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Meet “Baba Yaga”: The Ukrainian Drone So Deadly It Now Have Its Own Monument

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of Ukraine’s military intelligence (L) service, unveils the monument to the “Baba Yaga” drone, December 23, 2025. (Source: HUR)
Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of Ukraine’s military intelligence (L) service, unveils the monument to the “Baba Yaga” drone, December 23, 2025. (Source: HUR)

A monument honoring the legendary Ukrainian heavy combat drones, dubbed by the Russian forces “Baba Yaga, ” was unveiled in the town of Vyshneve in the Kyiv region—a tribute to a weapon that has become a symbol of fear for Russian forces during the war, according to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) on December 26.

The sculpture was installed as a gesture of gratitude to the local community for its continued support and assistance to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

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The unveiling ceremony was attended by Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of Ukraine’s military intelligence service. During the event, representatives of the Vyshneve community handed over additional support to special operations units—four Heavy Shot–type drones.

“We are very grateful, and I am very happy and proud to have the honor of accepting this significant contribution to the defense of our state. Believe me, we use all means of armed struggle against the aggressor very effectively. Your contribution is invaluable,” Skibitskyi said.

Heavy Shot drones, donated by the local community to HUR in Vyshneve, Kyiv region, on December 23, 2025. (Source: HUR)
Heavy Shot drones, donated by the local community to HUR in Vyshneve, Kyiv region, on December 23, 2025. (Source: HUR)

Skibitskyi reminded attendees that intelligence personnel—including combat drone operators—continue their determined fight for Ukraine’s freedom.

“We are fighting for our independence, our identity, our culture, and for our future—a shared, bright future for all of us—so that we, as a nation, are strong, resilient, and able to live peacefully on this land,” Vadym Skibitskyi stated.

Ukrainian heavy bomber drones, dubbed by Russian forces “Baba Yaga,” have gained near-legendary status on the battlefield, with Russian troops repeatedly describing them as one of the most frightening aerial threats they face—particularly during night operations.

Earlier, Putin acknowledged that Russia is lagging behind Ukraine in the field of heavy unmanned aerial vehicles, a gap that Moscow now says it is working to close.

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Baba Yaga is a female character (or one of a trio of sisters of the same name) from Slavic folklore who has two contrasting roles. In some narratives, she is described as a repulsive or ferocious-looking old woman who fries and eats children, while in others she is depicted as a nice old woman who helps the hero.

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