Crossing the Front Line: War Watching in Ukraine by William "Bill" Kelly

From frozen checkpoints and shattered villages to tense ceasefire negotiations and quiet moments of shared humanity, this book takes readers inside the daily reality of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. Unarmed civilian observers—armed only with notebooks, radios, and resolve—documented violations, negotiated access with armed actors, and bore witness to a war unfolding in slow motion.

Drawing on decades of frontline experience, the author writes with clarity, restraint, and emotional honesty. Crossing the Front Line goes beyond headlines and politics to reveal what it truly means to stand between opposing forces—listening, observing, and reporting the truth while living with constant uncertainty and risk.

This is not a military memoir. It is a story of presence over power, professionalism under pressure, and ordinary people—civilians, soldiers, and observers alike—trying to retain dignity in extraordinary circumstances.

Author’s Commitment
In keeping with the spirit of service that defines this book, the author has pledged to donate $5 CAD for every softcover and hardcover copy sold, and $2 CAD for every eBook sold, in support of humanitarian efforts connected to Ukraine. Accountability and transparency for these donations are publicly shared through the author’s platforms:
• LinkedIn — William Kelly
• Facebook — Mission Junkie
• Website — www.missionjunkie.ca

For readers interested in:
• Ukraine before the full-scale invasion
• Peacekeeping and international observation missions
• Real frontline experiences told without sensationalism
• Stories rooted in service, humanity, and moral courage

Crossing the Front Line: War Watching in Ukraine offers a rare eyewitness perspective on a conflict that continues to shape the world.