Ukrainian Sniper Downed Russian Drone in Kharkiv With Precision Rifle Shot, Video

A Ukrainian sniper from the 3rd Company of the “Materik” Battalion shot down a Russian reconnaissance drone using a .308 caliber rifle in the Kharkiv region, according to a video published by Operational-Tactical Group “Kharkiv” on March 18.

The sniper, operating on the Vovchansk front, required just a few well-placed shots to take down the Russian Mavic UAV, which was likely conducting reconnaissance or coordinating Russian forces movements.

The video clearly shows one of the drone’s propellers being blown off after a direct hit, causing the UAV to lose control and crash.

Russian forces frequently use Mavic drones to drop explosives on Ukrainian positions, making their elimination a crucial part of defensive operations.

According to OTG “Kharkiv”, electronic warfare (EW) systems and anti-drone rifles are not always effective in countering enemy UAVs.

Russian operators are constantly adapting—changing frequencies and improving their piloting skills to evade Ukrainian defenses.

However, “the .308 caliber doesn’t care about frequencies. In the skilled hands of a sniper with the call sign ‘Melkiy,’ a rifle sends bullets flying—and Russian Mavics get grounded,” a military command wrote.

Earlier, a sniper from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence active operations unit, with the call sign “Lector,” eliminated a Russian soldier with a .338 Lapua Magnum round at a distance of 2,069 meters.