‘Hell on Earth’: Ukrainian soldiers describe eastern front

During a month-long battle, Russian tanks obliterated any potential defensive positions and turned a city with a pre-war population of 101,000 into a burnt-down desert'

Ukrainian platoon commander Mariia talks to her soldiers in their position in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. Picture: Efrem Lukatsky/AP

Ukrainian soldiers returning from the front lines in east Ukraine’s Donbas region – where Russia is waging a fierce offensive – have described life during what has turned into a gruelling war of attrition.

Some complained of chaotic organisation, desertions and mental health problems caused by relentless shelling.