Drone-Dropped Electric Bikes Save Ukrainian Soldier Trapped Behind Enemy Lines
1st August 2025
Ukrainian soldier surrounded by Russians was recently saved in a robotic rescue effort, which highlights rapid changes occurring in combat rescue. Though about a mile behind enemy lines and the last surviving member of his four-man team, the soldier managed to escape thanks to a 40kg (about 88 pounds) electric bike dropped by a large drone.
This operation was the latest in a growing trend of troops being rescued by drones, though most of the time it has been by uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs). This method of evacuation is increasing as mobility in Ukraine becomes increasingly limited due to the ubiquity of short-range loitering munitions.
The rescue of the soldier, call sign “Tankist,” was captured in a wild video taken by his unit, the Force of Freedom Battalion of the National Guard’s 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade “Rubizh.” The battalion later posted it to their YouTube channel.