1 00:00:23,366 --> 00:00:25,433 >> Ukrainian forces have now launched 2 00:00:25,433 --> 00:00:28,066 their much talked about counteroffensive. 3 00:00:28,066 --> 00:00:30,666 >> Expected to be the biggest military operation 4 00:00:30,666 --> 00:00:32,866 in Europe since World War II. 5 00:00:33,066 --> 00:00:38,400 ♪♪ 6 00:00:49,066 --> 00:00:50,500 >> (speaking Ukrainian): 7 00:00:51,566 --> 00:00:57,000 ♪♪ 8 00:01:10,866 --> 00:01:13,233 >> NARRATOR: From FRONTLINE and the Associated Press 9 00:01:13,233 --> 00:01:16,633 a special presentation of the award-winning film 10 00:01:16,633 --> 00:01:19,566 2000 Meters To Andriivka. 11 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:32,533 >> (speaking Ukranian): 12 00:02:38,866 --> 00:02:40,766 ♪ ♪ 13 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:49,566 (soldier singing) 14 00:02:52,466 --> 00:02:54,400 (radio chatter) 15 00:03:10,166 --> 00:03:12,400 (explosion booms) 16 00:03:14,300 --> 00:03:17,233 (soldier muttering) 17 00:03:24,033 --> 00:03:25,933 (indistinct speaking over radio) 18 00:03:35,033 --> 00:03:36,533 (soldier spits out debris) 19 00:03:50,066 --> 00:03:52,100 (sighing) 20 00:03:53,933 --> 00:03:56,333 (distant gunfire) 21 00:03:56,333 --> 00:03:58,233 -(chatter) -(explosion booms) 22 00:04:08,133 --> 00:04:09,966 (chatter on radio) 23 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:21,700 (gunfire echoes in distance) 24 00:04:21,700 --> 00:04:23,600 (nearby gunfire) 25 00:04:29,366 --> 00:04:31,300 (gunfire continues) 26 00:04:33,700 --> 00:04:35,600 (rapid firing) 27 00:04:58,700 --> 00:05:01,233 (soldier exhaling) 28 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:39,733 (chatter on radio) 29 00:06:01,633 --> 00:06:03,233 (explosion booms) 30 00:06:17,933 --> 00:06:19,133 (mortar whistles) 31 00:06:27,366 --> 00:06:29,500 -(distant men shouting) -(mortars exploding) 32 00:06:37,133 --> 00:06:38,900 (man exclaiming) 33 00:06:58,866 --> 00:07:00,633 (men shouting) 34 00:07:25,766 --> 00:07:27,700 (engine revving) 35 00:07:41,266 --> 00:07:43,200 (engine continues revving) 36 00:08:00,800 --> 00:08:02,766 (engine continues revving) 37 00:08:22,666 --> 00:08:24,333 (soldier grunts) 38 00:08:24,333 --> 00:08:27,833 -(explosions boom) -(men screaming) 39 00:09:21,900 --> 00:09:22,966 (thunder rumbles) 40 00:09:53,166 --> 00:09:54,666 (distant gunfire and explosions intensify) 41 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:16,966 (Piro shouts) 42 00:10:18,233 --> 00:10:19,966 (groaning in pain) 43 00:11:12,366 --> 00:11:14,733 (Piro groaning in pain) 44 00:11:45,800 --> 00:11:47,633 (distant explosion booms) 45 00:11:48,733 --> 00:11:51,233 (mortar whistles by, explodes) 46 00:12:00,833 --> 00:12:02,733 ♪ ♪ 47 00:12:18,300 --> 00:12:20,233 (wind blowing) 48 00:12:32,066 --> 00:12:33,966 ♪ ♪ 49 00:12:39,366 --> 00:12:41,300 REPORTER 1 (voice-over): Both Ukraine and Russia 50 00:12:41,300 --> 00:12:44,966 are reporting fierce fighting along the frontlines. 51 00:12:44,966 --> 00:12:46,633 REPORTER 2 (voice-over): Ukrainian forces have 52 00:12:46,633 --> 00:12:50,200 now launched their much talked about counteroffensive. 53 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:52,033 REPORTER 3 (voice-over): The new counteroffensive, 54 00:12:52,033 --> 00:12:55,133 expected to be the biggest military operation in Europe 55 00:12:55,133 --> 00:12:57,433 since World War II. 56 00:13:00,033 --> 00:13:01,533 REPORTER 4 (voice-over): Russian forces 57 00:13:01,533 --> 00:13:03,366 are concentrated, they are deeply embedded. 58 00:13:03,366 --> 00:13:07,166 They've been building fortifications and defenses. 59 00:13:07,166 --> 00:13:10,333 With virtually no independent reporting from the frontlines, 60 00:13:10,333 --> 00:13:11,800 it's impossible to assess 61 00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:14,766 the degree to which Ukraine's operation is underway 62 00:13:14,766 --> 00:13:17,066 or whether it's having success. 63 00:13:20,966 --> 00:13:23,933 MSTYSLAV CHERNOV (voice-over): I want to tell you a story. 64 00:13:23,933 --> 00:13:26,500 A story thousands of years old. 65 00:13:28,966 --> 00:13:32,200 A story of men fighting for their land. 66 00:13:34,933 --> 00:13:38,400 There is a forest in Eastern Ukraine, 67 00:13:38,400 --> 00:13:40,133 a narrow strip of trees 68 00:13:40,133 --> 00:13:43,333 squeezed between two minefields. 69 00:13:43,333 --> 00:13:45,933 The only way to Andriivka, 70 00:13:45,933 --> 00:13:49,033 a village on the outskirts of Bakhmut. 71 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:53,900 This is a story of this forest 72 00:13:53,900 --> 00:13:57,300 and the people who will remain there forever. 73 00:13:59,333 --> 00:14:01,100 ♪ ♪ 74 00:14:12,433 --> 00:14:14,866 6:00 a.m. 75 00:14:14,866 --> 00:14:18,100 We are in the 3rd Assault Brigade headquarters. 