Ukraine thrown into war's bleak future as drones open new battlefront

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a significant shift in warfare has emerged, primarily driven by the use of drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles have become essential tools for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, allowing them to gather intelligence and conduct targeted strikes from the sky. As I traveled through the northeastern region of Ukraine, I witnessed firsthand the impact of this new technology on the battlefield. One of the soldiers I met, Senior Lieutenant Yevhenii, described the importance of a small device they call 'sugar,' which sits on the dashboard of their army truck. This device is a drone jammer that helps protect them from enemy drones by blocking their communication signals. However, Yevhenii warned that some drones, like the Zala Lancet, are particularly challenging to counter because they can operate autonomously once they have identified a target. As we drove along a dark country road near the front lines, the tension was palpable. The soldiers were aware of the dangers lurking above them, and they drove quickly to minimize their risk of being targeted. Drones have transformed the nature of warfare in Ukraine, allowing for precise targeting of soldiers and vehicles. In a recent attack, approximately 25 Russian drones targeted the city of Kharkiv, although many were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian army is also utilizing its own drones to fight back, with one soldier claiming they can eliminate around 100 enemy soldiers daily. The drone commander, known by the call sign Aeneas, emphasized the importance of finding shelter during attacks, stating that survival is nearly impossible without it. He noted that the war has evolved significantly over the past year, with drone warfare now accounting for half of the combat operations. This shift towards drone warfare is a combination of necessity and innovation. Drones are more readily available than traditional artillery, which has been in short supply for the Ukrainian forces. In response to this challenge, Ukraine's allies have pledged to supply the country with a million drones this year, which will bolster their capabilities on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Russia has also adapted its tactics, employing older technologies such as glide bombs, which have devastating effects when dropped on Ukrainian positions. I spoke with a woman named Svitlana, who had been forced to flee her home in the village of Lyptsi due to these attacks. She recounted the terrifying experience of being surrounded by explosions and flames, describing it as impossible to escape the cellar during the bombardment. Aeneas took us on a tour of his drone teams stationed along the front lines in Lyptsi. Each vehicle was equipped with drone-jamming technology, but the protection it offered was limited to when they were inside the vehicle. Once outside, the danger increased significantly. We followed Aeneas as he navigated the rubble to reach the safety of an underground base, where we met two drone operators, Yakut and Petro. The base was cluttered with drones, and the operators explained that they go through hundreds of drones each month, as many are single-use and detonate upon impact. Their preferred weapon is the First Person View (FPV) drone, which can carry explosives weighing between 1kg and 2kg. These drones are modified versions of commercial models, equipped with cameras that transmit live video back to the operators. Aeneas referred to these drones as 'celebration drones,' as they were originally designed for filming weddings and parties before the war began. I observed Yakut as he skillfully piloted a drone, maneuvering it through open fields and wooded areas to locate a suspected Russian soldier. The drone flew through a window and detonated, while another team successfully targeted a Russian light-armored vehicle. The operators work tirelessly, flying missions day and night, often for several days in a row. Their greatest fear is the glide bombs dropped by Russian aircraft, which can cause catastrophic damage. Aeneas shared a chilling video of a Russian soldier caught in the open, who attempted to hide but was ultimately targeted and killed by one of their drones. The operators maintain a calm demeanor while executing their missions, but the reality of the situation is nerve-wracking. A few days later, while at an infantry trench close to Russian positions, a unit commander expressed confidence in their drone capabilities, noting that they have the upper hand in drone warfare, while the Russians have the advantage with glide bombs. Despite the numerical superiority of Russian drones, the Ukrainian teams believe they possess a technological edge and are quicker to adapt their strategies. The trench provided some cover, but as we spoke, a Russian FPV drone was detected approaching their position. The soldiers quickly turned off their lights and sat in silence, holding their breath as the drone hovered overhead. Fortunately, it moved on without attacking. The largest drone in the brigade's arsenal is called the Vampire, which is capable of carrying a significant payload. During a nighttime mission, we joined Aeneas and his team as they prepared to launch this powerful drone. As they worked, a Russian drone flew overhead, prompting the soldiers to take cover until it passed. The Vampire drone was launched into the night sky, and the soldiers monitored its progress using a surveillance drone. Suddenly, three Russian glide bombs detonated nearby, sending shockwaves through the area. The soldiers are acutely aware that their efforts in drone warfare are not just about survival; they are also shaping the future of military conflict. The head of the British military has acknowledged that lessons can be learned from Ukraine's experiences, emphasizing the need for modern armies to adapt to new forms of warfare. Aeneas and his team understand the significance of their work, knowing that they are at the forefront of a new era in combat. As we left their position, a Russian drone returned, and we quickly drove away into the darkness, reflecting on the evolving nature of warfare in Ukraine.