Under a Drone-Swarmed Sky: Surviving in Eastern Ukraine

6 hours ago 2

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Even miles from the front line, anything that moves in eastern Ukraine is a target.

That’s because as Russia’s summer offensive gains momentum, it is increasingly relying on drones of all kinds to gain control over Ukraine’s territory.

Under attack by drones, Ukrainian soldiers are struggling to maintain supply lines around the towns of Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. There is greater peril for civilians remaining in their homes, and for the humanitarian groups trying to evacuate them. Some Russian drones strike at ranges up to 24 miles.

Senior Lt. Yevhen Alkhimov, a spokesman for the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said movement to and from positions now posed the greatest risk for his soldiers. Nightfall brought no safety because more Russian drones had thermal imaging cameras. Once at the actual bunkers and trenches on the front, “it is usually possible to work,” he said.

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Two soldiers in a wooded area with a howitzer.
An artillery unit of the 28th Mechanized Separate Brigade preparing to fire an M109 howitzer on Russian positions, on the outskirts of Kostiantynivka, eastern Ukraine.

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Firing an American 155 mm turreted self-propelled howitzer.

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Ukrainian soldiers retrieving supplies have to move quickly to avoid drones.

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Olahraga Sehat| | | |