Two Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and four injured by shelling in eastern Ukraine.
A dramatic rise in attacks in the country's Russian-backed breakaway territories is adding to the unwavering fear that Russia will soon invade.
But those in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, won't go down without a fight. The Ukrainian troops who will rise up to face Russia met in a remote and secret forest location after a GPS coordinate was sent out on a Saturday.
"All day, any day, any night, any time, I'm ready," says Ukrainian troop Stefan.
But they are not members of the official front line force, they're just everyday Ukrainians. Among them are a designer, IT specialist, lawyer, software engineer, teacher, dive instructor, and a tea merchant.
Their backgrounds are vast, but their futures are zeroed in on war. Together, they will form a civilian army if an invasion does eventuate.
"When you have neighbours who all the time try to kill you, that's why we need to defend," says Alex, a Ukrainian troop.
Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the east on Saturday and military mobilisations have been ordered in the occupied region of Donbass after a video from the rebel leader claimed Ukrainians were about to attack, prompting mass evacuations.
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Metadata now shows the video was actually filmed two days ago, fueling speculation it was all staged to discredit Ukraine and give Russian President Vladimir Putin a reason to invade.
With the threat of an invasion escalating, Ukrainian forces have now said they require between 1.5 and 2 million civilians to be ready to defend their country and defend their people.
"Nobody wants war, but we don't have any choice," says Ukrainian Ivan.
That's why they're here to train. They're learning how to inflict wounds, but also first aid so they know how to tend to them.
Their reasons for wanting to defend their country vary. One father says he's doing it for his son.
"I want him to have a better future, that is why I have to protect him right now," he says.
One mother is doing it for her sons, saying "everyone must do their part".
They're all willing to risk it all for their futures.
So, in a remote and secret forest they gather, readying for the day when they can no longer hide.
