“IAfar, the deputy commander of the “Davinci Wolves,” shares insights about the critical role of one of Ukraine’s renowned battalions in countering ongoing Russian attacks.

Amid the aftermath, the remaining forces strive to form around ten units to assault Ukrainian positions. It requires funding – “We’ve eliminated 11 individuals in the past 24 hours,” Afer remarks. Previously, attacks occurred once or twice daily, but the situation is now relentless. According to Da Vinci’s commander, the Russian troops seem to be operating under near-suicidal orders, driven by fear of their superiors.

A reconnaissance drone tracks a scorched treeline to the west of Pokrovsk. The imagery is relayed to Da Vinci’s command center, situated at one end of a 130-meter underground bunker. “Even taking a moment to relax is perilous,” Afer notes, as the team operates around the clock. Constructed in four or five weeks, the bunker features multiple rooms, including barracks for resting, alongside drawings by children and family reminders. The week’s menu adorns the wall.

Three and a half years into the Ukrainian conflict, there has been no progress on Donald Trump’s August peace initiative. As the war evolves, Afer elaborates on advancements in FPV (first-person view) drones, piloted remotely via onboard cameras. The so-called kill zone currently extends “12-14 kilometers” behind the frontline. A $500 drone, flying at speeds of up to 60mph, can maneuver within this area. “It’s all about logistics,” he explains, referring to food, ammunition, and medical supplies transported on foot or with the aid of ground drones.

Additionally, various types of ground drones are stationed in the countryside Dacha, currently occupied by Da Vinci soldiers. This concept rapidly evolved from an idea to a practical application. The drones include remote-controlled machine guns and flatbed robotic vehicles, such as the $12,000 Termit, capable of traversing rough terrain while carrying 300kg over 12 miles at a maximum speed of 7 mph.

These ground drones also contribute to saving lives. “Last night, we sustained two fractured legs and a chest injury,” Afer recounts. The entire rescue operation consumed “nearly 20 hours,” during which two soldiers successfully transported the injured man on a ground drone over a mile, delivering him to a safe village. Thankfully, the soldiers survived.

Da Vinci reports that their position remains secure, but the relentless Russian infiltration attempts effectively reveal locations where defenses are weak or coordination between nearby units is lacking. Recently, Russian forces breached Ukrainian territory, advancing 12 miles northeast of Pokrovsk, near Dubropyria. This marks a precarious moment in a critical sector, coinciding with Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Initially, reports suggested countless soldiers had breached the area, but the confirmed figure appeared substantially higher. Ukrainian military sources estimate that roughly 2,000 Russians were involved, with 1,100 casualties reported during the offensive led by Ukraine’s newly formed 14th Chebona Karina Brigade from the Azov legions.

That night, another dacha was used by Da Vinci, where individuals stayed in the garden, and moths circled the light. Within, a specialized drone jammer occupies a gaming chair and is surrounded by seven screens mounted on fans and supported by intricate carpentry.

Although sensitive to the imagery, team leader Olexandre discusses the jammer’s operations, referring to him by the call sign Shoni. They both have the capability to intercept video feeds from the FPV drones, with three screens dedicated to capturing footage for reconnaissance. Upon detection, their mission is to identify the drone’s radio frequency and to secure the jammer at ground level (except when dealing with fiber optic drones that utilize up to 12 miles of fixed wiring instead of wireless connections).

“We manage to block about 70%,” shares Shaune, acknowledging that Russian forces achieve similar success rates. In their area, they encounter about 30-35 enemy drones daily, with some days witnessing even higher interception rates. “Last month, we seized control of the airspace. We intercepted their pilots expressing their inability to fly due to radio signals,” he adds, although these achievements waned after Russian artillery targeted their jamming equipment. The nature of battle is dynamic, with Shaune concluding, “It has become a drone war, where we wield shields while attacking with swords.”

One drone pilot can undertake 20 missions within a 24-hour span. Sean manages to operate an FPV for prolonged periods, often for days, while strategically hiding miles behind the frontlines. The primary objective, particularly with Russians under attack, is targeting infantry. Sean candidly remarks that he “neutralizes at least three Russian soldiers” in this ongoing aerial and ground conflict. When asked if this makes it easier to eliminate adversaries from a distance, he responds, “I don’t know; I just know.” Dubok, another FPV pilot, shares this sentiment while sitting alongside Sean.

Other anti-drone measures are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Ukraine’s third brigade is stationed in the North Kalkiv sector, east of the Oskill River, while extensive defensive efforts are ongoing to the west. Inside their base, team members scan radar displays for signs of primarily Russian Supercams, Orlan, and Zara reconnaissance drones. Upon identifying a target, they launch an Albulet Interceptor, deploying two drones from the fields of sunflowers. This small delta-wing drone, made of black polystyrene, is operable with one hand and costs around $500.

The Alvalet can reach a remarkable speed of 110 mph, though it features a limited battery life of just 40 minutes. It is piloted from a bunker using a control system designed for enthusiasts, guided by the onboard camera. The aim is to deploy its hand-ren bullets close enough to the Russian drones to ensure detonation. “If you’ve never flown an FPV drone before, it’s simple to learn,” Buhan shares, one of the drone operators.

Amidst an unusually wet and cloudy August, the adverse weather creates a rare lull in drone activity, as the Russians refrain from operating under such challenging conditions. The crew hesitates to activate the Albulet for fear of losing it, providing an opportunity for conversation. Buhan states he was a trading manager prior to the war, while DAOS was involved in investments. “Had it not been for the war, my life would have taken a different path,” he reflects. “But we all must unite to fight for our freedom.”

Do the pilots feel apprehensive about continuing their fight in what seems to be an endless conflict? The two men look towards me and nod, their silence speaking volumes.