AFP photographer Aris Messinis captures the intensity of fighting in the Donbas as mortar shells rain down around his car. These photos were taken on May 23 as civilians tried to make their way along an important link road near Lysychansk in eastern Ukraine.
Russia Invades Ukraine
Photojournalist Captures Intensity Of Fighting In Eastern Ukraine
- By AFP

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A mortar explodes next to a road leading to the city of Lysychansk in eastern Ukraine's Luhansk region on May 23.

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A Ukrainian serviceman takes cover during shelling.

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A Ukrainian serviceman passes a damaged Ukrainian armored vehicle.

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A gas mask sits atop a military vehicle at a checkpoint manned by Ukrainian servicemen.

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A Ukrainian soldier at a checkpoint.

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A Ukrainian serviceman rests before being sent forward to the front line near the city of Lysychansk.

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Ukrainian servicemen prepare their equipment before moving toward the front line.
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
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Time for a break during a lull in fighting.

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A Ukrainian serviceman sits atop a Humvee produced in the United States as they race toward the front line. Washington has sent hundreds of Humvees to the Ukrainian armed forces.

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A mortar explodes beside the road to Lysychansk.

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Ukrainian soldiers wave as they head toward the front line near Lysychansk.
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