Ukraine has transformed its front line in the Donbas into a "droneline," using unmanned systems to blunt Russia's advance on Kostiantynivka, one of four cities forming Kyiv's key "fortress belt" defending Donetsk Oblast. Given rare access to the Seraphymy Unmanned Systems Battalion, the Daily Mail found that vehicles, tanks and heavy armour have virtually disappeared from the 15-mile "kill-zone" over the past year, as drones now spot and destroy almost anything that moves, forcing troops on both sides to creep between foxholes and cellars rather than risk detection.

Ukrainian pilots such as "Volodymyr" now operate large bomber drones from as far as 37 miles behind the front, thanks to Starlink terminals that give the aircraft secure, largely unjammable satellite links and let operators avoid Russian electronic warfare. Although Kostiantynivka has reportedly already been infiltrated by up to 200 Russian troops and many expect it to eventually fall, Ukrainian commanders believe the drone tactics being tested there could form a blueprint for holding the remaining three fortress-belt cities, potentially slowing Russia's campaign enough to push Vladimir Putin towards peace talks.