Ukrainian paratroopers used a ground drone to evacuate two wounded soldiers near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast during a six-hour mission under constant Russian drone threat, the 25th Separate Airborne Sicheslav Brigade reported.
The brigade described the Pokrovsk sector as one of the most difficult on the front, with expanded Russian “kill zones” along logistics routes and continuous FPV drone activity complicating ammunition deliveries, rotations, and casualty evacuation.
Adverse weather added further challenges, restricting mobility and making conventional vehicle evacuation too risky.
Ground drone navigated mud and FPV fire to reach two wounded soldiers
The ground drone platform was deployed to retrieve two soldiers from separate positions. One of the wounded had sustained shrapnel injuries to his side, back, and legs after a drone strike, while the other suffered lighter injuries.
The drone navigated muddy, rutted terrain under constant threat from enemy drones to reach the first soldier and then the second.
Direct FPV strike failed to stop the platform
During the return, the system was directly struck by a Russian FPV drone. One soldier managed to dismount safely, while the vehicle, despite the impact, remained operational and completed the mission.
The drone delivered both soldiers to a designated evacuation point, where fellow troops transferred them to a vehicle and moved them to a stabilization point, successfully saving their lives.
Ground drones filling a gap where vehicles can't go
Ground drones like the one used near Pokrovsk are becoming increasingly important in frontline operations. In sectors under constant surveillance and attack from drones, these platforms allow forces to evacuate the wounded without exposing personnel to direct fire.
Their use reduces risk for both injured soldiers and the teams performing rescues, while enabling sustained operations in high-threat areas.
