Near the frontline city of Bakhmut, a group of Ukrainian soldiers ready themselves for a rumoured spring counteroffensive in the country's east. The mood amongst the men is mixed: on the one hand, the Russians appear to be not firing quite so much, with their positions becoming "more or less quiet" as a result. On the other, despite general agreement that the counteroffensive will yield results, some fear it will not prove as decisive as hoped. "For a counteroffensive, large forces are needed, a lot of equipment" tank mechanic Ivan notes. " I don't think it will be soon. And it won't be so easy." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES