An investigation by RFE/RL indicates that Russia has redeployed troops from a base in Kyrgyzstan to the front line in Ukraine. Locals say some 300-500 contract soldiers were based there in late 2021, but have since been sent to Ukraine, a claim confirmed by activists and a soldier's family.
Two of Ukraine's most experienced combat photojournalists spoke to RFE/RL about the atmosphere along the line of contact in the Donbas as fears for an all-out Russian invasion mount.