The build up of tensions between Russia and the West is weighing heavily on Ukrainians.

Mourners at a funeral in Horlivka, located in the separatist- held Donetsk region, say they've had enough.

Tatyana's nephew, Artyom Atryomenko was said to be a militant of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic - known as LNR.

"He was so good, my nephew. When will this war come to an end? Such good people are being killed. And God only knows what they are fighting for."

According to the republic's officials, the 39-year-old was killed on the line of separation.

In a statement published on its website, the LNR militia said a man was killed on January 27 whilst fighting back after the Ukrainian Armed Forces opened fire towards rebels' positions.

Both sides often accuse each other of violating the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

His father Sergei is also losing hope that it will all end peacefully.

"I do not believe (in the talks). I do not think they will get to an agreement, and nothing good will come out of it. Nothing. They play for time. I do not believe anybody anymore, neither Ukraine nor the U.S., nobody."

Fears have been mounting in the West that Russia may try to attack Ukraine after gathering tens of thousands of troops near the border.

They have called for a de-escalation, warning that Russia will face swift and tough economic sanctions if it invades its neighbor.

The United States and Britain have started also sending more arms to Ukraine.

Moscow denies it is planning an attack.

As the international standoff continues, residents in Kyiv have their doubts that foreign efforts will help end the crisis.

"... I hope that everything will go well, because the situation right now is considerably... well, as I understand many people are heated up about the situation, but no one wants war, everyone wants a peaceful sky over their heads."

"They don't come here with good intentions. They come here to push Ukraine towards war. You understand? There are the Minsk agreements, with Germany, France, and Russia, one should implement them completely. Everything else pushes Ukraine towards war. This will affect you, you, and me. We don't need this."