76 00:14:18,100 --> 00:14:21,933 The Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway. 77 00:14:24,633 --> 00:14:27,566 >> (speaking Ukranian): 78 00:14:39,833 --> 00:14:41,633 CHERNOV (voice-over): Here on the eastern front, 79 00:14:41,633 --> 00:14:44,300 the brigade's task had been to move through 80 00:14:44,300 --> 00:14:48,133 2,000 meters, approximately one mile, 81 00:14:48,133 --> 00:14:50,166 of the heavily fortified forest 82 00:14:50,166 --> 00:14:54,200 and capture the strategic village of Andriivka. 83 00:14:55,333 --> 00:14:58,000 This would cut the Russian supply road 84 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:01,333 to the occupied city of Bakhmut. 85 00:15:01,333 --> 00:15:03,966 And we want to be there when it happens. 86 00:15:07,366 --> 00:15:11,800 But it's hard for journalists to get to the battlefield. 87 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:14,633 Our only chance is to meet with Fedya, 88 00:15:14,633 --> 00:15:16,800 the officer on the ground. 89 00:15:18,700 --> 00:15:21,633 >> (speaking Ukranian): 90 00:15:26,400 --> 00:15:27,833 CHERNOV (voice-over): He is busy. 91 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:32,333 >> (speaking Ukranian): 92 00:15:34,500 --> 00:15:36,566 CHERNOV (voice-over): Duda, the coordinating officer, 93 00:15:36,566 --> 00:15:37,766 has an idea. 94 00:15:39,733 --> 00:15:42,666 >> (speaking Ukranian): 95 00:15:51,066 --> 00:15:53,266 CHERNOV (voice-over): We manage to convince them to take us. 96 00:15:54,533 --> 00:15:56,900 >> (speaking Ukranian): 97 00:15:56,900 --> 00:15:58,866 CHERNOV (voice-over): Duda tells us we are idiots 98 00:15:58,866 --> 00:16:00,733 for wanting to go. 99 00:16:06,633 --> 00:16:09,566 >> (speaking Ukranian): 100 00:16:39,266 --> 00:16:40,766 CHERNOV (voice-over): Duda sends a flag 101 00:16:40,766 --> 00:16:42,633 and a note to Fedya. 102 00:16:42,633 --> 00:16:44,733 If Andriivka is liberated, 103 00:16:44,733 --> 00:16:46,533 his task will be to raise the flag. 104 00:16:47,566 --> 00:16:51,500 >> (speaking Ukranian): 105 00:16:53,366 --> 00:16:55,733 (bullets clattering) 106 00:17:14,866 --> 00:17:17,800 >> (speaking Ukranian): 107 00:18:00,600 --> 00:18:02,333 CHERNOV (voice-over): Wearing the blue journalist vest 108 00:18:02,333 --> 00:18:06,033 on the battlefield is no longer an option. 109 00:18:06,033 --> 00:18:08,000 It makes us priority targets. 110 00:18:10,900 --> 00:18:13,833 >> (speaking Ukranian): 111 00:18:21,666 --> 00:18:23,066 CHERNOV (voice-over): If we are lucky, 112 00:18:23,066 --> 00:18:26,800 today we'll get to Fedya and film him raising the flag. 113 00:18:28,733 --> 00:18:30,733 But we are all nervous. 114 00:18:32,100 --> 00:18:34,266 The forest leading to the village 115 00:18:34,266 --> 00:18:36,133 has killed many men. 116 00:18:54,566 --> 00:18:57,700 (gear clattering) 117 00:19:04,500 --> 00:19:06,000 (door slams shut) 118 00:19:10,266 --> 00:19:12,000 CHERNOV (voice-over): Before departing, 119 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:14,466 I kept looking at the map. 120 00:19:14,466 --> 00:19:16,500 2,000 meters. 121 00:19:16,500 --> 00:19:18,400 Three months. 122 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:20,833 It didn't make sense. 123 00:19:20,833 --> 00:19:23,766 Why did it take so long? 124 00:19:23,766 --> 00:19:26,766 Then they showed us. 125 00:19:26,766 --> 00:19:30,633 Videos from helmet cameras, drones. 126 00:19:30,633 --> 00:19:33,000 Records of all the violent battles 127 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,533 on the way to Andriivka. 128 00:19:35,533 --> 00:19:39,433 Each one an attempt to get closer. 129 00:19:39,433 --> 00:19:41,133 Each one taking its toll. 130 00:19:45,433 --> 00:19:46,600 (bullets bouncing off vehicle) 131 00:19:48,900 --> 00:19:51,833 >> (speaking Ukranian): 132 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:54,733 -(guns rapid-firing) -(men screaming) 133 00:19:56,933 --> 00:19:58,833 (bullets echoing) 134 00:20:04,733 --> 00:20:06,666 (men yelling) 135 00:20:18,166 --> 00:20:20,366 -(explosion booms) -(men groaning) 136 00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:51,700 (tank fires) 137 00:20:57,033 --> 00:20:59,733 (gun clicking) 138 00:21:51,900 --> 00:21:53,600 (gun firing) 139 00:21:58,266 --> 00:21:59,766 (soldier panting) 140 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:01,466 (distant explosion echoes) 141 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:07,966 (gunfire echoing) 142 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:32,933 ♪ ♪ 143 00:25:41,966 --> 00:25:44,700 CHERNOV (voice-over): Some of these battles gained ground. 144 00:25:44,700 --> 00:25:47,700 Some pushed the brigade back. 145 00:25:47,700 --> 00:25:49,766 But they kept fighting. 