As Ukraine mounts its counter-offensive aiming to retake the city of Kherson, villagers close to the frontline of the southern Mykolaiv region speak of hope the military strategy will push back the Russian advance, but also trepidation of increased shelling on the frontline. Images show a mix of destroyed infrastructure and battered villages near the Mykolaiv region frontline. The destruction has occurred throughout the six months of war. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES