The Defenders of Donbas: Ukraine war frontline report - BBC News 

The commanders words, spoken with gentleness and calm, had me tearing up. Fighting now so their children can have peace tomorrow. Hoping for peace for others and no war on their lands. This is truly a nation of heroes. Slava Ukraine.

Much thanks to Quentin and Darren for your courageous dedication and sacrifice on this assignment letting the world see this war.

I'd like to pay my deepest respect to these brave and steadfast soldiers. They have shown us what real courage means.

What absolutely astonishingly moving, harrowing and brave reporting. Journalism at its finest. Stay safe.

My son is 20 years old, I cold see him in Dimas eyes. Tears came done ass I felt his pain. Heroyam slava

This report is simply outstanding. Incredible bravery by the soldiers shown, and also by the news crew of this report! I hope everyone stays safe.

This was possibly the most moving piece of journalism I've seen. I'm filled with rage when I see 22 year old Dima, his kind eyes, and what he's going through.

It has been a while since the footage with Dima was shot. I hope he is still doing well and alive... Would love if the BBC or someone else could get back to him.

I don't usually comment much on videos, but this was strong, so I felt like I had to! Just the look on that kid's face hit me hard. Someone so young will forever be shaped by war. Truly inspiring how strong they are, and an eye-opener for all of us. War is primitive, set off by weak leaders. The brave ones have to carry the heavy burden. Very nice reporting and good insight. Hope everyone got out safely! Glory to Ukraine!

Seeing Dima made me tear up. I’m 22, so is he. He should be at home with his partner or at university, enjoying his life, doing whatever it is he did before the war. It makes me feel wrong that I can sit here in australia safely without fear of my life or my families or my girlfriends. I know prayers don’t do much but it’s the only piece of mind you have sometimes in these situations. I hope one day to make a different to the world and aide men like dima and help Ukraine. Slava ukraini

I was born and raised in Kharkiv. Have lived in California since 1995. Thank you, BBC, for your hard work of reporting these historic events. We have been following this horrific war since 02/24/2022. Every time I watch a video like this one, I can’t believe my eyes…what putin’s thugs have done with my beautiful homeland 💔Glory to the brave defenders of Donbas, Kharkiv, and the entire country. Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦🌻💙💛

Probably the best documentary I have seen so far about the war

How can my tepid tapping on a keyboard 13,000 km way possibly know of Ukraine's pain? To live a reality where my only choice is to relentlessly hang my life at the precipice for freedom. The footage of Dima, 22-year-old young soldier, nonchalantly lighting his cigarette in a shallow trench before artillery falls near him and afterwards is iconic. Thank you Quentin Sommerville and Darren Conway and the others who risked much to capture this. I hope you all get the recognition you deserve for this telling journalism.

God bless these brave men

It made me cry.. These Ukrainian soldiers are the heroes of our times. They are not just the defenders of Donbas, but the defenders of all the civilized and free world.

Outstanding!!! One of the best I ever seen. Bravo!

A terribly powerful broadcast. Blessings to those Ukrainians on the frontlines. Victory will be theirs. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!

So brutal and to the bone... I am completely touched and speechless. 22 year old Dima, by the look of his face, has a great heart and warm look in his eyes. Yet, he has scars that he will carry for the rest of his life. If he survives. And the commander, his pain being overshadowed by the purpose of his mission. It is unbelievable this is happening in 21st century, in a civilized and privilleged part of the world. Slava Ukraini and prayers (though I am atheist) from the Czech Republic. We are by your side and one day, we will thank you for all the sacrifice.

I am from Austria. I often went to the Donbass with an organisation to bring food, medical supplies and clothes there. I often think about what would happen if it were my family. Yes, electricity and heating costs have risen very sharply in our country, but no one's life is threatened. It fills me with great pain when I hear people in Europe say we should not supply weapons. Then I always think of the comrades in Ukraine who risk their lives every day for their freedom and we sit in Europe and worry about electricity prices. This is out of proportion. The experiences and impressions in the frontline change you a lot. The stories of the people on the ground very often touched me emotionally. It is hard to share your thoughts with someone who has not experienced it. Many people just don't understand. I wish I could do more. I hope that we will soon be able to bring relief supplies to the Donbass again.

That poor woman in the shelter. Breaks my heart. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Dima is such a young hero. Whole Europe needs to support and help him.

One of the strongest videos I've even seen . So sad and I wish the Ukrainian people the very best .. I'm so glad the rest of the world is helping out but I wish it ends ..

