The Ukrainian mortar unit are preparing shells and firing at the Russian army on the frontline in Donetsk region. According to Mykhaylo, a member of the mortar unit, "the intensity has increased in the last few days." Donetsk and Lugansk have weathered the worst of the fighting and Moscow's forces have captured most of the cities in the two war-torn regions yet, the battle on the east carries on. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES