Residents of Ukraine's Mariupol prepare for potential military offensive
- 10 years ago
Residents in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol are gearing up for a potential government military offensive.
Pro-Russian separatist fighters have launched sporadic attacks in the east, threatening a delicate truce brokered between Moscow and Kiev.
Locals say they hope an offensive won't be necessary.
(SOUNDBITE) LOCAL RESIDENT, VALERIA, SAYING:
"Everyone hopes this will not happen, you know. Somehow everyone hopes this will not happen, that nothing will happen. That there will be no offensive, that they will find an agreement. I wish it would be this way."
Nonetheless, steps are underway to prepare bomb shelters and necessary equipment, should fighting erupt.
Irina volunteers her time to make camouflage cloaks to conceal snipers.
She says the art of blending in is necessary to help those fighting on the front lines.
(SOUNDBITE) VOLUNTEER, IRINA, SAYING:
"Camouflage is needed a lot and we are asked for these outfits. So to say,
Pro-Russian separatist fighters have launched sporadic attacks in the east, threatening a delicate truce brokered between Moscow and Kiev.
Locals say they hope an offensive won't be necessary.
(SOUNDBITE) LOCAL RESIDENT, VALERIA, SAYING:
"Everyone hopes this will not happen, you know. Somehow everyone hopes this will not happen, that nothing will happen. That there will be no offensive, that they will find an agreement. I wish it would be this way."
Nonetheless, steps are underway to prepare bomb shelters and necessary equipment, should fighting erupt.
Irina volunteers her time to make camouflage cloaks to conceal snipers.
She says the art of blending in is necessary to help those fighting on the front lines.
(SOUNDBITE) VOLUNTEER, IRINA, SAYING:
"Camouflage is needed a lot and we are asked for these outfits. So to say,