### Ukrainian Troops Use Drones to Deliver Supplies to Front Line

In the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, soldiers from the Khartia brigade are repurposing drones originally designed to carry bombs. Instead of delivering destruction, these drones are now being used to ferry essential supplies such as food, water, and handwarmers to the front-line troops amid the harsh late autumn conditions. Kit, the commander of the unit and known by his callsign which means "cat," operates these small aircraft from a basement room he humorously dubs their "Airbnb." Using night-vision capabilities, he ensures that the 10-kilogram (22-pound) packages reach their intended recipients—a group of up to five infantrymen holding the line against Russian forces.

Kit emphasizes the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand. "We need to concentrate on the present to ensure we effectively reclaim our territories and prevent further devastation to our cities and lives," he said. Despite knowing that political changes, like the possible reelection of Donald Trump, could impact their operations, Kit chooses to remain laser-focused on the meters of ground either gained or lost in their sector.

The situation in the Kharkiv region is becoming increasingly dire as Russia intensifies its attacks with glide bombs capable of leveling buildings and swarms of drones. Russian troops are making advances in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. According to intelligence from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine, Russia has bolstered its forces with up to 12,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk border region.

Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his remarks concerning the war. He has described Russian President Vladimir Putin as "pretty smart" for invading Ukraine and has often criticized the U.S. support for Ukraine. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a seemingly cordial discussion with Trump in September about strategies to counter Russian aggression.

The Biden administration has pledged to increase aid to Ukraine until the potential inauguration of Trump on January 20. This support is aimed at bolstering Ukrainian defenses to hold off Russian advances and strengthening their position in any future peace negotiations. However, Russia is concurrently pushing to gain an upper hand in the upcoming critical weeks.

Another member of the Khartia brigade known as Aviator, who is responsible for launching the drones, focuses on the immediate dangers of his mission. His concern is primarily about the limited hours before dawn when Russian troops could spot and shoot down the drones. "We're just doing our job," Aviator said, noting that he returned from his job in Poland to join the army. "We don't have time to worry about the election."

Tolstiy, a Khartia soldier who runs a nearby drone repair workshop, recalled his experiences fighting in Bakhmut, a city that fell to Russian forces. Witnessing the destruction and loss in Bakhmut serves as his motivation to continue the fight despite the disheartening news. "It's like we're in another world here," he said. "Seeing your comrades injured or killed pushes you to keep going."