146 00:25:49,766 --> 00:25:51,900 And now we follow their steps. 147 00:25:52,733 --> 00:25:55,666 >> (speaking Ukranian): 148 00:25:56,800 --> 00:25:59,100 CHERNOV (voice-over): 8:30 a.m. 149 00:25:59,100 --> 00:26:01,333 Our transport reaches the forest. 150 00:26:03,033 --> 00:26:07,033 One of the soldiers tells me, "It's like landing on a planet 151 00:26:07,033 --> 00:26:10,300 where everything is trying to kill you." 152 00:26:10,300 --> 00:26:14,533 But it's not another planet, I tell myself. 153 00:26:14,533 --> 00:26:16,300 It's the middle of Europe. 154 00:26:19,900 --> 00:26:22,166 Now we have to get to Fedya. 155 00:26:22,166 --> 00:26:25,733 But instead of him, we meet one of his soldiers 156 00:26:25,733 --> 00:26:27,566 with the call sign "Freak." 157 00:26:28,233 --> 00:26:31,166 >> (speaking Ukranian): 158 00:26:54,233 --> 00:26:56,233 CHERNOV (voice-over): He calls us "pencils" 159 00:26:56,233 --> 00:26:59,333 so that the Russians intercepting radio chatter 160 00:26:59,333 --> 00:27:01,000 don't know we arrived. 161 00:27:02,100 --> 00:27:05,033 >> (speaking Ukranian): 162 00:27:20,566 --> 00:27:22,966 CHERNOV (voice-over): The battles moved forward, 163 00:27:22,966 --> 00:27:25,433 closer to the village, 164 00:27:25,433 --> 00:27:29,200 leaving the destroyed armored vehicles and bodies behind. 165 00:27:30,900 --> 00:27:34,633 The fields and the roads around were mined by the Russians. 166 00:27:36,133 --> 00:27:38,133 The forest is the only way. 167 00:27:42,766 --> 00:27:43,933 (distant explosion booms) 168 00:27:44,300 --> 00:27:47,233 >> (speaking Ukranian): 169 00:27:51,966 --> 00:27:55,233 CHERNOV (voice-over): The village is 2,000 meters ahead. 170 00:27:55,233 --> 00:27:59,066 35 seconds for a mortar shell to fly. 171 00:27:59,066 --> 00:28:00,833 A two-minute drive. 172 00:28:00,833 --> 00:28:03,500 A ten-minute run. 173 00:28:03,500 --> 00:28:06,533 But here, time doesn't matter. 174 00:28:06,533 --> 00:28:08,666 Distance does. 175 00:28:08,666 --> 00:28:12,333 And it's measured by pauses between the explosions. 176 00:28:15,800 --> 00:28:16,800 (explosion booms) 177 00:28:17,866 --> 00:28:19,400 (explosion booms) 178 00:28:19,733 --> 00:28:22,666 >> (speaking Ukranian): 179 00:28:48,166 --> 00:28:50,000 CHERNOV (voice-over): I hear over the radio 180 00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:53,633 that Fedya is in the middle of the fight. 181 00:28:53,633 --> 00:28:55,933 The battle in Andriivka is raging. 182 00:28:57,200 --> 00:29:01,200 >> (speaking Ukranian): 183 00:30:29,000 --> 00:30:30,266 (man speaks on radio) 184 00:31:06,133 --> 00:31:07,366 (explosion booms) 185 00:31:31,933 --> 00:31:33,900 (helicopter whirring in distance) 186 00:31:49,066 --> 00:31:50,133 (laughing) 187 00:31:50,133 --> 00:31:52,900 (explosions boom in distance) 188 00:32:37,900 --> 00:32:39,266 (laughter) 189 00:32:42,900 --> 00:32:44,066 (chatter over radio) 190 00:33:09,500 --> 00:33:10,800 CHERNOV (voice-over): As we talk, 191 00:33:10,800 --> 00:33:12,166 I'm thinking about Andriivka, 192 00:33:12,166 --> 00:33:14,333 focusing on the radio chatter 193 00:33:14,333 --> 00:33:16,966 and losing the thread of the conversation. 194 00:33:16,966 --> 00:33:20,133 But the camera keeps recording. 195 00:33:20,133 --> 00:33:24,466 Freak was 12 when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. 196 00:33:24,466 --> 00:33:26,600 When the full-scale invasion started, 197 00:33:26,600 --> 00:33:29,533 he left university, returned to his hometown, 198 00:33:29,533 --> 00:33:32,300 and joined the territorial defense. 199 00:33:32,300 --> 00:33:36,066 From there, he moved to the 3rd Assault Brigade. 200 00:33:36,066 --> 00:33:39,466 At the time we speak, he is 22. 201 00:33:39,466 --> 00:33:42,533 Five months from now, he will be injured in a battle 202 00:33:42,533 --> 00:33:46,400 for another forest, his body never found. 203 00:33:50,766 --> 00:33:53,700 >> (speaking Ukranian): 204 00:34:43,800 --> 00:34:45,933 ♪ ♪ 205 00:34:57,500 --> 00:34:59,333 CHERNOV (voice-over): Freak told us how the brigade 206 00:34:59,333 --> 00:35:02,100 fought for this part of the forest, 207 00:35:02,100 --> 00:35:04,533 trying to push Russians from their trenches. 208 00:35:05,766 --> 00:35:08,300 Halfway to Andriivka. 209 00:35:09,433 --> 00:35:13,700 Their helmet cameras captured every step of the battle. 