Man against machine: Stories from Ukraine’s Donbas front line

Published May 8, 2026 6:49am ET | Updated May 8, 2026 6:49am ET



DONETSK OBLAST, Ukraine — “Myrik,” as his callsign goes, looks about as good as one can expect in his situation. Tired but intact, the Ukrainian commander puffs intently on a cigarette as he takes in his first break in nearly three months.

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