Air Defense Operations Must Stay Off Social Media, Ukrainians Warned After Video Shows Shahed Shot Down

Statement from Serhiy Naumovych

According to Radiotrek — Світ: On August 23, 2026, Serhiy Naumovych urged people not to upload video of Ukrainian pilots or air-defense systems to social media. His Facebook post focused on a recently shared technique from a resident of Odesa Oblast for downing a jet-powered Shahed drone. The tactic involves a Ukrainian fighter flying very close to the target; the resulting air pressure can trigger a compressor stall in the drone's engine.

Naumovych said this method had remained classified until now. Going public with it, he warned, may allow the enemy to develop countermeasures - including a way to detonate the drone's warhead exactly when the fighter closes in. He stressed that Ukraine has an acute shortage of fighters and that its pilots are irreplaceable.

“And we have an acute shortage of fighters; pilots are priceless.” - Serhiy Naumovych

A Call for Caution

Naumovych also asked civilians to think twice before sharing air-defense clips. “If you see air defense at work, especially unusual or impressive work involving Ukrainian fighters, no one will stop you from quietly recording it on your phone. But posting it publicly is another matter,” he said. He ended with a blunt warning:

“Do not do it!” - Serhiy Naumovych

The purpose of these warnings is to protect pilots' lives and limit risks to Ukraine's defense operations. In wartime, any piece of information posted online can give the enemy useful intelligence.

This statement reflects the growing concern over information security during the war. Tactics and technology are constantly evolving, and what seems like an exciting video today could be exploited by the adversary tomorrow. Staying disciplined on social media is therefore treated as a matter of national security in Ukraine.