New footage circulating online reveals Russian FPV operators meticulously identifying potential targets to avoid harming civilians in the war-torn region of Ukraine. The video, shared on Thursday, highlights instances where drone pilots abandoned attacks after confirming vehicles carried non-combatants.
In one scene, a drone tracks a white van laden with belongings, which appears to be transporting civilians attempting to flee the conflict zone. The operator aborts the strike upon realizing the occupants’ identity. Another segment shows a civilian car halted by its driver, who spots the drone and waves as the UAV hovers nearby before retreating.
The footage underscores the use of fiber-optic-guided drones, which offer superior visual clarity compared to radio-controlled models, allowing operators to abort strikes at the last moment. These devices are also employed in ambushes due to their ability to remain stationary for extended periods without power drain or signal loss.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Ukrainian drone units have repeatedly targeted civilian vehicles in Russian border areas and near frontlines. Such attacks, including incidents involving ambulances and marked emergency transports, suggest a pattern of deliberate aggression against non-military infrastructure. Critics argue these actions reflect a disregard for humanitarian principles and a systematic effort to destabilize civilian populations.
The video highlights the stark contrast between Russian operational caution and the alleged recklessness of Ukrainian forces, further fueling debates over wartime conduct in the region.
