Victory Sisters Foundation supports Ukrainian army aerial reconnaissance. PHOTO

Victory Sisters Foundation continues to support the Ukrainian military with its aerial reconnaissance capabilities.

Former fighter and now volunteer Oleksii Berezhko, who is is charge of the foundation's aerial reconnaissance, told Censor.NET.

"In summer, we toured the entire front line from Shchastia to Shyrokyne, inspecting aerial reconnaissance capabilities in Ukrainian units. We talked to reconnaissance operators in sectors as well as commanders of brigades and battalions. There was one key problem everywhere - the operators can not go on a task when it is necessary. It is only possible either with a permission by sector's staff or after a personal approval by the battalion commander, as the scouts are at risk. It's a red tape, you know.

"We act independently because we do not need any permission from above. Moreover, we quickly pass all information directly to sector's staff, ATO headquarters, and brigade's command," Berezhko said elaborating on why the volunteers decided to organize their own aerial reconnaissance.

Berezhko says the foundation has its own video interpreters, which speeds up sending obtained information.

"Our mobile units can get to any sector where aerial reconnaissance is urgent," he added.

According to Berezhko, the foundation is currently training two drone operator crews.

Overall, during the fall 2015, the foundation has upgraded its aerial reconnaissance capabilities:

- purchased four Leleka UAVs at a total cost of more than UAH 600,000 (about $23,965) (two aircraft were paid for by Victory Sisters and two - by People's Project);

- trained two drone operator crews, with two more being trained at the moment;

- bought and equipped two SUVs for mobile groups;

- replaced camera in a Spetsnaz regiment's drone;

- replaced batteries in drones of a volunteer battalion;

- bought hard drives for data storage and other hardware.