Russian motorcyclist survives after directing a Ukrainian drone toward a military vehicle

A man on a motorcycle survived an encounter with a Ukrainian attack drone after reportedly indicating to the operator the direction in which a car carrying Russian soldiers had left. The incident allegedly took place in a village in Russia, near the border with Ukraine, according to Nexta, cited by Mediafax.

The footage, filmed by the drone and later published by the Ukrainian army, shows the man traveling along a road. After noticing the aircraft, he stops beside a house’s fence and places his hands on his chest, in a gesture that appears to be a plea for mercy. He then indicates the direction in which the vehicle carrying the soldiers left.

The drone heads toward the indicated location, and a few minutes later identifies and destroys the car. The man is not attacked and leaves the scene.

According to the report, he could nevertheless be investigated by the Russian authorities if the footage reaches them, including for treason. Russia tightened its legislation after the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. In April 2023, Vladimir Putin enacted an increase in the maximum sentence for high treason from 20 years in prison to life imprisonment. The definition of the offense was also expanded and may include financial or logistical support and certain unauthorized contacts with foreign individuals or entities.