With tensions escalating between Russia and Ukraine, and a stand-off between the US and its NATO allies and Moscow, villages on the frontline in Ukraine are awaiting an uncertain fate. Russia has deployed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border and are reportedly carrying out frequent reconnaissance flights within Ukraine airspace. While Russia maintains that it has no plans to invade Ukraine, the US sees the troop buildup as a sign of a possible invasion. Simultaneously, talks between the US, NATO, and Russia are underway over Russia’s demands for security guarantees, but no breakthrough has been achieved thus far.

Olga, one of the 16 residents still living in a frontline village, holds a rabbit speaking to journalists at her house’s yard not far from the front line in the Luhansk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
An Ukrainian serviceman cleans his position in a trench on the front line in the Luhansk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Ukrainian servicemen walk in a trench on the front line in the Luhansk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Ukrainian servicemen take a rest in a shelter on the front line in the Luhansk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Ukrainian soldiers take part in an exercise for the use of NLAW anti-tank missiles at the Yavoriv military training ground, close to Lviv, western Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.