210 00:35:14,666 --> 00:35:17,600 >> (speaking Ukranian): 211 00:36:05,633 --> 00:36:07,066 (soldier yelling) 212 00:36:41,500 --> 00:36:43,433 (gunshots firing) 213 00:37:02,800 --> 00:37:04,700 (machine guns firing) 214 00:37:09,533 --> 00:37:12,266 (soldier shouting) 215 00:37:28,933 --> 00:37:30,866 (gunshots firing) 216 00:37:48,166 --> 00:37:49,666 (soldier screams) 217 00:38:05,066 --> 00:38:07,766 (gunshots firing) 218 00:38:07,766 --> 00:38:08,666 (soldier groans) 219 00:38:13,466 --> 00:38:14,033 (soldier groans) 220 00:38:23,833 --> 00:38:25,166 (man speaking on radio) 221 00:38:25,166 --> 00:38:26,833 (rocket whizzes by and explodes) 222 00:38:36,733 --> 00:38:38,700 (gunshots firing) 223 00:38:42,133 --> 00:38:43,966 (men talking) 224 00:38:54,733 --> 00:38:57,166 >> (speaking Russian): 225 00:38:57,933 --> 00:39:00,933 >> (speaking Ukranian): 226 00:39:07,200 --> 00:39:08,700 (rocket whizzes by and explodes) 227 00:39:16,200 --> 00:39:17,766 (man speaking on radio) 228 00:39:57,000 --> 00:39:58,533 (gunshots firing) 229 00:40:26,300 --> 00:40:29,233 >> (speaking Russian): 230 00:41:43,066 --> 00:41:44,666 (man speaking on radio) 231 00:41:45,900 --> 00:41:47,833 (projectile whizzes by) 232 00:41:57,266 --> 00:41:59,166 CHERNOV (voice-over): It's now 10:00 a.m. 233 00:42:00,533 --> 00:42:04,533 We are still pinned down in this damned foxhole, 234 00:42:04,533 --> 00:42:07,066 waiting to get to Fedya. 235 00:42:11,366 --> 00:42:15,700 >> (speaking Ukranian): 236 00:42:15,700 --> 00:42:17,866 -(drones buzzing) -(gunfire in distance) 237 00:44:14,366 --> 00:44:17,966 CHERNOV (voice-over): At last, we start moving. 238 00:44:17,966 --> 00:44:21,866 Andriivka is now 1,000 meters ahead. 239 00:44:21,866 --> 00:44:23,500 Halfway. 240 00:44:25,633 --> 00:44:27,833 The smell of death, explosives, 241 00:44:27,833 --> 00:44:30,400 and freshly cut trees becomes stronger. 242 00:44:34,166 --> 00:44:38,000 I try to focus on what needs to be done. 243 00:44:38,000 --> 00:44:41,100 We need to be there when Fedya raises the flag. 244 00:44:45,066 --> 00:44:48,000 >> (speaking Ukranian): 245 00:44:59,333 --> 00:45:02,466 (explosions rumbling in distance) 246 00:45:09,666 --> 00:45:11,033 CHERNOV (voice-over): 11:00 a.m. 247 00:45:11,033 --> 00:45:13,266 We finally reach Fedya. 248 00:45:13,600 --> 00:45:16,533 >> (speaking Ukranian): 249 00:45:19,066 --> 00:45:21,333 CHERNOV (voice-over): His first question to us: 250 00:45:21,333 --> 00:45:23,300 "Where are your guns?" 251 00:45:23,533 --> 00:45:26,466 >> (speaking Ukranian): 252 00:45:56,566 --> 00:45:59,200 CHERNOV (voice-over): Fedya is 24. 253 00:45:59,200 --> 00:46:01,733 Battle-promoted to sergeant. 254 00:46:01,733 --> 00:46:05,133 He has a scar on his lip from playing war in his childhood 255 00:46:05,133 --> 00:46:07,433 and a job in a warehouse before the invasion. 256 00:46:07,633 --> 00:46:10,466 >> (speaking Ukranian): 257 00:46:20,966 --> 00:46:22,600 CHERNOV (voice-over): Freak gives him the flag 258 00:46:22,600 --> 00:46:25,133 and a note from headquarters, 259 00:46:25,133 --> 00:46:27,800 and he settles in a dugout to read it. 260 00:46:28,000 --> 00:46:30,866 >> (speaking Ukranian): 261 00:47:33,600 --> 00:47:35,200 (explosions boom in distance) 262 00:48:00,433 --> 00:48:02,566 CHERNOV (voice-over): I knew what he meant when he said 263 00:48:02,566 --> 00:48:05,600 he never wanted to be a soldier. 264 00:48:05,600 --> 00:48:06,666 None of us did. 265 00:48:07,600 --> 00:48:10,533 >> (speaking Ukranian): 266 00:48:20,266 --> 00:48:21,800 CHERNOV (voice-over): When we were children, 267 00:48:21,800 --> 00:48:25,033 every boy in the school got military lessons. 268 00:48:26,433 --> 00:48:30,100 We marched, assembled and disassembled Kalashnikovs. 269 00:48:31,600 --> 00:48:33,300 We shot. 270 00:48:33,300 --> 00:48:36,266 Ten bullets for each young man. 271 00:48:37,433 --> 00:48:40,666 But few of us saw any point in this. 272 00:48:40,666 --> 00:48:43,766 There was no one to fight with. 273 00:48:43,766 --> 00:48:45,433 We had no enemies. 274 00:48:45,900 --> 00:48:48,833 >> (speaking Ukranian): 275 00:48:55,166 --> 00:48:56,900 CHERNOV (voice-over): Before each battle, 276 00:48:56,900 --> 00:48:58,333 Fedya trains his men. 277 00:48:58,533 --> 00:49:01,433 >> (speaking Ukranian): 278 00:49:05,000 --> 00:49:08,266 CHERNOV (voice-over): He shouts at them and swears heavily. 279 00:49:08,600 --> 00:49:12,400 He knows that some of them will die. 280 00:49:23,633 --> 00:49:26,566 >> (speaking Ukranian): 281 00:49:33,200 --> 00:49:35,066 CHERNOV (voice-over): When Russia invaded Ukraine, 282 00:49:35,066 --> 00:49:39,133 each one of us had to make a choice. 283 00:49:39,133 --> 00:49:42,966 I took a camera and started filming. 284 00:49:42,966 --> 00:49:46,000 Fedya took a gun. 285 00:49:46,000 --> 00:49:49,000 He was sure Ukraine will win this war. 286 00:49:51,233 --> 00:49:53,166 ♪ ♪ 287 00:50:01,733 --> 00:50:04,666 >> (speaking Ukranian): 288 00:50:16,633 --> 00:50:18,266 CHERNOV (voice-over): Fedya told us, 289 00:50:18,266 --> 00:50:21,933 after the brigade liberated two-thirds of the forest, 290 00:50:21,933 --> 00:50:25,200 it was his battalion's turn to push forward, 291 00:50:25,200 --> 00:50:28,066 the first assault operation for many of his men. 292 00:50:28,533 --> 00:50:31,466 >> (speaking Ukranian): 293 00:51:25,333 --> 00:51:27,633 (officers conversing) 294 00:51:38,733 --> 00:51:39,900 CHERNOV (voice-over): In headquarters, 295 00:51:39,900 --> 00:51:41,766 Duda and other officers 296 00:51:41,766 --> 00:51:44,033 guided Fedya and his team through the battlefield. 