
“Khotabych”, who recently spent a month fighting in the city, says it is scary when the drones spot you: “There are lots and they fly round the clock.”
The Russians have more drones with thermal imaging cameras, which can see at night. Khotabych said he and his men always hope for “good weather” – by which he means fog, rain and grey sky. In other words, anything that makes it more difficult to fly.