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After Years in Hiding, Ukraine Extracts Man From Russian-Occupied Territory
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A Ukrainian Navy “Angels” special reconnaissance unit carried out a complex, multi-stage operation to evacuate a civilian. He was placed on a wanted list and had spent years hiding in Russian-occupied territory, the unit reported on April 6.
The man had been targeted by Russian forces after he shot and killed one serviceman and wounded another while defending his property. During the confrontation, he sustained a gunshot wound, was detained, and taken to a hospital.
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After escaping the facility, he walked approximately 60 kilometers despite his injuries. He then spent years in hiding, resisting occupation authorities before eventually reestablishing contact with his family, according to the unit.
After learning of his situation, Ukraine’s Navy commander, Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, ordered a mission to locate and extract the civilian to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
A detailed plan was developed involving multiple units, including a Marine brigade, the 79th Border Guard Detachment, and the 426th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment of the Marine Corps.
Once contact was established, the man received precise instructions on movement routes and how to navigate Russian checkpoints. Due to intense fire and the inability to use vehicles, he traveled roughly 10 kilometers by bicycle to reach a designated rendezvous point.
Throughout the operation, he remained under constant surveillance by reconnaissance drones and was covered by FPV drones. Ukrainian forces also struck Russian checkpoints along the route to create a safer corridor for extraction.
After linking up with an escort team, the group continued moving along field roads, avoiding major Russian positions. Parts of the route had to be completed on foot to reduce the risk of detection.
The operation was completed, and the man has since been reunited with his family in Ukrainian-controlled territory.
The unit responsible for the mission, known as the “Angels,” has been operating within Ukraine’s Navy for more than four years and has evacuated over 100 service members and civilians from occupied areas.
“This is not simple work. These are not just numbers. I am very proud that the Navy has such a unit of true professionals who have carried out many operations. Each one is unique and carefully prepared,” Neizhpapa said.
Earlier, Ukraine’s First Separate Medical Battalion carried out six successful casualty evacuation missions in a single day using unmanned ground vehicles, highlighting the growing role of robotics in frontline medical operations.
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