Struggle for Ukraine fortifies bond

As snow falls in a park in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, Natalia fixes Veronika's military hood.

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Kyiv -

They are both Ukrainian soldiers, but a mother is always a mother.

Natalia, 53, gave up her job as a clothing designer and signed up at the beginning of Russia's invasion three years ago, on 24 February, 2022.

Her daughter Veronika, 26, decided to join her just a few days later.

"As a mother, of course I was worried," Natalia said.

But she later thought it would be better to stick together.

"Whatever happens you will be near me, under my wing. I will protect you with my own body if I have to," Natalia told her daughter.

"If you were not here, I wouldn't be able to do anything," she said.

Veronika said her mother "helped me to not be afraid".