They run the checkpoints and their presence is highly visible in the cities. After the regular army, the civilians of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Force They are the last shield against the Russians.
At his jovial 20 years, “Búfalo” measures 2.07 meters and weighs about one hundred kilos. Since the beginning of the invasion of Russia, quit his construction job and joined this force, equivalent to a military reserve.
Like hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, he responded to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call that decreed a general mobilization.
“Buffalo”, he only gives his pseudonym, was assigned to the Svyatohirsk sector, a town about thirty kilometers north of Kramatorsk, the de facto capital of Donbas under Ukrainian controlin the east of the country.
The front lines extend to a dozen kilometers to the north and northwest, particularly around the city of Izium, where the battle rages. This city is the lock that opens the way to Kramatorsk.
The experience
From that area comes the noise of the bombardments every day. “I’m sure they can hear the artillery and how our peoples are disappearing from the face of the earth”, he says “Buffalo” to AFP, wearing a camouflage suit and a balaclava that only allows his eyes to be seen.
On his phone he shows the video where he is seen in the snow, Kalashnikov in hand and in a combat position with his companions. But his mission is also to protect and help the inhabitants.
“Civilians know it’s war. They stay in the cellars and it’s the least they can do to save their lives. Whenever we can, we bring them food and water. There are many older people who have nowhere to go.“, he reports.
There are still many residents in the town of Svyatohirsk, with about 5,000 inhabitants before the war, and known for its Orthodox monastery on the “Holy Mountain”.
Work piles up for Andriy at the counter of his small café-restaurant. Locals, military and members of the Defense Forces line up to get a hot dog, a hamburger or a hot drink.
“Some people have left and others have stayed. The people are here. Everyone walks, makes purchases, they must eat in one way or another,” says the merchant.
With the kalashnikov on his shoulder, with a camouflage suit and a khaki cap on his head, the 39-year-old man assures that the Territorial Defense Force “is a very important bridge with civilians, (because) it is made up of civilians.”
“I think it’s unique“, he says.
“We have people of different ages and different horizons who have all come together because we have only one goal. Teachers, engineers, workers, artists, this is extremely important,” considers this man, a former official.
The defense
“We will hold until the last breath”he assures.
Numerous bridges have been destroyed in the region to hinder the advance of Russian forces, fearing a major offensive in this region of Donbas.
The one in Svyatohirsk is still standing, but the mines are already in place to blow it up. Until now guarded by members of the territorial force, its surveillance now depends on the regular army.
“The bridge is at the same time under the protection of the Ukrainian armed forces and the territorial defense,” says Volodimir Rybalkin, a journalist in civilian life and now head of this body in the town.
Like many members of these civilian troops, He was hardened in combat during the Donbas war, between 2014 and 2015.
“Above us there are professional military commandos, who coordinate. Our task is to communicate with civilians so that there is understanding and support between both,” he explains.
Asked about the planned Russian offensive, the man is confident.
“The front line is less than 10 kilometers away. The artillery works at full power and pushes the enemy away. I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow. Today the (Russian) planes have not flown, we do not know if they will be back tomorrow. We will react to all your actions,” he assures.
Behind him, “Buffalo” sings a refrain directed contemptuously at Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Glory to the Ukraine!” he yells at the end.
“Glory to the heroes!their comrades reply in chorus.
AFP agency
PB