Ep. 72 - What Life Is Really Like Near Ukraine’s Front Lines w/Will Fleeson

What is everyday life really like for Ukrainians living within reach of Russian drones and missiles? On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx sits down with freelance writer Will Fleeson, who has spent more than nine months reporting from Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, to discuss what he witnessed during his latest reporting trip near the front lines. Fleeson describes traveling through areas covered by anti-drone netting, speeding down roads to reduce the risk of attack, and using a handheld device capable of detecting when a drone has a vehicle in its sights. He also shares the stories of Ukrainian civilians who continue working, worshiping, exercising, and raising families despite living under the constant threat of attack. The conversation covers: Life inside Ukraine’s expanding drone “kill zone” Churches and humanitarian groups serving frontline communities Russian double-tap strikes and attacks on civilians The indoctrination and forced assimilation of Ukrainian children Civilian resilience and everyday life during wartime Protests, corruption reform, and democracy during the war Fleeson also recounts visiting a church near the front that was badly damaged by a Russian strike shortly after he left—and how its congregation continued its work, including holding a baptism amid the destruction. The conversation offers a firsthand look at not only the dangers Ukrainians face, but their determination to continue living their lives in the middle of war. 00:00 — Life under Ukraine’s drone nets 00:35 — Introducing Will Fleeson 01:50 — Reporting near Ukraine’s fortress belt 03:21 — The changing battlefield and civilian toll 04:19 — Inside the drone “kill zone” 05:26 — How Fleeson reports near the front 07:40 — The risks of frontline reporting 09:21 — Anti-drone nets and life under constant threat 11:01 — Seeing his own vehicle through a drone feed 12:59 — How Ukrainian civilians keep living 14:44 — Churches serving frontline communities 16:48 — A Ukrainian church damaged by a Russian strike 19:07 — Resilience amid destruction 20:15 — How double-tap strikes work 22:34 — Ballistic missiles and Ukraine’s air defenses 25:16 — Ukrainian children in Russian summer camps 28:29 — Democracy and protests during wartime 33:39 — Fleeson’s travel writing and Lake Ohrid 35:42 — Closing thoughts Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNWFollow us on social mediaX: @PeaceAndPower_Instagram: peaceandpower_ukraineLinkedIn: Peace & Power PodcastTikTok: peace.power.ukraine Find more at Washington SignalYour source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism.https://washingtonsignal.com/