A Ukrainian soldier wounded on Feb. 14 remained in a combat area until an Oct. 4 drone evacuation, Oboronka reported, detailing the months behind a rescue announced by Ukraine’s 92nd Separate Assault Brigade.
Oboronka based its account on interviews with the soldier and others involved in the mission. It placed the evacuation in the Kupiansk sector and reported that the soldier remained at his position after he was wounded.
The 92nd announced the aerial evacuation on Oct. 19 without giving its date or location. The brigade said mined approaches and Russian drone activity had prevented an unmanned ground vehicle from evacuating the wounded member of the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
Footage released by the 92nd shows the man securing himself beneath a drone before it lifts him off the ground. Gurzuf Defence, which made the Ayudag-6 hexacopter, said other troops received him after the flight and organized the next stage of his evacuation to a hospital.
The 92nd said its specialists worked with Gurzuf Defence to adapt and test the aircraft. An operator from the 30th Brigade flew the mission, while the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade and 10th Army Corps also participated, the brigade said.
Gurzuf Defence co-founder Pavlo Feldblium told Oboronka that flight poses risks to an injured person and requires preparation for each operation. He described aerial evacuation as a last resort. The 92nd said the soldier is now receiving treatment and rehabilitation and is no longer in danger of dying.