🙏🇺🇦💪 The emotional impact of the commander's words is undeniable. It reveals the deep commitment and sacrifice of the brave fighters in Ukraine, fighting for a better tomorrow for their children and a peaceful future for their lands. This comment evokes admiration for their courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It raises curiosity about the ongoing conflict and the experiences of those on the frontlines. It also sparks a reflection on the meaning of heroism and the profound impact of war on individuals and nations. Slava Ukraine!

These reporters are just as brave as those soldiers in the frontline... They knew what they were signing up for..

What a taste of what this horrible war feels like, Had me in tears a couple times..That old lady in the school bunker talking about her husband hit me hard...I really wish the Ukrainians are able to conclude this war on their terms in the near future and put an end to this senseless death, suffering and destruction...God Speed...

Thank you all for your service, including the media!! The world should be watching these videos to understand this is NO laughing matter!!

Respect to all these Men! Respect to the reporter as well. Ukraine Always. 🇺🇦🪖 God Bless!

The Ukrainians are very resilient people. May they emerge victoriously and free from all of this!

Great video. Hits hard for me to see these young men stand for their land. Slava Ukraine.

This was, without a doubt, one of the most moving, in-depth, and bravest reports from the front lines of a shooting war, that I have seen in over 50 years. Kudos to the reporter, the cameraman, and whoever else was with them. Nothing brings home how insane, deadly, and sad war is more than a report like this one. The only alternative to understanding the fear, courage, and knowledge of imminent sudden death, is to physically be there. I wish this reporter and his crew a safe journey, and Ukraine a victory that will stand for a thousand years, and outlast Russia by 999 of those years.

Praying for you Ukraine.

Brave boys, glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦

I believe this is the Very Best documentary I have seen yet. So Powerful & So Real. Glory to Ukraine ! 💪👊👍👆

これは渾身のリポートですね。大変心を打たれました。平和な生活を瓦礫に変えられて、一人一人が孤独を嘆きつつも、人々が団結して困難に立ち向かう姿に感動しました。これからも体には気をつけて、ジャーナリスト魂を見せて下さい。

The sound of incoming artillery is absolutely terrifying

That poor kid is already battle hardened at 22, and still, he shows no fear!

excellent video and totally heartbreaking

There will be music there again Miss Iryna Babkina❤ So much respect for this lady. She is one of those unsung heroes who refuse to give in or give up. Slava Ukrainii❤💙💛💪🤛

One of the best reports I’ve seen. First class. Heartbreaking.

one of the best real situations video on the war i've seen so far! well done Lads!

Excellent video! Victory for Ukraine! ❤️from 🇺🇸 support and prayers .

I hope DIMA makes it out and has a family 😢

Wow its insane how that tank at 3:47 has absolutely no trouble going through that mud, while the vehicle from before was sliding all over the place

Uma guerra cruel e sem fim

These Ukrainians are so brave. They just want to leave free and in peace. Wars are not won with thoughts and prayers though. Urge your governments to send every bit of help they can to Ukraine. Ukrainians are paying for this war with their lives, we are merely giving money and equipment. Hats off to the reporter Quentin Somerville for this amazing reporting.

Slava Ukraine! Nothing beats those who defend their wife, husband, kids and country. 💞💙💛💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦❣🇵🇭

Go Go Go Ukraine Army's don't give up still staying stong for your mother's land you're heroes God bless you All 💕💕

"If we don't do this now - then our grandchildren will have to take up arms - and defend their freedom, their rights". Slava Ukraini - from Latvia.

Great reporting and camera footage…thank you 👍❤️🙏🇺🇦

Thanks to everyone who helps Ukraine in the fight against Russian fascism.

16:54 Dima, what's that patch u got there? 😂

We are Cossacks - what a powerful statement from the brave 22-year-old young man👍

Most riveting first hand war reporting I ever seen.

well done all involved, the best documentary i've seen on this, well done to all, putting yourself in the line of fire

This is so touching 😢😢

I’ve been following this war from day one. This is a very good report!

I feel for them with all my heart! My mom helped remove street signs as the soviets were "liberating" Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1968. The foot soldiers didn't even know which country they were in and why the population was so unfriendly to them. Interestingly, they were amazed at the high standard of living in Czechoslovakia... Haven't we heard that everytime the Russians crossed their borders?

You have to defend your freedom what cost it The freedom worth it. Greet speech 💬 from Ukrainian Army soldier🇺🇦

The young soldier and the older colonel are both two sweet human beings...Sending love and prayers to the brave people of the great Ukranian nation!

