Drones buzz overhead, troops hunker underground in Ukraine's hellish kill zone

Ukraine’s front line has changed little in four years, but the area around it is shaped by increasingly capable drones. The dangerous strip, known as the kill zone, lies on both sides of the fighting.

Ukrainian officer Taras Myshak says Russian drones, mines and artillery continually monitor the area. Ukrainian forces also use weapons that threaten Russian troops across the line.

Even brief movement can expose soldiers to attack. Myshak described troops taking four hours to cover one kilometer as they paused to hide from drones.

Darkness offers little protection because thermal cameras can pick up body heat. Soldiers often travel on foot or bicycles, while vehicles are readily seen and targeted; anti-drone nets are also used.

The danger makes routine troop rotations difficult and leaves forces reliant on concealment and careful movement. The article describes a front line stretching across the country, with no major shift reported.