Ukrainian Special Ops Narrowly Escape Drone Strike: ‘Drove Like a God’
UPDATE: Ukrainian special operations forces narrowly escaped a lethal drone strike in the Sumy region, with a soldier praising the driver for his exceptional skills. A Russian FPV drone aggressively pursued the crew, prompting a tense escape that has now captured global attention.
The harrowing incident, which occurred in September 2025, involved a vehicle carrying members of the 4th Ranger Regiment of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. As the Russian drone closed in at high speed, operator Khyzhak, known by his call sign “Predator,” described the terrifying moment: “It starts to maneuver to hit us.”
Despite the chaos, the driver skillfully maneuvered the vehicle, narrowly avoiding a direct hit. Khyzhak recounted, “My dude in the backseat started shooting at the drone,” but the small, agile target proved difficult to hit. The drone detonated just feet away from their vehicle, a chilling reminder of the perils faced by soldiers on the front lines.
The entire incident was recorded on Khyzhak’s helmet camera, which the 4th Ranger Regiment only released to the public recently. The footage highlights the escalating use of first-person-view (FPV) drones in the ongoing conflict, a tactic that both Russian and Ukrainian forces have increasingly adopted to conduct precision strikes.
After the explosion, the crew scrambled to assess their safety, with one operator sustaining a leg injury during the hasty exit. However, their primary focus was on escaping before another drone could arrive. Khyzhak emphasized the critical role of their driver, stating, “I absolutely credit the buggy driver with saving our lives.”
Drones have become a dominant force on the battlefield, accounting for approximately 90% of all strikes, according to Lt. Col. Yurii Myronenko, Ukraine’s deputy minister of defense for innovation. The continued use of such technology underscores the ongoing dangers faced by military personnel in Ukraine, where every moment can shift from routine to life-threatening.
As the conflict evolves, the reliance on drones for tactical advantage persists, raising questions about future engagements. The bravery demonstrated by Ukrainian operators amidst such perilous conditions continues to resonate, showcasing the resilience and skill of those on the front lines.
For more on this remarkable escape and its implications for modern warfare, stay tuned for further updates.
