Ukrainian unit digs in for Russian assault on eastern city

Sgt Maj Artur Shevtsov with the Dnipro-1 regiment exits a bunker at the unit’s position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine (David Goldman/AP)

Ukrainian military personnel are fortifying their positions around the eastern city of Sloviansk in expectation of a fresh Russian attempt to seize the strategic point in the fiercely fought over Donetsk region.

As heavy ground fighting continues on the front line only miles to the east, south-east and north of Sloviansk, members of the Dnipro-1 Regiment are digging in after a week of relative calm.