A soldier known by the call sign Vanek, serving with the 15th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, is reported to have captured the Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone by using a rope. The account comes from a telegram channel called Black Hussars, which has been circulating details about this incident and its aftermath. The claim describes Vanek as part of a unit that was observing and defending positions when the drone appeared on the scene and was ultimately restrained on the ground by human effort and a stroke of improvisation. The report presents this as a notable signal of how ground teams respond when an enemy drone enters an active combat zone, highlighting the tension between improvised countermeasures and official procedures in a live-fire environment.
The fighter described the drone as an agricultural unmanned aircraft that had been repurposed for military use. It reportedly caused persistent disturbance to Russian positions for several days, creating a sense of unease among the troops stationed in the area. When the drone attempted to lift off again after a shot, Vanek and a comrade stepped in to neutralize it, preventing further incursions and potential reconnaissance or harassment from the air. The account emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by repurposed drones in combat zones and the difficulties of countering such devices with limited resources and time-sensitive decision-making.
According to Vanek, wind conditions contributed to the drone becoming entangled in some branches. A rope was thrown over the aircraft, and it was dragged down to the ground. The drone resisted, trying to escape, prompting the soldiers to consider the next steps. The episode illustrates how soldiers adapt to unexpected circumstances in the field, using available tools and quick thinking to secure a threat that could otherwise exploit airspace and weather to continue its mission.
With the aid of glow-in-the-dark indicators, the team was able to locate the drone’s dwelling. Investigations revealed that Baba Yaga possessed eight independent engines, a configuration that would allow the device to maintain flight even if one system failed. Additional protected batteries were found aboard the drone, underscoring its endurance and capacity for extended operations. The description portrays the craft as a capable platform designed for persistence and resilience, capable of challenging defensive measures over a period of time in adverse conditions.
Vanek stated that Baba Yaga ranks among the more dangerous unmanned aerial systems observed by Ukrainian forces. The drone is described as capable of flying at very low altitudes and in varied weather, complicating detection and interception. Yet, the report claims that the craft can be neutralized through direct targeting of the rotor blades, even with a conventional hunting rifle. This detail highlights the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of simple, low-cost countermeasures against advanced aerial platforms and the role of field improvisation in reducing drone threats during combat operations.
There is mention that Russia has developed a new drone suppression system aimed at countering such aerial threats. The introduction of specialized counter-drone technologies indicates an ongoing effort to enhance air defense and reduce vulnerability to unmanned systems deployed by adversaries. The evolving approach to drone warfare reflects a broader trend of adapting military strategy to the growing presence of autonomous and remotely piloted devices in modern conflict zones.