It's almost two years since the military invasion, and the front line of defense on Ukraine's border is now

Almost two years have passed since Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine. Some Western media are reporting that the Russian military may launch a large-scale attack on the capital, Kiev, as early as this summer.

Two years ago, troops also moved in from ally Belarus, and Ukraine's northern border areas are on high alert. This is an interview report from the field.

Ukraine appeals to other countries for support Is Russia preparing for a long-term war?

Ukraine launched a large-scale reversal offensive in June last year, aiming to retake territory in Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts in the south, but progress appears to be much slower than initially expected.

In addition, it has been pointed out that the US and Europe are suffering from aid fatigue, with Congress failing to approve the emergency budget needed to continue military aid in the United States, the largest donor nation. .

On the other hand, the Russian side has repeatedly emphasized that ``Ukraine's reverse offensive has ended in failure,'' and appears to be deploying large numbers of troops, even at the cost of sacrifice, to Ukrainian strongholds such as Audiiivka in the eastern Donetsk region. They have also stepped up attacks in the eastern Kharkiv region.

Furthermore, Russia is said to have acquired large amounts of ammunition, as well as drones and missiles, from North Korea, Iran, and other countries, and is showing signs of a long-term war.

Regarding the future of the war, the British economic newspaper Financial Times reported on January 19, citing Western officials, that the Ukrainian side will conduct long-range attacks on the Russian side while maintaining its defensive line, looking for weaknesses. It is reported that the country is expected to adopt a strategy of ``active defense.'' In addition, this year they will strengthen their military strength and prepare for next year's offensive.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports, citing Ukrainian government officials, that the Russian military could launch a large-scale attack as early as this summer, and that the capital, Kiiv, could also be targeted. .

When the military invasion began last year, some Russian troops are said to have crossed the border with Belarus and advanced from northern Ukraine toward Kiiv, so Ukrainian border guards are still on alert. .

Russia is believed to be deploying tactical nuclear weapons to its ally Belarus, and on January 22nd, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Peskov announced that President Putin is planning to hold a summit meeting with Belarusian President Lukashenko soon. The United States is placing even greater emphasis on its relationship with Belarus, making it clear that the

Vigilance strengthened in Ukraine border area in anticipation of Russian advance

Some Western media are reporting that the Russian military may launch a large-scale attack on the capital, Kiiv, as early as this summer. It is a very important area.

When the military invasion began last year, the Russian military used this route to approach Kiev, and the Ukrainian military continues to maintain a high level of vigilance in order not to allow Russian troops to advance in the border area again.

On January 16, NHK received special permission from the Ukrainian military to report on the area near the military-controlled border with Belarus.

The checkpoint, which before the military invasion saw many people traveling to and from the Belarusian side, is now closed.

In addition, the bridge over the river separating Belarus and Ukraine, which was destroyed by the Ukrainian army to block the Russian advance immediately after the invasion began, remains collapsed and is under strict control of the Ukrainian army. I did.

Also, after the invasion began, a trench about 2 meters deep and 4 meters wide was built to prevent Russian tanks from entering.

In addition, the Ukrainian military has significantly increased the number of mines it deploys and has created new mines.

The depths of the caves exceed 2 meters, and the length of the caves extends for about 300 meters, and some of them even have bedrooms equipped with stoves.

In winter, the maximum temperature sometimes drops below 0 degrees Celsius, and in order to maintain the physical strength and morale of the soldiers, there are simple huts where they can prepare warm borscht and other dishes. There was also a kitchen.

There was also a Japanese-made warmer delivered by a volunteer in the hut.

A senior Border Guard official said, ``If we receive information that Russia is about to attack, we will deploy a large number of soldiers and be ready to go to war.We will strengthen our surveillance and defense posture and prepare in case the situation changes.'' "We must continue to train our personnel," he said.

A border village completely changed by the invasion

Dniprovsk, a village in northern Ukraine located about one kilometer from the border with Belarus, was on Russia's route of advance shortly after the military invasion began.

According to the village chief, the village was surrounded by Russian troops for about a month in March of last year.

It is said that no residents were killed or other damage at that time, but as they were isolated from their surroundings, they were running out of food, and the residents managed to stave off starvation by sharing the food they had stockpiled.

Although it is a small village with a population of about 670, it is said that it used to be very lively with many people visiting from Belarus.

However, after the invasion, travel to and from Belarus ceased, and soldiers began to be seen among people visiting the village's grocery store.

A woman working at a grocery store said, ``At the beginning of the military invasion, things were tough at times, but I believe we are safe because the Ukrainian military will protect us.''

Village Mayor Valentina Derkach said, ``The people of the village don't show it on their faces, but deep down they have been hurt since the invasion.Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia used to have good relations. "I can't even imagine what will happen in the future. Things may change generations from now, but we don't know anything now," he said, adding that the military invasion had completely changed the face of the small village. was dropping.