Ukrainian Forces Use Loudspeaker Drone to Capture Russian Soldiers, Including a Fellow Townsman

Russian Troops Captured in Kharkiv Region

According to Главком: Soldiers from Ukraine's 158th Separate Mechanized Brigade captured five Russian servicemen in the Kharkiv region using a drone equipped with a loudspeaker. One of the prisoners, Volodymyr Bashmakov, turned out to be from the same hometown as a Ukrainian soldier with the call sign Volt. Both men are originally from Velyka Znamianka in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Velyka Znamianka is currently under temporary occupation. After seizing the village, Russian forces imposed a curfew and compelled local residents to obtain Russian passports. Bashmakov, who had moved with his family to Russia's Krasnodar Krai, described the circumstances of his mobilization. Upon turning 18, he received a draft notice and signed a contract to serve on a ship. 'I didn't want to do mandatory service, so I signed a contract to serve on a ship. I spent two weeks in the port in Sevastopol, then I was transferred to Russia's 810th Brigade, and from there I was sent to the war. I'm in shock, I didn't expect to be sent to war. There was no proper training, just a couple of times shooting assault rifles and twice throwing grenades,' he stated.

Soldier Volt's Reaction

The family of soldier Volt is also from Velyka Znamianka. Volodymyr Bashmakov expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine until the war ends, emphasizing that 'Ukrainian soldiers treat prisoners well.' This incident proved highly unexpected for soldier Volt. 'It's very strange, an interesting case. It seemed like this couldn't happen, it's a bit of a shock for me – to meet my fellow townsman, a young guy,' he shared.

This capture is part of a wider pattern of Ukrainian forces using technology and tactical ingenuity to take prisoners. Previously, the 225th Separate Assault Regiment reported capturing six Russian servicemen, including a platoon commander. Also, the 157th Mechanized Brigade used a ground robotic complex to capture a group of soldiers on the Zaporizhzhia front.

These captures underscore the intense combat along the front lines and Ukraine's innovative use of technology like drones for military objectives. The situation around Velyka Znamianka, where locals face pressure from occupation authorities, highlights the complex humanitarian conditions in the region and the war's dramatic impact on individual lives. The connection between Ukrainian and Russian soldiers originating from the same area adds a poignant, human dimension to the conflict, reminding us that this war often pits neighbor against neighbor.