The earth shook with the rumble of artillery in the distance. But also from the rumble of armored cars. “They are at least forty years old,” says Dyakov, watching a few passers-by. But they are still working and they can transport our soldiers.

And his comrade Semyon adds: “Old Soviet things. We need more and more modern equipment. From Holland, Britain or America.” Dyakiv would like to thank you for what has already been delivered in terms of equipment. “Especially the Netherlands, but also other Western countries. For arms, money and moral support.”

Semiyon and Dyakiv are doing “something” on the front line, but they are not told what. In their truck, a TV screen is attached as you find in the cars of the soldiers who control the drones. “We watch the news there,” Semyon jokes. Next to the screen is a box of protein bars.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said in an interview that Ukraine still needs months to prepare for a major attack.

According to Semiyon, it should still be a huge surprise. “A pleasant surprise for us, an unpleasant surprise for the other. It’s my first war, so I don’t know how it usually goes like this. But maybe it’s slow, not suddenly: Morning, we’re going to abusive.”

Of course, no one will say exactly when a major attack will begin. Whatever is being said publicly now is undoubtedly part of a smokescreen. For example, to deploy Russian forces in the wrong places, as happened during the successful Ukrainian Autumn Offensive.