Oscar Winner Returns to Document Ukraine’s Brutal 2000-Meter Fight

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov has returned to Ukraine’s front lines. His new documentary, “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” premiered on PBS. The film chronicles a Ukrainian platoon’s grueling three-month battle to liberate a single village.

It provides a raw, immersive look at modern warfare. The production is a collaboration between FRONTLINE and The Associated Press.

The Harrowing Journey to Andriivka

The documentary follows soldiers from the 5th Separate Assault Brigade. Their mission was to advance two kilometers through a heavily fortified forest. This short distance took them three months of brutal fighting.

Russian forces had heavily mined the area. Trenches and defensive positions made every meter a deadly challenge. The soldiers used call signs like Fedya and Gagarin.

According to the Associated Press, the film uses bodycam footage from the soldiers themselves. This provides a first-person perspective of the combat. Viewers see the war through the eyes of those living it.

A Collaborative Journalistic Effort

The film is more than just a war documentary. It is a piece of detailed journalism. Mstyslav Chernov directed and narrated the project.

His previous film, “20 Days in Mariupol,” won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. This new work continues his commitment to documenting the conflict. The team faced significant risks to capture this story.

FRONTLINE and The Associated Press co-produced the documentary. It premiered on November 25, 2025. It is also available for streaming on PBS.org and YouTube.

The Human Cost of a Short Advance

The film’s structure is defined by geography. It is divided into chapters marking the platoon’s progress: 2000 Meters, 1000 Meters, 600 Meters. Each segment shows the mounting physical and psychological toll.

It highlights the immense sacrifice required for minimal territorial gain. The village of Andriivka was eventually liberated. However, Russian forces later re-captured the area.

This outcome underscores the war’s fluid and tragic nature. The documentary serves as a permanent record of the courage and loss experienced by the unit.

“2000 Meters to Andriivka” stands as a vital historical document. It captures the grim reality of attritional warfare in the 21st century. This film ensures the world does not look away.

Thought you’d like to know

Where can I watch “2000 Meters to Andriivka”?

The documentary is available on PBS stations and the PBS website. It also streams on the PBS app and YouTube. Check local listings for broadcast times.

Who directed the documentary?

Mstyslav Chernov, an Oscar-winning Ukrainian filmmaker, directed it. He previously directed “20 Days in Mariupol.” He also served as an AP journalist on the project.

What is the film’s runtime?

The documentary runs for 108 minutes. This is just under two hours. It contains graphic footage from the front lines.

Was the village of Andriivka held by Ukraine?

Ukrainian forces liberated Andriivka after the battle shown. However, Russian forces later reoccupied the village. The situation on the front lines remains dynamic.

Why is this documentary significant?

It provides an unflinching, soldier’s-eye view of the war. The footage was captured by the troops themselves. It shows the high cost of a small territorial gain.