297 00:51:44,233 --> 00:51:47,100 >> (speaking Ukranian): 298 00:52:11,833 --> 00:52:13,866 (soldiers talking) 299 00:52:36,133 --> 00:52:37,633 (gunshots firing) 300 00:53:55,566 --> 00:53:57,466 (gunshots firing) 301 00:54:18,900 --> 00:54:20,533 (gunshots firing) 302 00:55:05,633 --> 00:55:07,166 >> (speaking Russian): 303 00:55:07,166 --> 00:55:08,333 (rapid gunfire intensifies) 304 00:55:13,666 --> 00:55:16,600 >> (speaking Ukranian): 305 00:55:26,700 --> 00:55:29,166 (men at headquarters exclaiming) 306 00:56:02,600 --> 00:56:04,466 (guns firing) 307 00:56:28,500 --> 00:56:29,533 (chuckling) 308 00:56:38,200 --> 00:56:40,166 (bomb whistling through air) 309 00:56:42,666 --> 00:56:44,466 (rapid gunfire) 310 00:57:40,766 --> 00:57:43,033 ♪ ♪ 311 00:58:09,366 --> 00:58:12,866 CHERNOV (voice-over): Another 300 meters were taken. 312 00:58:12,866 --> 00:58:14,866 But the further they advanced, 313 00:58:14,866 --> 00:58:18,000 the harder it was to keep pushing. 314 00:58:18,000 --> 00:58:20,800 Medics could not believe all these casualties 315 00:58:20,800 --> 00:58:22,966 were coming from that tiny forest. 316 00:58:23,433 --> 00:58:24,766 >> (speaking Ukranian): 317 00:58:27,666 --> 00:58:29,966 CHERNOV (voice-over): If they continued losing so many men, 318 00:58:29,966 --> 00:58:33,400 they would not be able to finish the offensive. 319 00:58:33,400 --> 00:58:35,400 REPORTER 1 (voice-over): U.S. officials say 320 00:58:35,400 --> 00:58:37,166 Ukraine's much anticipated offensive 321 00:58:37,166 --> 00:58:39,066 is slowly moving forward. 322 00:58:39,066 --> 00:58:41,233 REPORTER 2 (voice-over): Progress is modest but steady, 323 00:58:41,233 --> 00:58:42,666 according to the Ukrainian forces, 324 00:58:42,666 --> 00:58:45,633 as they reclaim villages and trenches 325 00:58:45,633 --> 00:58:48,666 dug by Russian forces. 326 00:58:48,666 --> 00:58:50,866 Ukraine says it has liberated several villages 327 00:58:50,866 --> 00:58:52,433 from the Russians in recent days. 328 00:58:52,433 --> 00:58:54,233 REPORTER 3 (voice-over): Villagers emerged from 329 00:58:54,233 --> 00:58:56,200 the basements, the bunkers they'd been hiding in, 330 00:58:56,200 --> 00:58:58,833 and were overjoyed to see Ukrainian troops there, 331 00:58:58,833 --> 00:59:00,633 to see the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag 332 00:59:00,633 --> 00:59:02,233 flying over their village once again. 333 00:59:03,033 --> 00:59:05,966 >> (speaking Ukranian): 334 00:59:06,166 --> 00:59:08,466 Over in the northeast, 335 00:59:08,466 --> 00:59:10,433 that cauldron of violence, Bakhmut, 336 00:59:10,433 --> 00:59:13,500 has also been the scene of some Ukrainian gains 337 00:59:13,500 --> 00:59:15,566 of a few kilometers in recent days. 338 00:59:17,133 --> 00:59:18,633 REPORTER 4 (voice-over): Ukraine also taking 339 00:59:18,633 --> 00:59:20,266 high casualties. 340 00:59:20,266 --> 00:59:22,166 REPORTER 5 (voice-over): Ukraine is a relative David 341 00:59:22,166 --> 00:59:23,366 to Russia's Goliath. 342 00:59:23,366 --> 00:59:24,700 They can't afford to lose 343 00:59:24,700 --> 00:59:27,033 three times the soldiers that Russia does, 344 00:59:27,033 --> 00:59:28,733 so it has to proceed carefully. 345 00:59:28,733 --> 00:59:30,066 If that isn't good enough, 346 00:59:30,066 --> 00:59:32,700 and actually they still end up in a stalemate, 347 00:59:32,700 --> 00:59:34,533 Western confidence is likely to dip. 348 00:59:34,533 --> 00:59:36,966 REPORTER 6 (voice-over): If we're not getting results here, 349 00:59:36,966 --> 00:59:38,966 then perhaps Ukraine wants to think about another plan, 350 00:59:38,966 --> 00:59:42,600 even some land concessions for peace. 351 00:59:42,600 --> 00:59:44,366 REPORTER 7 (voice-over): If Ukraine falls, 352 00:59:44,366 --> 00:59:46,800 then Russian forces will be on Europe's doorstep. 353 00:59:46,800 --> 00:59:48,300 It becomes NATO's war. 354 00:59:48,300 --> 00:59:50,300 (soldiers chattering) 355 00:59:55,933 --> 00:59:58,900 (soldier shouting in pain) 356 01:00:00,233 --> 01:00:02,266 (shouting continues) 357 01:00:05,266 --> 01:00:07,400 ♪ ♪ 358 01:00:13,100 --> 01:00:15,033 (man panting) 359 01:00:18,333 --> 01:00:19,433 (weapon firing) 360 01:00:22,966 --> 01:00:24,900 (distant explosion echoes) 361 01:00:40,866 --> 01:00:42,733 (radio chatter) 362 01:00:53,433 --> 01:00:55,800 (man panting) 363 01:01:16,033 --> 01:01:18,933 (panting continues) 364 01:01:38,666 --> 01:01:39,933 (distant explosion echoes) 365 01:01:42,766 --> 01:01:44,766 (explosion booms) 366 01:01:44,766 --> 01:01:46,366 (rapid gunfire in distance) 367 01:01:50,633 --> 01:01:53,166 CHERNOV (voice-over): 1:30 p.m. 368 01:01:53,166 --> 01:01:56,900 We stop again to wait for the artillery duel to finish. 