For the past 72 hours, the ominous sound of Russian suicide drones has filled the skies, targeting positions across Ukraine. Now, that sound has shifted to a Ukrainian drone, deployed not for strikes but to relay critical training footage to commanders.
We were granted access to a covert training site in the Chernihiv region, where new military recruits are being rapidly prepared to bolster defenses against Russia’s relentless advances. Remarkably, many of these new soldiers are in their 40s and 50s.
Among them is Rostyslav, a former driver with a family waiting for him in Odesa. Just a month ago, he was behind the wheel; now he faces the prospect of combat on Russian soil as Ukraine vows to defend and reclaim territories, including those lost during recent incursions.
“I think this is the right thing to do,” Rostyslav stated, echoing the sentiment that Ukraine must act decisively. “Look how long they’ve been on our land. We can’t just sit back while they take our territory.”
This accelerated training program is a direct response to the high number of Russian casualties — an estimated 70,000 just in the past two months, according to officials — demonstrating Ukraine’s urgent need for trained personnel on the frontline.
Under the blazing sun, recruits are seen maneuvering American-made armored vehicles and engaging in target practice, all while maintaining strict confidentiality about the training location. Simulations of enemy attacks help prepare these soldiers for the grim realities of war.
As Ukraine approaches the two-and-a-half-year mark of this conflict, there is a pressing need for more soldiers, with recent changes to conscription laws allowing younger men to serve. However, the majority of those being trained at this site are older recruits, all of whom have already received a month of basic training and are now learning advanced medical skills.
Despite the serious context, lighter moments occur amid the rigorous training, reminding everyone of the heavy stakes at play.
One soldier emphasized that no inadequately trained recruits would be sent to the frontlines: “We’re not going to send them to their deaths,” he stated. Yet, concerns linger about the readiness of newly inducted soldiers in the ongoing battles, especially around key locations like Pokrovsk.
Nova recruits like Maxim, a 30-year-old builder, underscored the importance of ongoing training: “The more we train, the more prepared we will be for the frontline,” he explained, expressing determination about the potential deployments in Donbas or Kursk.
In a stark contrast, footage from eastern Ukraine reveals the aftermath of destruction caused by Russian artillery, as a convoy of military vehicles arrives in a newly established base.
A high-ranking Ukrainian commander known as “Storm,” who led troops into Russian territory during a recent offensive, shared insights into his experiences. “We felt like foreigners, deep in their land,” he recounted, revealing the complex emotions faced by soldiers on enemy soil.
As the conflict rages on, Ukrainian authorities highlight the strategic necessity of continued military support from international allies while expressing the urgency for advanced weaponry to defend against Russian threats.
As we departed the training ground, soldiers rested in the heat, reflecting the exhaustion borne from their commitment. Rostyslav’s words resonated deeply: “We need to hit their territory to end this war.” The upcoming phases of the conflict promise to escalate, with the potential consequences weighing heavily on all involved.
