Ukraine’s battlefield optimism is ebbing as Russia threatens its ‘fortress belt’

By Ivana Kottasová, Kosta Gak, CNN (CNN) — Iryna Rybakova is horribly aware that the front line is inching toward Kramatorsk. Having served in eastern Ukraine for several years, she has watched her units being pushed from one strategic hub after another. But she said the past few weeks have been “insane.” The city remains