"2000 Meters to Andriivka": A Harrowing Look at Ukraine's Struggle

In the documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivka, filmmaker and Associated Press journalist Mstyslav Chernov provides an immersive portrayal of a Ukrainian platoon's mission during the 2023 counteroffensive to reclaim the Russian-occupied village of Andriivka. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2025, and was broadcast on PBS's Frontline on November 25, 2025.

2000 Meters to Andriivka offers a raw depiction of modern warfare, highlighting the personal and strategic challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers as they navigate heavily fortified areas to liberate the village. The documentary serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.

Mstyslav Chernov, born in 1985 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, is a renowned filmmaker, war correspondent, and photojournalist. He has covered significant global events, including the Revolution of Dignity, the War in Donbas, the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, the Syrian civil war, and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. His previous documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 96th Academy Awards.

The documentary is a co-production between The Associated Press and PBS's Frontline. Chernov collaborated with producer and editor Michelle Mizner and producer Raney Aronson-Rath, both of whom were part of the team behind 20 Days in Mariupol. The score was composed by two-time Grammy Award winner Sam Slater, featuring a minimalist approach centered around the use of a war drum and original field recordings from the war zone.

After its world premiere at Sundance, where it won the Directing Award: World Cinema Documentary, the film was released in the United States on July 25, 2025, by PBS Distribution. It was later broadcast on Frontline in November 2025. The documentary received critical acclaim, with The New York Times describing it as "truly remarkable," Rolling Stone calling it "extraordinary," and Documentary Magazine referring to it as "one of the best combat films ever made."

In 2023, Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive to reclaim territories occupied by Russian forces. Andriivka, a village in the Donetsk region, became a focal point due to its strategic significance. The documentary captures the intense and perilous efforts of Ukrainian soldiers as they navigate heavily fortified areas to liberate the village. The film highlights the personal and strategic challenges faced during the mission, providing a raw and unfiltered look at modern warfare.

The documentary sheds light on the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. By providing an intimate portrayal of the front lines, it aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and tragedies of war. The film also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.

2000 Meters to Andriivka not only documents a pivotal military operation but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and sovereignty. The documentary is available for streaming on PBS's Frontline website.