369 01:01:57,966 --> 01:02:00,033 The day seems endless. 370 01:02:01,800 --> 01:02:03,800 (distant explosions echo) 371 01:02:08,300 --> 01:02:12,133 After his injury, Fedya was sent to the hospital. 372 01:02:12,133 --> 01:02:14,900 He quickly recovered and returned to the forest. 373 01:02:15,266 --> 01:02:18,200 >> (speaking Ukranian): 374 01:04:04,866 --> 01:04:06,833 (talking over radio) 375 01:06:12,733 --> 01:06:14,666 (radio chatter) 376 01:06:34,233 --> 01:06:35,566 (explosion booms) 377 01:07:25,400 --> 01:07:27,533 (distant rumbling) 378 01:07:31,600 --> 01:07:33,566 (rolling paper crinkling) 379 01:07:48,933 --> 01:07:51,666 (mortar whistling closer) 380 01:08:02,833 --> 01:08:03,900 (Sheva exhales) 381 01:09:29,100 --> 01:09:30,933 CHERNOV (voice-over): Sheva is 46. 382 01:09:32,400 --> 01:09:35,700 At the beginning of the counteroffensive, 383 01:09:35,700 --> 01:09:38,066 he left a comfortable position in the military police 384 01:09:38,066 --> 01:09:42,200 to volunteer with the 3rd Assault Brigade. 385 01:09:42,200 --> 01:09:45,400 He will be injured in a battle five months from now 386 01:09:45,400 --> 01:09:47,733 and will die in a hospital. 387 01:09:48,200 --> 01:09:51,133 >> (speaking Ukranian): 388 01:10:29,500 --> 01:10:30,533 (distant boom echoes) 389 01:10:41,933 --> 01:10:43,866 ♪ ♪ 390 01:11:00,266 --> 01:11:01,900 CHERNOV (voice-over): For the next battle, 391 01:11:01,900 --> 01:11:04,900 Fedya's friend and second in command, Gagarin, 392 01:11:04,900 --> 01:11:06,666 replaced him in the forest. 393 01:11:06,933 --> 01:11:09,866 >> (speaking Ukranian): 394 01:11:33,500 --> 01:11:35,400 CHERNOV (voice-over): He was 24. 395 01:11:35,400 --> 01:11:38,900 Hometown: Polonne, Western Ukraine. 396 01:11:38,900 --> 01:11:41,933 He worked as a truck driver in Europe. 397 01:11:41,933 --> 01:11:44,000 When the full-scale invasion started, 398 01:11:44,000 --> 01:11:46,600 he returned and volunteered. 399 01:11:46,600 --> 01:11:48,466 He led the platoon to battle. 400 01:11:48,466 --> 01:11:52,066 They had to move another 300 meters 401 01:11:52,066 --> 01:11:54,466 and reach the end of the forest. 402 01:11:54,466 --> 01:11:57,600 After that, it was Andriivka. 403 01:11:57,600 --> 01:11:59,500 (soldiers shouting) 404 01:12:00,200 --> 01:12:03,133 >> (speaking Ukranian): 405 01:12:03,333 --> 01:12:05,100 CHERNOV (voice-over): His friend Kobzar 406 01:12:05,100 --> 01:12:06,933 followed him on the battlefield. 407 01:12:07,133 --> 01:12:17,466 >> (speaking Ukranian): 408 01:12:17,466 --> 01:12:18,566 (guns firing) 409 01:13:33,600 --> 01:13:36,333 (guns firing) 410 01:14:15,266 --> 01:14:16,366 (empty gun clicking) 411 01:15:09,800 --> 01:15:11,733 (rapid gunfire exchange) 412 01:16:15,866 --> 01:16:17,733 ♪ ♪ 413 01:16:39,300 --> 01:16:41,200 (woman vocalizing) 414 01:16:51,900 --> 01:16:53,533 ♪ ♪ 415 01:17:05,933 --> 01:17:07,800 (woman vocalizing) 416 01:17:08,333 --> 01:17:10,366 CHERNOV (voice-over): Gagarin was laid to rest 417 01:17:10,366 --> 01:17:12,866 in his hometown, Polonne, 418 01:17:12,866 --> 01:17:16,833 972 kilometers from Andriivka. 419 01:17:16,833 --> 01:17:20,033 And the entire neighborhood came to his funeral 420 01:17:20,033 --> 01:17:23,166 to be with his mother as she cried. 421 01:17:26,733 --> 01:17:30,266 They said it was the 56th funeral here. 422 01:17:39,533 --> 01:17:41,400 ♪ ♪ 423 01:17:49,300 --> 01:17:51,300 (people conversing) 424 01:17:55,233 --> 01:17:58,166 >> (speaking Ukranian): 425 01:18:29,300 --> 01:18:31,266 CHERNOV (voice-over): Kobzar, the soldier 426 01:18:31,266 --> 01:18:35,000 who held Gagarin's hand as he was dying in the forest, 427 01:18:35,000 --> 01:18:38,000 will be killed five months from now 428 01:18:38,000 --> 01:18:41,400 by a drone strike in a battle for another village. 429 01:18:54,366 --> 01:18:56,300 ♪ ♪ 430 01:19:00,100 --> 01:19:03,033 >> (speaking Ukranian): 431 01:19:42,633 --> 01:19:44,600 ♪ ♪ 432 01:19:51,200 --> 01:19:52,700 REPORTER 1 (voice-over): Western officials have 433 01:19:52,700 --> 01:19:53,966 expressed disappointment in 434 01:19:53,966 --> 01:19:55,833 a much vaunted counteroffensive, 435 01:19:55,833 --> 01:19:57,866 which began in June. 436 01:19:57,866 --> 01:19:59,633 Ukraine has only taken back 437 01:19:59,633 --> 01:20:03,800 an estimated 100 square miles of territory since then. 438 01:20:03,800 --> 01:20:05,966 REPORTER 2 (voice-over): Well, U.S. intelligence is now saying 439 01:20:05,966 --> 01:20:07,466 that Ukraine will fail to meet 440 01:20:07,466 --> 01:20:09,833 their counteroffensive key goals. 