Russian soldiers on the frontlines are increasingly being left defenceless against Ukrainian drone strikes, with some now using only shovels and their bare hands in desperate attempts to survive. The situation has grown so dire that many troops have been forced to retreat on foot after their armoured vehicles were destroyed or disabled by Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drones.
Footage released by Ukraine’s Flying Skull Battalion under the Unmanned Systems Forces shows the harsh reality faced by Russian occupiers. In one clip, a Russian soldier attempts to swat away an incoming drone using a shovel. In another instance, a soldier tries to escape the drone before entering into what seemed like a brief attempt at verbal negotiation with the device, shortly before being neutralised. The footage was released on 20 May.
The use of FPV drones by Ukrainian forces has rapidly evolved into a highly effective tactic. These low-cost and high-impact weapons have crippled Russian mobility across wide sections of the battlefield. Unlike traditional equipment, FPV drones offer real-time control, making them ideal for targeting exposed troops and lightly armoured vehicles.
Once a drone strikes, any surviving Russian troops often find themselves stranded, wounded or unable to call for extraction. Many are left to walk back towards Russian lines without gear or support, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. This shift in battlefield dynamics marks another blow to the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s failing invasion, revealing the deep cracks in Russian supply lines and battlefield planning.
Ukrainian drone operators have become masters of the skies, proving that innovation and precision can outmatch brute force. The Flying Skull Battalion is one of many units under Ukraine’s drone command reshaping the nature of modern warfare. They have turned basic equipment into a strategic advantage, making life increasingly miserable for Russian forces caught in the open.
The growing number of viral videos from Ukraine’s frontlines not only serve as evidence of battlefield success but also act as a psychological weapon, showing the world how poorly equipped and unprepared Russian forces truly are. The image of a soldier swinging a shovel at an incoming drone speaks volumes about the level of desperation and lack of proper support on the Russian side.
