Ukrainian Officer Shoots Down Russian Drone Over Church, Saves Foreign Journalist, Video

A Ukrainian press officer from the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo shot down a Russian FPV drone over a church in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, preventing an attack on a foreign journalist and his colleagues, the brigade’s press service reported on October 28.

The incident occurred while Oleg Petrasiuk, a communications officer of the 24th Brigade, was escorting a reporter from the Dutch newspaper Het Nederlands Dagblad, who was documenting the aftermath of Russian shelling at the Holy Dormition Church. During the filming, a Russian FPV drone attempted to strike the group.

According to the brigade’s statement, Petrasiuk spotted the incoming drone in time and shot it down with his assault rifle above the damaged church, averting casualties among the accompanying soldiers and the visiting journalist.

“The quick response of our press officer saved lives and prevented another Russian attack on civilians,” the brigade said in an official statement quoted by ArmyInform.

Kostiantynivka, located near the front line, has been under constant Russian shelling throughout 2025. Ukrainian outlets report that religious and civilian infrastructure in the area has suffered repeated damage

Earlier, it was reported that Russian forces used FPV drones to launch a “safari” attack on Ukrainian farmers, with operators chasing agricultural machinery in the fields.

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