The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
“Ukho” is an operator of the heavy bomber drone “Vampire”. Although trained as an electromechanic, he worked for many years as a trade manager.
His story was published by the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
“Back at the training center, they asked if we knew how to fly drones, solder, or at least work with a joystick. I raised my hand because I had played a lot on the PlayStation. They selected six of us, including me. And that’s how we became operators — all six of us”, — he recalls.
Since summer 2025, Ukho has been serving in the 33rd Brigade. He completed specialized UAV operator training.
“First, we trained at the range, and then already on positions. Experienced combat guys taught us. And at the end of August, I went on my first combat missions — for three days I was the third pilot, and then gradually rose to crew commander”, — he says.
His first impressions of flying a drone were unforgettable.
According to him, the emotions are indescribable.
“Once I saw two invaders crawling through a tree line. I dropped a munition — wounded one, killed the other. And the next day, in the same tree line, more of those creatures were crawling — and that time I got two confirmed KIA. That’s how it all started”, — he says.
Of course, combat work is not without difficulties.
“It’s tough when weather conditions don’t allow us to work — wind, rain, and now snow. It’s tough when an FPV drone is chasing you — escaping isn’t easy, as it flies at 120 km/h. But I’ve escaped FPVs many times. I remember the first time well: I was flying at 350 meters, and a strong wind helped me. I moved the drone left and right — and then only right, right, right. Technically I reacted correctly and kept my drone. But the adrenaline was huge”, — he recalls.
Combat shifts pass one after another, but Ukho’s mood remains unchanged.
“The excitement I had in the first days hasn’t gone anywhere. It remains — the more accurately I hit, the more motivated I am to keep working. I’m driven by faith in Victory”, — he says.
Not only faith, but a clear understanding of what Victory must be.
According to him, there must not be a single occupier left in Ukraine.
“The number of occupiers must be zero. And Ukrainians must understand how it happened that the invasion occurred — and how to ensure that it never happens again”, — the soldier summarized.
