Back to the front: Ukrainian troops return to the battlefield – photo essay

<p>Photojournalist Julia Kochetova and reporter Dan Sabbagh stayed with Da Vinci Wolves battalion as infantry and drone pilots rotated from Ukraine’s eastern frontline</p><p>It is just before dawn, the December temperature a couple of degrees above freezing; time for troop rotations to start across Ukraine’s 750 mile front.</p><p>A crew of four from Da Vinci Wolves battalion are loading up into an M113 armoured personnel carrier at a secret location ready to be driven out to a safe point. From there they will walk to their position and remain on the front for 10 or 12 days.</p><p>Drone pilots of Da Vinci Wolves battalion prepare to return to the frontline.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/jan/11/ukrainian-troops-return-to-the-battlefield-photo-essay">Continue reading...</a>