Matching Russian forces with a smaller population is tough for Kyiv, especially after 3.5 years of war. DW meets new soldiers and the technology helping keep Moscow at bay.

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 military units are integrating advanced first-person view (FPV) drones into their operations, with young recruits like Patch quickly mastering the technology. The government is offering financial incentives to attract recruits under 25, although this age group remains a minority among new enlistees. Brigades across Ukraine are actively recruiting and matching new soldiers to roles that suit their civilian backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of technological proficiency over sheer numbers in countering Russian forces.

Despite ongoing peace talks, many recruits expect a prolonged conflict and are preparing for extended service. Some soldiers express a desire to return to civilian life eventually, but others, like Patch, are committed to staying and training the next generation of drone operators.

Ukraine's fresh recruits using latest drone tech

First-person view or FPV drones have become second nature for Patch. But he still receives regular training for new models. I've been doing it for two years, since I joined the service. I like it. It's my favourite thing to do. Most of all I like to hit the enemy. Patch was 18 when he joined the army. He ran away from home for two months before he convinced his family to let him serve. The youngest in the unit, he says he's not treated any differently. In fact, he's seen as an asset. He learns very quickly, thanks to the fact that he joined young. He was only 18 at the time, was very, very quick, with an easy hand at the controls. He picked it up instantly. He progressed three times faster than the rest of us. That speed comes especially handy with drones, a defining feature of this war. And a crucial resource for Ukraine to fight back against Russia's outsized manpower. There are new people joining, but we still are less than Russians, because they are just bigger country with bigger population. I believe that if we try to outnumber them, it's no chance. We try to answer with higher quality. So we have higher quality drones and higher precision. And a quick learning curve sharpens that advantage. The Ukrainian government is actively trying to attract those under 25 to sign up. Ads like the one behind me outline just one of the many financial incentives, yet those between 18 and 24 make up only a small fraction of new recruits. But brigades are ready to take in fresh recruits of all ages. Brigades like these are ubiquitous across Ukraine. Some offer thrill and adventure, others simply say, we are here to live, trying to reassure future soldiers that they are not just being sent to their deaths. Patches Brigade hands out information to passers-by every day. They say they see it as a business, selling the social benefits and good leadership of their brigade, and matching new recruits with roles that fit their civilian skill set. Peace talks are seen as a distraction. It always deals a heavy blow to morale, to motivation. There are people who are ready to join the army, but when they think that there will be some kind of victory tomorrow, and everything will stop, the war will end, they change their minds. Still, recruits are showing up, especially to join the more popular brigades. Some are looking to transfer here, others are facing desertion or absence without leave charges which will be dropped if they rejoin. A few here are under 25, some without their family's blessing. Most expect to serve a long time. Even if there is a truce, a freeze, they are still Russians, they can attack again anyway. Frankly speaking, we must stay and build up our combat capability. I expect that the war will last as long as it lasts, and then I'll have to defend the country for as long as it takes, maybe five, ten years. Maybe it will end tomorrow, I can't say for sure, but I'm ready for anything. Back at the 40th, no one believes their work will end any time soon. But on being coaxed to imagine a life in peacetime, Taper admits he'd like to return to his comfortable job as a software engineer. Stas would like to go back to bartending, maybe open his own place with his wife. Patch though has given up his fascination with cars. He says he'll stay on and train new recruits to fly drones.

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Ukraine's fresh recruits using latest drone tech

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Ukraine Invasion