Ukrainian soldiers prepare a long range drone in the snow
Ukrainian soldiers prepare a long range drone near the Bakhmut frontline in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast on January 12, 2024.
  • Frigid winter conditions are affecting drone batteries in Ukraine like they do cell phones and some other electronics.
  • It means drones can't spend as long in the air, a drone commander and an expert told BI.
  • It's an issue for both Russia and Ukraine, but it's a bit worse for Ukraine as it relies more on cheaper drones. 

Drone warfare has become a key part of the conflict in Ukraine, with both sides using the equipment to track each others' movements, direct troops and artillery, and attack enemy soldiers and weaponry.