Ukrainian unit digs in for Russian assault on eastern city


              Sgt. Maj. Artur Shevtsov with the Dnipro-1 regiment exits a bunker at the unit's position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Shevtsov said that the provision of heavy weapons from Ukraine's western allies had helped keep some Donbas cities like Sloviansk relatively safe since their delivery in June. But such weapons have likely only bought time for Ukrainian forces, he said, adding that the lack of strikes in the last week "worries me." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              Sgt. Maj. Artur Shevtsov with the Dnipro-1 regiment exits a bunker at the unit's position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. From a position on the outskirts of the city, soldiers with the Dnipro-1 regiment are expanding a network of trenches and digging bunkers capable of protecting soldiers against mortar strikes and phosphorous bombs. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              Sgt. Maj. Artur Shevtsov with the Dnipro-1 regiment tours a bunker at their position during a period of relative calm near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Shevtsov said that the provision of heavy weapons from Ukraine's western allies had helped keep some Donbas cities like Sloviansk relatively safe since their delivery in June. But such weapons have likely only bought time for Ukrainian forces, he said, adding that the lack of strikes in the last week "worries me." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              Ukrainian soldier Vyacheslav Timohovich with the Dnipro-1 regiment stands under a tent at an outpost near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. As heavy ground fighting continues on the front line only miles from Sloviansk, members of the Dnipro-1 regiment are fortifying their positions around the city which has experienced a period of relative calm in recent days with the last Russian strike occurring on July 30. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              Col. Yurii Bereza with the Dnipro-1 regiment is photographed at the unit's headquarters during a period of relative calm near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. "I think it won't be calm for long. Eventually there will be an assault," Col. Bereza told the Associated Press on Friday, adding that he expected the area to get "hot" in the coming days. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              A member of the Dnipro-1 regiment cleans his tent during a period of relative calm around their position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. While the lull in rocket strikes has offered a reprieve to remaining residents, some members of the Ukrainian military unit say it could be a prelude to renewed attacks. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              A tattoo of the "Joker" decorates the arm of a soldier with the Dnipro-1 regiment as he carries logs to fortify a position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. While the lull in rocket strikes has offered a reprieve to remaining residents, some members of the Ukrainian military unit say it could be a prelude to renewed attacks. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              A member of the Dnipro-1 regiment carries a log to fortify a position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. From a position on the outskirts of the city, soldiers with the Dnipro-1 regiment are expanding a network of trenches and digging bunkers capable of protecting soldiers against mortar strikes and phosphorous bombs. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              Members of the Dnipro-1 regiment position logs to fortify their position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Sloviansk is considered a strategic target in Moscow's ambitions to seize the Donetsk region, a largely Russian-speaking area in Ukraine's east around 60% of which is controlled by Russian forces and pro-Russian separatists. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
            
              Members of the Dnipro-1 regiment carry logs to fortify their position near Sloviansk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. While the lull in rocket strikes has offered a reprieve to remaining residents, some members of the Ukrainian unit say it could be a prelude to renewed Russian attacks. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Ukrainian unit digs in for Russian assault on eastern city