Ukrainian soldier rescued by drone after 491 days in Russian kill zone
Ukrainian soldier Kostiantyn Vlasenko was evacuated from a frontline position by a drone after spending 491 days in the kill zone, including 231 days alone in an abandoned school. The operation on 4 October used a modified bomber drone to carry him to safety, marking what the article describes as the first aerial drone evacuation of a wounded soldier.
Vlasenko, 49, had lost his left leg to frostbite and amputated his injured right leg with a blunt knife. His comrade, known by the callsign Baski, was killed in a Russian drone strike, leaving Vlasenko isolated and badly wounded. The rescue drone flew him about 11 miles, while three other drones provided cover; one was shot down.
- A drone carried wounded Ukrainian soldier Kostiantyn Vlasenko to safety.
- He had spent 491 days in the frontline kill zone.
- Three drones provided cover; one was lost.
Entertainment Europe Film World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “The story no Hollywood scriptwriter could make up: He spent 491 days stranded in the kill zone under Russian fire – and had to amputate one of his legs. Then he became the first soldier ever evacuated from a battlefield by a drone…”.