On March 3, paratroopers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Mykolaiv set up a checkpoint near village of Salkovo.
They are monitoring all passing transport, inspecting vehicles for weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items.
Traffic on the road between Kharkiv and Simferopol is not blocked, and flows as usual.
“We were met by friendly troopers who imposed no restrictions on our filming. They invited the journalists to visit any time, day or night, in order to help avoid potential provocations. All of the personnel are contractors. Onsite are two armored vehicles, several military vehicles, and an independent power supply. All the paratroopers are armed with assault rifles and machine guns. We have also seen mortars. Personnel are accommodated in two army tents,” journalists report.
“The morale of the officers and soldiers is very high. Speaking to journalists, the military men made no attempt to hide that they remain loyal to their oath to the people of Ukraine and are ready to defend their homeland to the end. The majority of them were Russian speakers. The local people have also found the Ukrainian paratroopers very friendly. During our stay at the checkpoint, we saw a constant stream of locals. They brought bags of food; some of them helped the troopers chop wood,” they said.
The officers and soldiers said they did not expect such a warm reception and friendly attitude to the Ukrainian military.
Translated by Vitalii Usenko, edited by Robin Rohrback