Thank you for this, you captured the spirit and essence of why they are fighting. So many heroes in every trench, every tank. Ukraine is an amazing country and has amazing people. I look forward to seeing what they become after this Russian evil is over. Slava Ukraine.

You know when you get striked by enemy bombardment, they are going after you when after ending the ammo of artillery

Get me there!

I love Dima ❤ I hope that he survives this war meets his mother again, what a brave young man.

I have a friend in Spain who told me about the men who are being taken there with war wounds and the terrible circumstances they face. They are men like these ones, kids, fathers and sons of someone. They are treated and given support and I feel there is no enough amount of help we can give them, they deserve it all. They are fighting for their right to exist and they are all heroes. Those words from the commander says it like it is, "I hope there is no war on their land', he knows what he's talking about. To those who brought this war and all that suffering, be prepared, you won't find a place to hide.

Senseless war

to jest kozacka dyplomacja ...

I just wish the crew in the trench to get home to their families safely. Mitya, his commander and all Ukrainian defenders deserve a life in peace. 🇭🇷 ❤️ 🇺🇦

God Bless Ukraine. My prayers are with you.

absolutely incredible video GLORY TO UKRAINE

Don't shoot back. Just listen. Once they hear your gun, they will review your position!

Thanks for bring the reality of the battle field closer, I can´t measure the hardships you had to endure and neither can´t imagine the guts someone need to take this footage. Thanks to UK for supporting Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

Moving. Touching. Powerful. War is indeed Hell.

This documentary is the best one I ever seen

I cant hear that accent and not think of Mel Gibson yelling FREEEEEEEEDOMMMM

My deepest respect to all involved, may you stay safe and end this war soon 🌞 This is reporting of the highest caliber.

Absolutely fantastic look at the horror that the ruski's needlessly brings to a beautiful people. Slava Ukraini Heroyam Slava 🇺🇦💙💛

Even the poor dogs break my heart.

Giod Evening DHS...Thanks NYPD

Unbelievable coverage of a great and tragic moment in history. Glory to the Ukrainian defenders and those who support them! I just hope the country can recovery after this.

how this is literally happening STILL in Europe is mind boggling

Brave journalist in middle of frontline

what is the name of music at the end?

The Ukrainians are truly impressive... From a school teacher to a soldier fighting in the trenches.🇺🇲🇺🇦💪♥️🥰

I feel bad for all of them but especially Dima, he looked particularly rough, I hope there’s a ton of therapy available after all this is done, I can’t imagine the level of PTSD the whole country is going to experience

Most can understand the difference of getting a Leopard2/Strv 122 / Challenger 2 tank instead of these; more advanced computers, yes, but just seeing the stick drive and slow accerelation when they turn and drive away tells a lot. It is like getting a new Porsche or Range Rover instead of a VAZ-Lada 4*4. If they just can get get good with the targeting/comms in 2 months...

😢

This was the first report of ukraine that actually made me sad. Makes you realize how many people are affected and how truly painful this war is for every individual, yet they have the courage and will to fulfill their duties.

Wonderful report. Prayers to all. Very brave men & women. Bravo Ukraine! 🙏🏻😍👍🏼

🥺

Curious who cleans them uniforms. Never seen so many clean combat soldiers.

It’s a shame that you describe the location of troops. If they’re still there, now everyone knows it.

The clearest case of good vs evil. How could anyone on earth not want Ukrainian victory?

that commanders words hit home so hard that it made me emotional.. i'm from the philippines.. we fought so hard to get our freedom back from Spain, US, and Japan we all know too well that Freedom is worth giving your life to achieve!

Bloody good journalism here BBC. You have really captured the real life-and-death drama happening here.

To any Ukrainian soliders. Dont think just your nation is the only people proud of you. You have country after country not only praying for your victory, but there also dam proud of you guys and have earned an immershiable amount of respect. All of Ukraine is in our prayers and were confident your proud country will prevail.

All the honour, All the love to sovereign Ukraine, Fighting for the dignity, liberties and territory.

This is an amazing report of the front line. Thank you!!

18:23 solider: puts down cigarette Me: lights up cigarette I’m getting tf outta here , SALUTE TO THESE BRAVE PEOPLE NO ONE ON THE PLANET ARE LIKE U GUYS RIGHT NOW ❤️

Thank you to the heroes who defend all of Europe. Sława

Unbelievable reporting --- balls of steel - Salva Ukraine!