The nightmarish terror for occupiers: How the Ukrainian drone "Vampir" is taking out Russian forces on the front lines.

Ukrainian-made drones "Vampir" have become a true nightmarish terror for the Russians. How the fighters of the 68th Brigade hunt Russians with "Vampirs" in the Pokrovsk direction – in a report by military correspondent RBK-Ukraine Bohdana Liaskovska.

The night sortie begins as dusk falls. The "Vampir" drone crew operates every night – it is their element. We stop at the last safe point before the front line. We put on our gear. Meanwhile, the sound of the engine can be heard: we drive into the darkness and the unknown. The fighters never know what the next combat sortie will bring.

Video: How the Ukrainian drone "Vampir" destroys Russians at the front (youtube.com/РБК-Украина)

There are three military personnel in the crew. One signals to another, who takes out his phone and starts reading a prayer so that everyone returns alive. In a place where death breathes down the neck of life, you start to believe in any gods.

The front line is moving at a frantic pace. Where there was life yesterday, today there is emptiness. We pass through populated areas that have already become ghosts. The streets are completely dark, there is no electricity. Only empty buildings remain. It is unbearable to see how every day cities and villages turn into a line of defense. Where people lived just yesterday, Russians roam today.

"We are working in the most challenging sector, where the enemy's advance is very active. Previously, they used equipment for assaults, but now they have switched to human wave attacks. We are trying to make these assaults even more 'meaty' with our ammunition. But they have a very large human resource," says UAV operator Nazar.

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6Photo: The "Vampir" drone crew works every night in complete darkness (РБК-Украина)

"Vampir" is a drone that impresses with its size. This hexacopter was developed in Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The flying giant is equipped with thermal imaging optics. That is why it can be used at night.

The drone can fly up to 10 kilometers from the launch point and carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms. The Russians fear this drone and refer to it among themselves as "Baba Yaga." The UAV can carry either an RPG charge or a massive 12-kilogram payload.

It is no surprise that the drone instills such fear in the Russians. It is virtually invisible against the night sky. Suddenly, a loud sound echoes through the air. If it stops and starts to aim, it almost certainly means inevitable destruction.

"Two days ago, we destroyed an enemy sniper group that had come to operate in our area. We took them out. About three minutes after we finished, our infantry reported over the radio that there were still Russian troops there. We flew back and dropped a 120mm mine. I think we eliminated everyone there, as the video showed that the area where they were sitting was covered with shrapnel; it’s impossible to survive there," recalls sapper Yulian.

Photo: The "Vampir" can fly up to 10 kilometers from its launch point and carry up to 15 kg of ammunition (РБК-Украина)

While the fighters were setting up the equipment, a message came over the radio that reconnaissance had detected an enemy observation post in one of the houses in the occupied territory. The guys quickly attach a heavy fragmentation-fuse munition to the drone.

"This 'little bird' can kill a platoon of Russians in a night. Our job is to eliminate the occupiers and make them 'good.' To reproduce on our land, fertilizing the earth. We are, so to speak, engaged in agricultural work," jokes pilot Nazar.

The roar of six motors shatters the silence. We quickly run for cover. The screen reveals the landscape of a village. Over the radio, comrades provide coordinates and correct the targeting.

The drone approaches the house, but suddenly the signal starts to jam, and the image disappears. This means the pilot is on the right track – there is an enemy electronic warfare unit located there, indicating a concentration of Russian fighters. After a few minutes, we manage to get closer. Another moment, and the munition falls directly onto the building.

0Photo: Drones can hit bunkers and enemy equipment, but they are countered by enemy electronic warfare (РБК-Украина)

"That's it. We hit! The explosive action did its job. I don't think they'll be operating there anymore. There should be 200-300 of them," says Nazar.

The "Vampir" drone can destroy bunkers, enemy equipment, and entire buildings. The key is to reach the target, as flying becomes increasingly difficult due to enemy electronic warfare. The Russians are amassing a large amount of radar jamming equipment. However, unlike smaller UAVs, this hexacopter has a return-to-home function in case of electronic countermeasures.

"There have been instances where we flew 5-6 kilometers, and the image completely disappeared due to electronic warfare; the screen was entirely black. We thought that was it – we would have to pack up and go home since we would be without a drone. But then we heard that it returned literally five minutes later. We thought it was an unfriendly drone returning, but it hovered near our position and started descending on its own. It's a significant advantage that it has a return-to-home mode," explains Yulian.

In addition to combat operations, the drone is also used as a combat courier to deliver supplies to infantry in hard-to-reach areas. The guys have many packages in their dugout that comrades have packed for the front-line fighters. There are bread, energy drinks, canned food, cigarettes, and water. Infantrymen cannot always take a lot of supplies with them, so these "deliveries" are a great help.

1Photo: Successful operations and destroyed occupiers at positions boost morale the most (РБК-Украина)

"Right now, in this situation on our front, the 'Vampir' plays a very significant role. Some positions are inaccessible by car. We pack everything the guys need so that it doesn't break upon landing. And that's how we deliver supplies to them. Because there are no other options at all; this is the only way. We want to help the guys because we understand that without supplies, it's tough to hold a position," adds Yulian.

Nothing boosts the spirit of the "Vampir" crew like successful operations and the destruction of enemy positions. Success inspires them to do even more. Technology plays a crucial role here, allowing for changes in the course of battle at the front and saving the lives of our people. This war has already turned into a battle of minds. It is this that will allow us to hold back and defeat an enemy that surpasses us in manpower and equipment.