In the Kharkiv region, just a few kilometers from the Russian border, the men of the Lava brigade of Ukraine’s Khartiia Korps work in secrecy. The Kyiv Post gained rare access to one of their hidden command posts and spent a day with the soldiers who assemble, launch, and coordinate Leleka and Bulava reconnaissance drones.
The drone operators described how their unmanned aircraft evade Russian interceptors, penetrate deep into enemy territory, and conduct attacks. At the same time, the crews constantly face the risk of detection by Russian electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
Work at the makeshift positions demands utmost concentration and discipline. Any mistake could endanger not only the drone but also the lives of the entire unit. The soldiers take turns: while some prepare the Leleka drone for the next mission, others monitor live aerial footage on screens.
The Lava brigade is part of the Khartiia Korps, a volunteer unit that has been fighting on the front lines since Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. Their task is to scout enemy movements and conduct targeted strikes against Russian positions, supply lines, and command points.
Ukraine’s armed forces increasingly rely on drones to offset the technological advantage of the Russian army. The Leleka drone, a Ukrainian-made reconnaissance system, provides real-time intelligence on enemy troop concentrations. The Bulava systems can be equipped with warheads and carry out precision strikes.
“Belgorod? Easy,” one operator said, looking toward the Russian city across the border. The remark underscores the range and capability of Ukrainian drones to penetrate deep into Russian territory — a factor that significantly influences the course of the war.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
