Russian Soldier Tries Playing Statue to Fool Ukrainian FPV Drone—It Doesn’t Work

A Russian soldier on the Pokrovsk front attempted to avoid detection by remaining completely still after spotting an approaching Ukrainian FPV drone, footage released by Ukraine’s Spartan Brigade shows.

The video was published on September 16 by the Spartan Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard, whose troops are operating in the Pokrovsk direction.

In the footage, the Russian serviceman notices the FPV drone and immediately stops moving among the trees, apparently attempting to blend into the surrounding vegetation.

The attempt did not prevent the Ukrainian drone operator from identifying him. The soldier also appeared to be moving without a helmet or body armor, according to the footage.

The Spartan Brigade said the serviceman was one of the Russian infantry troops advancing toward Ukrainian positions in the sector.

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War in Ukraine

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FPV drones are widely used along the front line for reconnaissance and strikes against personnel, vehicles, and military positions, making concealment from aerial observation increasingly difficult for troops operating in exposed areas.

The footage comes amid continued Ukrainian use of FPV and longer-range drones against Russian troops and equipment. On September 14, Ukraine’s 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade said one of its drone crews destroyed two Russian BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers and damaged two more during a single deployment.

One of the strikes was carried out after a 45-kilometer drone flight, highlighting the growing range and role of Ukrainian unmanned systems on the battlefield.

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