Roman, a 36-year-old Ukrainian soldier, films his heartwarming encounters with wild and domesticated animals on the frontline.

From bats to lizards and from dogs to kittens, Roman has taken footage of a wide range of animals he meets in villages, the countryside, and forests. Most of the pets found by the military in small towns were abandoned by their owners who fled the war.

The video shows the soldier cuddling pets, playing with them, and loving the beauty of nature during his military operations against Russian forces.

"For me, animals are consolation, rays of goodness amid the brutal reality of war", he said.

"The strays often come to us, live with us, and eat with us. We have found a permanent owner for some of them. Animal volunteers come and collect them. Sometimes, even soldiers take them home whenever possible. If I have the opportunity, I'll do it too".

animals frontline