Ukrainians fighting in the northern sector of the frontline say they're buckling under Russia's attacks. Many of the troops were civilians before Russia's invasion and have just three weeks of NATO basic training. Other recruits the Kyiv Independent spoke to said three weeks of NATO basic training had left them underprepared for the reality of the situation on the ground. Meanwhile, Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops at the Kupiansk axis on the northern frontline, according to authorities in Kyiv. "Russian forces are likely seeking to distract Ukraine from its counteroffensive," the Ministry of Defence said on X Saturday.

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Persons: Russia's, Igor Kossov, Volodymyr, he's, Ihor, Ukraine's, Vadim Ghirda Organizations: Kyiv Independent, Service, 32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, Independent, NATO, 32nd Brigade, AP, Ministry of Defence, MoD Locations: Wall, Silicon, Ukraine, Kharkiv, Russia, Germany, Russian, Kupiansk, Kyiv, Ukrainian