Many civilian workshops in Ukraine are stepping up efforts to make first-person-view drones to help soldiers gain an advantage on the frontline.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is now in its third year, with no signs of slowing down. Both sides are exploring various methods to maintain their positions, including the use of drones.
In a makeshift workshop in Ukraine, teams of mechanics patch up tanks and armored vehicles, repairing old Soviet machines for use in today's conflict.
Volunteers modify and assemble drones for specific army brigades. The work is challenging, as many begin with little experience and must learn as they go.
"It is quite difficult because there are more specific requirements, and it is challenging to complete them. Put it this way, everybody who can, does this. Some people do more, some less. Some can build one or two drones a day; others are more skilled," said Serhii, a drone engineer.
The civilian workshops are funded by donations from people from all walks of life, aiming to arm soldiers with weapons that are affordable yet deadly.
"Some companies in Kharkiv, in Kiev, in other cities, like taxi networks for example, (are) gathering money for drones, from every trip. Just a few days ago, one of Kharkiv taxi companies started this program and we are thankful about it," said Dmytro Kutovyi, a former property developer who has been supporting the drone workshops.
FPV, or first-person-view, drones are compact in size and equipped with a battery, a camera, and an explosive device. They transmit wirelessly and are controlled by a soldier wearing goggles or via a smartphone, allowing them to record and attack.
"Now the war is a drone war, and this is really the robotic war. The most effective will be that part, or the side, of this war which uses technologies. So Ukraine now produces a lot of different high technologies," said Vladyslav, a member of the civilian workshop team.
Civilian workshops in Ukraine make drones to support frontline