441 01:20:09,833 --> 01:20:12,466 REPORTER 3 (voice-over): How sustainable is this level 442 01:20:12,466 --> 01:20:15,666 of support when there's really no end in sight to the war? 443 01:20:17,000 --> 01:20:19,500 REPORTER 4 (voice-over): Russia has millions more men 444 01:20:19,500 --> 01:20:21,400 from whom to draw. 445 01:20:21,400 --> 01:20:23,866 There's no path to a military victory here, 446 01:20:23,866 --> 01:20:25,600 only more death. 447 01:20:31,166 --> 01:20:33,066 ♪ ♪ 448 01:21:04,900 --> 01:21:06,733 ♪ ♪ 449 01:21:10,933 --> 01:21:12,900 (woman vocalizing) 450 01:21:33,833 --> 01:21:35,833 (woman vocalizing) 451 01:21:54,033 --> 01:21:55,966 (woman vocalizing) 452 01:22:28,133 --> 01:22:30,066 ♪ ♪ 453 01:22:33,500 --> 01:22:35,433 (woman vocalizing) 454 01:22:57,033 --> 01:22:58,933 (woman vocalizing) 455 01:23:14,700 --> 01:23:17,800 CHERNOV (voice-over): The counteroffensive was failing. 456 01:23:17,800 --> 01:23:21,866 Few believed Ukraine could advance any further. 457 01:23:21,866 --> 01:23:25,333 But the brigade decided to make its last stand. 458 01:23:26,600 --> 01:23:28,933 As Gagarin was laid to rest, 459 01:23:28,933 --> 01:23:32,300 the final battle for Andriivka began. 460 01:23:32,300 --> 01:23:34,200 ♪ ♪ 461 01:23:40,033 --> 01:23:41,533 (soldier breathing heavily) 462 01:23:49,466 --> 01:23:52,100 >> (speaking Ukranian): 463 01:23:52,100 --> 01:23:53,833 CHERNOV (voice-over): All the battalions 464 01:23:53,833 --> 01:23:56,400 gathered their forces. 465 01:23:56,400 --> 01:23:59,500 First, they took positions on the edge of the forest 466 01:23:59,500 --> 01:24:02,433 and in houses on the outskirts. 467 01:24:02,433 --> 01:24:05,133 Then, under the cover of the smoke screen bombs, 468 01:24:05,133 --> 01:24:06,400 they moved in. 469 01:24:08,033 --> 01:24:10,966 >> (speaking Ukranian): 470 01:24:18,766 --> 01:24:20,233 (men talking on radio) 471 01:24:22,433 --> 01:24:23,933 (explosion detonates) 472 01:24:47,166 --> 01:24:49,033 (gunshots firing) 473 01:24:53,633 --> 01:24:55,733 (distant explosion echoes) 474 01:25:02,500 --> 01:25:04,300 (man talking over radio) 475 01:25:21,866 --> 01:25:23,866 (gunshots firing) 476 01:25:47,700 --> 01:25:48,933 (explosion booms) 477 01:25:51,100 --> 01:25:52,433 (soldier shouting) 478 01:26:03,400 --> 01:26:05,400 (man shouting) 479 01:26:07,866 --> 01:26:09,733 (rapid gunfire in distance) 480 01:26:40,466 --> 01:26:42,633 (explosions roar in distance) 481 01:27:46,066 --> 01:27:49,066 (rocket whizzes by, explodes) 482 01:27:52,233 --> 01:27:54,666 (soldiers talking) 483 01:28:45,533 --> 01:28:48,100 (rocket whizzes by, explodes) 484 01:28:50,566 --> 01:28:52,533 ♪ ♪ 485 01:29:14,533 --> 01:29:16,533 ♪ ♪ 486 01:29:22,200 --> 01:29:23,966 CHERNOV (voice-over): 2:00 p.m. 487 01:29:23,966 --> 01:29:25,700 We are a hundred meters from Andriivka. 488 01:29:25,900 --> 01:29:28,800 >> (speaking Ukranian): 489 01:29:33,700 --> 01:29:36,066 CHERNOV (voice-over): Fedya instructs us to start moving. 490 01:29:36,266 --> 01:29:39,100 >> (speaking Ukranian): 491 01:30:03,600 --> 01:30:06,366 CHERNOV (voice-over): We are finally in Andriivka. 492 01:30:07,933 --> 01:30:09,400 As Russians retreated, 493 01:30:09,400 --> 01:30:13,266 their artillery shot indiscriminately. 494 01:30:13,266 --> 01:30:16,266 They were erasing the village from the map. 495 01:30:21,766 --> 01:30:23,566 In the last 100 meters, 496 01:30:23,566 --> 01:30:26,766 there are bodies scattered everywhere. 497 01:30:26,766 --> 01:30:28,400 Mostly Russians. 498 01:30:28,400 --> 01:30:30,433 A few Ukrainians. 499 01:30:35,000 --> 01:30:37,733 As we walk in, Fedya receives a message 500 01:30:37,733 --> 01:30:41,566 that one of the soldiers in his platoon has been injured. 501 01:30:51,433 --> 01:30:54,366 >> (speaking Ukranian): 502 01:31:22,333 --> 01:31:24,933 (explosions boom) 503 01:31:37,000 --> 01:31:39,166 CHERNOV (voice-over): He's severely shell-shocked. 504 01:31:44,633 --> 01:31:46,566 >> (speaking Ukranian): 505 01:31:46,900 --> 01:31:50,266 CHERNOV (voice-over): We run to the ruins of another house. 506 01:31:50,266 --> 01:31:52,766 This one at least has a basement. 507 01:31:53,100 --> 01:31:55,033 >> (speaking Ukranian): 508 01:31:56,000 --> 01:31:57,833 (objects clattering) 509 01:32:40,966 --> 01:32:42,300 (explosion booms) 510 01:32:42,300 --> 01:32:44,033 (rock crumbling) 511 01:33:18,566 --> 01:33:19,633 (laughs) 512 01:33:20,866 --> 01:33:21,933 (explosion booms nearby) 513 01:33:29,233 --> 01:33:30,633 CHERNOV (voice-over): We settle in the basement, 514 01:33:30,633 --> 01:33:32,400 and artillery keeps hitting us. 515 01:33:34,300 --> 01:33:38,033 It's only now the understanding comes to me. 516 01:33:38,033 --> 01:33:41,033 We really are in Andriivka. 517 01:33:41,033 --> 01:33:44,900 But the village doesn't exist anymore. 