How Much a Modern Ukrainian Soldier’s Gear Really Costs

Just 15 kilometers from the front line, we take an in-depth look at the combat gear used by a soldier of the Azov International Battalion in both assault and defensive missions. What is the real cost of protection, mobility, and battlefield effectiveness? We break down the full setup: weapons and optics, body armor and helmet, communications, medical kit, ammunition load, and the total weight of the equipment. How does the loadout change depending on the mission, and why are backup solutions critical in combat? In addition, the episode tests our journalists’ own protective gear — body armor, helmets, and visibility in the field. We show how it performs under real conditions and what risks remain when working on the front line.