A deputy commander of the “Da Vinci Wolves” battalion in Ukraine explains how they constantly defend against Russian attacks. These attacks have shifted from small group assaults with armored vehicles to individual soldiers evading Ukrainian drones and finding places to hide. Despite the difficulty, the battalion remains vigilant and prepared, even as the Russians seem to follow near-suicidal orders from their officers.
The battalion’s command center is located in a 130-meter-long underground bunker, where they use reconnaissance drones to monitor the area west of Pokrovsk. They work round the clock to defend against any breaks in their watchful eye. The bunker also contains a barracks for rest and a mess hall where soldiers can find comfort.
The conflict has evolved, and first-person view (FPV) drones played a significant role. The so-called kill zone now extends 12 to 14 kilometers behind the front, making logistics reliant on foot or ground drones.
Ground drones like the $12,000 Termit help with evacuation and supply. A wounded soldier was recently evacuated to a safe village using one of these drones. Despite their efforts, Russian infiltration has revealed weak spots in the Ukrainian defense.
Anti-drone defenses, like the Arbalet interceptor, target enemy drones. The small, delta-wing drone made of black polystyrene can reach speeds of 110 miles an hour and is operated by a pilot hidden in a bunker, guiding it via its camera.
Despite the constant fighting with no end in sight, the pilots remain motivated and determined to continue fighting for their freedom.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/drones-evolving-technology-at-ukraine-conflict-heart
