Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces have deployed FPV drones not only against the military, but systematically against civilians: targeting people on foot, in cars, in ambulances, and in open markets. 

Unlike traditional weapons, FPV drones combine accessibility, precision, and a powerful psychological impact. They not only cause physical destruction, but also fundamentally reshape the perception of safety. The threat is often invisible, fast, and unpredictable, creating a constant state of tension in which even familiar environments no longer feel secure.

Truth Hounds’ immersive 360° virtual reality project, Under the Stolen Skies, explores the experiences of civilians living under the persistent threat of FPV drone attacks in Nikopol, a Ukrainian frontline city.

The project is based on the real-life experiences of Nikopol residents, particularly in relation to the attack that took place on 26 December 2024, when a Russian FPV drone struck a clothing market.

Rather than providing direct answers, the experience creates an immediate and embodied encounter with a reality that often feels distant or abstract to international audiences. The viewer is placed inside a situation where danger emerges suddenly, control is limited, and escape may be impossible.

By combining documentary evidence with immersive technology, the project reveals what is otherwise difficult to grasp through traditional media. Its aim is not only to inform, but also to shift perception – confronting audiences with a simple yet urgent question: how far away is this reality, really?

Warning: This motion picture contains scenes with flashing lights, vibrant patterns, and sudden loud noises. These elements may trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy or cause distress to individuals with PTSD and other sensory sensitivities. Viewer discretion is advised.