“We are defending ourselves against the Russians,” says Denyz, a young guy. He has no idea how many sandbags he fills here every day. “I’ve stopped counting.” Everywhere men, but also women, carry sandbags that are given a place elsewhere in the city. Cars and trucks come and go. “Full load”, someone shouts when a van opens its tailgate. Dozens of men form a long line and pass the bags at breakneck speed. Within a few minutes the van is filled and the driver tears away.