DW embeds with a Ukrainian brigade using drones to resupply soldiers on the front. Russia's swarms of kamikaze drones means it's no longer safe to deliver supplies via road.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region are increasingly using drones to deliver supplies to frontline positions that can no longer be reached safely by road. The 25th Brigade has adapted heavy-duty drones, originally designed for bombing, to drop essential items and reduce the risk to vehicle crews. 

The delivery missions are conducted at night to avoid detection by enemy drones, with crews taking precautions such as using red lights and moving cautiously. Despite challenges like signal jamming and adverse weather, the teams persist in their efforts, ensuring that frontline soldiers receive critical supplies, including munitions and even cigarettes.

How Ukraine uses drones to get supplies to the frontlines

We're at a base camp of the 25th Brigade, somewhere in the Donetsk region. In this rear position, the men prepare for the dangerous task of sending supplies to the front line. Many troops defending the city of Pokrovsk can no longer be reached by road. Heavy-duty drones, developed for bombing, are now more often dropping supplies. We decided that it is safer to lose the drone than to lose the vehicle with the crew that will deliver the supplies. After dark, we head out to meet the delivery team in their position. As we drive, one soldier remains in contact with a unit over the phone. It's about 10-15 kilometers, I'm told, away from the actual zero line, from where we're going. Nonetheless, this area already is in the reach of drones, so that's the reason why the soldiers here in the car are going as fast as they possibly can. Moments later, a Russian kamikaze drone nearly hits us. Where there's one, there are usually more. And now the guys are assessing what to do next, taking shelter, trying to stay concealed somewhere in the middle of nowhere, I don't know where we are actually. The drone flies by a second time. Then we make a run for it. And finally, we arrive at our destination. A position in a village house. Tolik, the commander here, tells us we were extremely lucky. The men work here at night. Kamikaze drones see less in the dark. Using red light makes it harder to be spotted. But everyone here has to move with utmost caution. It can take time to get used to. They prepare the first flight of the night. A delivery of anti-personnel mines. Once everything is in place, they take the drone outside. And it takes off into the night. In the basement, commander Tolik pilots the drone. It uses a digital sterling connection, which makes it more difficult to jam than radio drones. But it is possible. Every now and then, the men lose the signal. And sometimes even a drone. This time it returns and reaches the drop zone. Once the drone is back, they bring it in, change the batteries and prepare the next load. Run after run. The deliveries are usually only essentials. Cigarettes are also considered critical. At four in the morning, rain has set in, making flying impossible. They abort their missions for tonight. At dawn, the crew finally gets to rest. They take turns sleeping while one remains on watch. Later, when it gets dark, they'll start again.

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How Ukraine uses drones to get supplies to the frontlines

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Ukraine Invasion