In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Ukrainian troops stationed along the front line are facing intensified Russian attacks, as Russian forces shift their focus from ground operations to bombing Ukrainian cities. The Russian offensive has posed significant challenges for the Ukrainian military, with soldiers reporting increased danger and the use of new tactics by the Russian side.

The Ukrainian infantrymen of the 117th Separate Mechanized Brigade are preparing for their deployment to the front line, gathering for a briefing and roll call under the cover of darkness. Despite maintaining relatively high morale, the soldiers admit to being physically exhausted from the ongoing fighting. While Ukrainian troops are officially in defensive mode along most of the front line, Russian forces have launched an offensive, attacking Ukrainian positions daily.

The town of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region is where Ukrainian troops had managed to advance during their summer counteroffensive. However, their progress was limited, and now Russian units are attacking the area continuously. Ukrainian commanders describe the situation as a "game of Ping-Pong," with small portions of ground constantly being taken and retaken.

Russian forces have escalated the conflict by utilizing devastating glide bombs, which have added a new level of destruction to the already war-torn region. Soldiers report that these half-ton explosives, launched from planes, can obliterate underground bunkers and cause widespread devastation. Towns and villages near the front line bear witness to the destructive power of these bombs, with buildings reduced to rubble and large craters left behind.

In addition to glide bombs, both Russian and Ukrainian armies have turned to FPV kamikaze drones as a new weapon of choice. These drones, guided by soldiers remotely sitting in bunkers, can fly at high speeds and carry lethal loads of explosives. They have become a preferred method for attacks, allowing for swift and accurate strikes without relying on artillery, which is in short supply. Videos of successful drone strikes are often shared online, showcasing the destructive power of these unmanned aerial vehicles.

The use of FPV drones has forced Ukrainian soldiers to abandon vehicles in frontline areas and operate on foot, as Russian drones have targeted and attacked supply vehicles and ambulances. The dangerous conditions and constant threat of drone attacks have made it increasingly risky for both defending and supplying troops along the front line. Ukrainian soldiers speak of the necessity to travel on foot, leaving their armored vehicles behind, and resorting to makeshift methods to transport the wounded.

While Ukrainian units claim to have pioneered the use of drones to attack targets, the Russians have rapidly adopted the tactic, flooding front-line areas with drones and inflicting lethal damage. Ukrainian soldiers believe that Russia is investing actively in the development and use of drones at the state level, while Ukraine heavily relies on volunteer and civilian support for its drone program.

The toll of the conflict is significant, with almost every unit along the front line experiencing casualties or narrow escapes. Despite the challenges, Ukrainian soldiers remain hopeful and determined, with some battalion commanders even venturing near the front line to check on drone units and offering support to their fellow soldiers in battle.

As the conflict escalates and both sides employ new tactics and technology, the situation remains volatile and uncertain. The Ukrainian government, according to soldiers on the ground, must make further efforts to support and develop their drone program in order to effectively combat the Russian advances.