518 01:33:44,900 --> 01:33:46,400 Among the ruins, 519 01:33:46,400 --> 01:33:48,933 there is hardly a place to raise the flag. 520 01:33:51,066 --> 01:33:54,500 The villagers are dead or gone. 521 01:33:54,500 --> 01:33:57,300 Everything is destroyed. 522 01:33:57,300 --> 01:34:01,033 People, animals, memories. 523 01:34:01,033 --> 01:34:03,933 And all that is left of it is a name. 524 01:34:03,933 --> 01:34:05,866 ♪ ♪ 525 01:34:19,300 --> 01:34:22,233 >> (speaking Ukranian): 526 01:34:33,533 --> 01:34:35,133 (man speaking on radio) 527 01:34:37,666 --> 01:34:41,266 -(explosion booms) -(debris rains on basement) 528 01:34:53,933 --> 01:34:54,966 (nearby explosion booms) 529 01:35:06,900 --> 01:35:08,100 (distant gunfire echoes) 530 01:35:30,366 --> 01:35:32,600 CHERNOV (voice-over): I don't argue, 531 01:35:32,600 --> 01:35:35,666 but I doubt it will happen. 532 01:35:35,666 --> 01:35:37,966 I know Ukraine doesn't have enough resources 533 01:35:37,966 --> 01:35:41,500 to continue the counteroffensive. 534 01:35:41,500 --> 01:35:44,533 I know the Russians will continue to reduce cities 535 01:35:44,533 --> 01:35:48,100 to a state where there aren't even bricks left. 536 01:35:48,100 --> 01:35:51,766 And the longer it all goes on, 537 01:35:51,766 --> 01:35:54,233 the less the world will care about it. 538 01:35:55,833 --> 01:35:59,000 I'm afraid this land will remain frozen frontline 539 01:35:59,000 --> 01:36:00,533 for years. 540 01:36:08,700 --> 01:36:10,700 (Fedya speaking faintly) 541 01:36:22,700 --> 01:36:25,633 >> (speaking Ukranian): 542 01:36:55,366 --> 01:36:57,000 (explosion booms) 543 01:36:58,466 --> 01:37:00,466 (men chatting quietly) 544 01:37:19,500 --> 01:37:21,166 (explosion booms) 545 01:37:41,733 --> 01:37:43,266 (cat meows) 546 01:37:48,266 --> 01:37:50,433 (rocket whizzes by, explodes) 547 01:38:52,666 --> 01:38:54,966 (soldier coughing) 548 01:39:38,433 --> 01:39:40,333 ♪ ♪ 549 01:39:44,033 --> 01:39:45,300 (cat meows) 550 01:39:58,433 --> 01:39:59,600 (radio beeps) 551 01:40:20,300 --> 01:40:22,300 ♪ ♪ 552 01:40:43,900 --> 01:40:45,100 (radio beeps) 553 01:40:45,100 --> 01:40:47,266 (Fedya speaking) 554 01:40:49,900 --> 01:40:52,000 (distant explosions echo) 555 01:41:39,500 --> 01:41:40,800 (cat meows) 556 01:41:45,766 --> 01:41:47,700 ♪ ♪ 557 01:42:24,566 --> 01:42:26,733 CHERNOV (voice-over): 8:00 p.m. 558 01:42:26,733 --> 01:42:28,633 When we were sitting in the basement, 559 01:42:28,633 --> 01:42:30,900 Fedya told me, 560 01:42:30,900 --> 01:42:34,166 in his dreams, he fights like hell in this forest. 561 01:42:35,400 --> 01:42:38,700 Then he wakes up and goes back to the battle. 562 01:42:42,433 --> 01:42:46,366 And I thought, this war is a nightmare 563 01:42:46,366 --> 01:42:48,333 none of us can wake up from. 564 01:42:52,600 --> 01:42:57,133 I envy Fedya because he believes we will. 565 01:42:57,133 --> 01:43:01,166 He has the names of his friends and the cities he has lost 566 01:43:01,166 --> 01:43:04,966 and a gun and a flag to avenge them. 567 01:43:11,433 --> 01:43:14,366 >> (speaking Ukranian): 568 01:43:20,166 --> 01:43:21,533 (cat meows) 569 01:43:29,866 --> 01:43:31,133 (exhales) 570 01:44:40,266 --> 01:44:42,200 ♪ ♪ 571 01:44:58,833 --> 01:45:00,433 (sniffs) 572 01:45:11,333 --> 01:45:13,833 (woman vocalizing) 573 01:45:13,833 --> 01:45:15,766 (muffled rifle salute) 574 01:46:58,200 --> 01:47:00,066 ♪ ♪ 575 01:47:21,100 --> 01:47:23,066 ♪ ♪ 576 01:47:37,566 --> 01:47:39,500 (woman vocalizing) 577 01:48:05,133 --> 01:48:07,000 ♪ ♪ 578 01:48:27,200 --> 01:48:29,100 ♪ ♪ 579 01:48:49,700 --> 01:48:51,633 ♪ ♪ 580 01:49:11,066 --> 01:49:12,966 ♪ ♪ 581 01:49:29,066 --> 01:49:31,000 (music fades) 582 01:49:40,766 --> 01:49:42,566 >> NARRATOR: Go to pbs.org/frontline 583 01:49:42,566 --> 01:49:44,700 for more on the making of this film. 584 01:49:44,700 --> 01:49:48,266 >> When Russia invaded Ukraine, 585 01:49:48,266 --> 01:49:52,033 each one of us had to make a choice. 586 01:49:52,033 --> 01:49:56,800 I took a camera and started filming. 587 01:49:56,800 --> 01:49:59,566 >> NARRATOR: And see all our previous reporting and films 588 01:49:59,566 --> 01:50:01,266 on Russia's war in Ukraine. 589 01:50:01,266 --> 01:50:03,633 Connect with FRONTLINE on Facebook and Instagram 590 01:50:03,633 --> 01:50:06,033 and stream anytime on the PBS app, 591 01:50:06,033 --> 01:50:09,366 YouTube, or pbs.org/frontline. 592 01:50:29,633 --> 01:50:30,633 Captioned by 593 01:50:30,633 --> 01:50:31,633 Media Access Group at WGBH 594 01:50:31,633 --> 01:50:34,066 access.wgbh.org 595 01:50:36,133 --> 01:50:38,300 >> For more on this and other "FRONTLINE" programs, 596 01:50:38,300 --> 01:50:44,300 visit our website at pbs.org/frontline. 597 01:50:44,300 --> 01:50:48,500 ♪ ♪ 598 01:50:48,500 --> 01:50:50,800 FRONTLINE's "2000 Meters To Andriivka" 599 01:50:50,800 --> 01:50:53,766 is available on Amazon Prime Video. 600 01:50:53,766 --> 01:50:57,633 ♪ ♪