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War in Ukraine

Grueling Forest Combat Drills of Ukraine’s Edelweiss Assault Brigade, in Photos

Forest Combat Drills of Ukraine’s Edelweiss Assault Brigade

Hidden in dense forests, Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Mountain Assault Brigade is mastering the brutal art of close combat—storming trenches, dodging ambushes, and perfecting every move for the moment they face Russian forces on the front lines.

4 min read
Authors
Mykyta Shandyba
Mykyta Shandyba
Photographer

Exhausting drills run non-stop amid dense forests and old positions: rapid assaults, swift retreats, sudden maneuvers through the trees — with smoke grenades cloaking advances.

A fighter from Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Brigade charges through smoke and trenches — training for the brutal reality of close combat on the front lines. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A fighter from Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Brigade charges through smoke and trenches — training for the brutal reality of close combat on the front lines. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)

These exercises aren’t just practice—they’re the key to survival and victory on the battlefield. In modern warfare, success depends not only on firepower but also on tactics. Every assault trooper must be ready for any scenario. The enemy is strong—but the better-prepared side stands the better chance.

The assault groups move in small teams, using the terrain and forest cover to advance unseen. Silence is critical. Their task is to flank the enemy and strike by surprise. Smoke grenades sow chaos and cut visibility, allowing the troops to reposition under the cover of a thick, artificial fog.

No room for error. Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Mountain Assault Brigade perfects their every move, preparing for the moment of contact. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
No room for error. Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Mountain Assault Brigade perfects their every move, preparing for the moment of contact. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Eye to eye with the enemy — Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss fighters train to aim and strike fast. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Eye to eye with the enemy — Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss fighters train to aim and strike fast. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)

In the forest, it’s not just about moving fast — it’s about navigating with precision. One wrong move, and the enemy is already behind you. That’s why we train to feel the terrain, catch every sound, and operate in complete silence.

Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Mountain Assault Brigade assault trooper

Fighting in the woods demands constant movement and total control of the situation. Those training here know exactly how to act — even in the toughest conditions.

The second stage of training is trench assaults and clearing operations. Simulated explosions send clouds of dust into the air as assault groups, hidden behind smoke screens, advance toward enemy positions. The first wave enters the trenches, engaging in close combat and clearing them out meter by meter.

Dodging ambushes, covering every angle — Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Brigade turns close combat drills into muscle memory for survival on the front lines. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Dodging ambushes, covering every angle — Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Brigade turns close combat drills into muscle memory for survival on the front lines. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
In a team that works like one body, Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Brigade must trust their comrade’s skills. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
In a team that works like one body, Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Brigade must trust their comrade’s skills. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A soldier of Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade emerges from the smoke. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A soldier of Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade emerges from the smoke. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A soldier of Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade emerges from the smoke. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A soldier of Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade emerges from the smoke. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Even Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade warriors need a moment to breathe. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Even Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade warriors need a moment to breathe. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukrainian 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldiers mastering new homegrown weapons — built tough, precise, and ready for war. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukrainian 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldiers mastering new homegrown weapons — built tough, precise, and ready for war. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Trust and unity — the core of every mission. This isn’t just a team. It’s a “parallel mind” — one moves, the rest follow. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Trust and unity — the core of every mission. This isn’t just a team. It’s a “parallel mind” — one moves, the rest follow. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Out of the smoke — ready to strike. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Out of the smoke — ready to strike. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)

Every movement is honed to perfection. Drilling these tactics to muscle memory allows the troops to act quickly and efficiently in real combat, where seconds decide everything.

Down low, eyes sharp — planning the next move. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Down low, eyes sharp — planning the next move. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A quick breath — then back to the fight. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
A quick breath — then back to the fight. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldier moving through the trench. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldier moving through the trench. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldier on a mission. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldier on a mission. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
One covers, the other leads. Always watching each other’s back. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
One covers, the other leads. Always watching each other’s back. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldier moving through the trench. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukraine’s 10th Edelweiss Assault Brigade soldier moving through the trench. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Weapons, smoke, and grit — Edelweiss soldiers wrap up an assault simulation aimed at preparing them for the fierce battles. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)
Weapons, smoke, and grit — Edelweiss soldiers wrap up an assault simulation aimed at preparing them for the fierce battles. (Photo by Mykyta Shandyba)

This training is the foundation for future successful operations. It’s here that confidence is built, unit cohesion is forged, and the ability to fight in any conditions is hardened. Ukraine’s assault troopers know the Russian army is cunning and well-entrenched — but every day of training makes the Edelweiss troops stronger. And when the time comes, they’ll be ready to strike.

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