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Drones Dominate the Skies: Life Under Fire in Eastern Ukraine

As Ukraine grapples with intensified conflict, drones play a pivotal role on the battlefield, endangering both soldiers and civilians.

By Tyler Hicks and Maria VarenikovaSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Drones Dominate the Skies: Life Under Fire in Eastern Ukraine
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In eastern Ukraine, cease-fire discussions have stalled while aggression intensifies, with Russian forces utilizing drones to escalate their offensive. Ukrainian troops face increasing challenges as they defend towns like Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Kupiansk. Civilians, stubbornly remaining in their homes, are at risk as they attempt to navigate a treacherous landscape filled with lurking threats from drones.

Ukrainian soldiers report that movement near the front lines has become perilous due to Russian drones equipped with advanced thermal imaging cameras, making nighttime just as risky. Senior Lt. Yevhen Alkhimov highlights the dangers faced by troops as they struggle to maintain supply lines while under constant aerial monitoring, forcing them to constantly adapt and minimize movement.Humanitarian groups attempting to rescue civilians also encounter heightened dangers as Russian drones can strike from distances of up to 24 miles, complicating evacuation efforts. In the face of such challenges, the resilient community fights for survival under a drone-swathed sky, where every movement is a calculated risk.

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