Every day, Ukrainian soldiers fight to hold off the Russian army in the Kharkiv region. See what life looks like for them during brief lulls in combat.

Russian troops have been attempting to advance in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region since early May. The battle for Vovchansk rages on, but the Russian army still hasn’t managed to capture the city, which lies in ruins. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are holding the line across other parts of the Kharkiv front. Meduza shares photos taken in the region on October 2, offering a glimpse into life for Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.

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