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In Pictures: Between Crimea’s frontlines

Those living in the no-man’s-land between Ukrainian and pro-Russian forces are increasingly uneasy.

Just behind the frontlines, soldiers gather around what appears to be a fortified caravan, having just been digging trenches nearby.
By George Henton
Published On 11 Mar 2014

On a thin strip of land to the north of the Crimean peninsula, a new frontline is emerging as pro-Russian forces and the Ukrainian military strengthen their respective positions. 

With the two sides separated by approximately 20 kilometres, the situation remains relatively calm – but both sides talk of a fear of “provocations” that could upset the fragile peace. 

Along the respective lines, both forces are digging in their defensive positions, with armoured vehicles dug in and heavily armed soldiers manning positions in trenches. On the Crimean side, signs warn of mines while trip wires, apparently connected to warning flares, are scattered in the fields around the main checkpoint. 

Between the two fronts are a number of small towns and large sprawling farms, populated by a handful of people growing increasingly fearful of their position. According to residents, many people have already left.  

For now, the two sides are staying well away from each other, and Ukrainian forces have orders not to open fire unless fired upon. But the situation remains tense and as Russia continues to tighten its grip on the Crimea, neither side appears to be taking any chances.

There is a constant movement of troops on both sides as new defences are built.
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A Ukrainian armoured vehicle in a defensive position looks towards the Crimean peninsula.
A Ukrainian soldier digs a trench in a position looking towards the peninsula.
Despite the relative tensions, a steady flow of traffic continues to pass through both checkpoints in and out of Crimea.
Dotted around the area are crumbling concrete bunkers, remnants of World War II and reminders of the peninsula(***)s tumultuous past.
Residents of a small town named Chonhar stand at a bus stop in a sort of no-man(***)s-land between the two lines.
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On the Russian side, signs warn of mines stretching out hundreds of metres from the main checkpoint.
Behind the mines, armoured vehicles and heavily armed soldiers wait in defensive positions.
At the checkpoint itself, pro-Russian gunmen stand guard next to a sign warning all who approach to stop.