Journalist Captures Perilous Drone Warfare in Ukraine's Beleaguered Pokrovsk Ahead of Documentary Release

Pokrovsk, Ukraine – Journalist Dylan Burns is set to release a new documentary on November 1st, offering a stark look into the daily perils faced by those on the ground in Pokrovsk, a city in Ukraine's Donetsk region that has become a critical frontline. Recent footage shared by Burns highlights the constant threat of drone surveillance and attacks, forcing individuals to seek immediate cover in war-torn environments.

Burns revealed the intense reality of reporting from the conflict zone, stating on social media, "> More footage taken by my fixer while filming in Pokrovsk. To avoid drones while above ground, you must run into whatever cover is closest to avoid being spotted. This usually ends up being burnt out apartments." This account underscores the immediate and pervasive danger posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in the region.

The city of Pokrovsk has been under relentless assault, with Russian forces attempting to capture it for over a year. Reports from late 2024 and early 2025 indicate a deepening infiltration by Russian troops and drones, pushing the city's defense into a critical phase. Supply routes to Pokrovsk are particularly vulnerable, with every vehicle a potential target for Russian kamikaze drones, known as FPVs.

Burns, an American political commentator and journalist, has extensively covered the conflict in Ukraine, producing documentaries on topics such as "Russia's Human Hunting Ground in Kherson" and "The Ukrainian Anti-Drone Rodeo." His upcoming documentary promises to provide further insight into the challenges of navigating a battlefield where aerial surveillance dictates movement and survival. The ongoing drone warfare significantly impacts both military operations and the lives of civilians and journalists operating near the front lines.