Hello there, I am serving as a combat drone pilot and a junior officer in the Ukrainian defense forces for almost 3 years now. I have enlisted a year into the war with no prior service or any sort of military experience.
I have took part in multiple operations and had the pleasure of working alongside some famous units, including the legendary Azov.
I come from a russian-speaking household and my father is to this very day fanatically pro-russian.
I have already done an AMA half a year ago and would like to revisit in case anyone has any follow-up questions or is interested in the developments and changes we’ve faced in that timespan. Here’s a link to the previous AMA, some of the questions you may have might have already been answered there:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AMA/s/5yzgvt33tM
Although my schedule is rather irregular, I will answer every single comment, provided it contains a genuine question. It may take time though so be patient.
Comments
How has being a drone operator changed throughout the war?
I don’t want to ask u anything. Just want to say sorry for your father..
What changed for past 6 months? Do you or your comrades feel exhausted?
Just a comment. It has been amazing to see you guys redevelop modern warfare. It would be better if the personal cost was never required, but the ingenuity shown by Ukrainians will set you in good stead for the country’s recovery.
Here’s to the Russian economy collapsing before the end of the year, and their frontlines collapsing before that. Best of luck to you and your comrades.
I hope you will definitely receive a beautiful geranium flower for your exploits.
What do you we know about the infantry structure and squad functionality of the Russians?
We watch you guys with pride. Nobody puts it on the line in the name of basic human rights as well as you men and women in Ukraine. Heroes to everybody who still believes in defending light against dark. Bless you all.
I hope you stay safe. When this is all over I’d love to visit your country!
Did US funding for the war stop or is it just bullshit on our US news that it did?
Speaking from someone who researches both ukranian/western media and Russian media how do you guys keep so positive? Also I know friends who have served in the asov battalion and although can’t fault how brave and talented their trench warfare skills are i can fault their pro nationalistic attitude. As the war has gone on has the attitude changed of the nationalist battalions or have more people joined up. I hope I haven’t caused offence im just interested
What are some aspects of modern warfare, that people at home would never think about?
What was the first day/night at a mission?
How much impact does training have?
How difficult is learning to use these new weapons?
Do you have now trust issues with you USA counterparts?
What do you need more of to continue fighting and eventually become victorious?
Remind me! 2 days
Where are you stationed
I know that the exact location is probably classified but the approximate would be appreciated.
Also have you had an interactions with Russian POWs or North Korean POWs
I can somehow understand being pro Russia before the war is a personal opinion, but I always thought that would end since the invasion.
What would you think is the motivation to stay pro Russian after all the suffering Russia has done to Ukraine?
What would you think it takes to end being pro Russia for people like your father?
Have you also met pro Russia people in the Ukrainian army?
Do you think Ukraine can take back occupied lands?
Might be a stupid question,but here goes. What do you think,is it mentally less taxing to eliminate an enemy who’s invading your country compared to someone who is attacking/invading.
How difficult was it to learn the controls of the drone from the beginning until being confident to use it?
Did you have any aviation or similar background, which qualified you for this position?
How do you feel about the Azov?
On your opinion, how popular camera drones in concerts and sports events will be amongst veterans of both sides after the war?
Do you think, once the war is over, that you might look to the east and unironically say, “gg”?
There’s quite a lot of videos of Russian soldiers shooting Ukranian POW’s and I’ve seen articles stating that the amount of these executions are increasing. Is there anything regarding this communicated from high command? Like warnings to not surrender due to these executions?
Best of luck.
Have you flown your drone into bodies of men? Or did you drop bombs and grenades from your drone?
Thank you for your service! After reading some of the comments, I want to ask what is your opinion of people hating on Russians? I think hating on the government/decision to attack Ukraine is justified, but what about civilians who have nothing to do with the war/government?
remind me! 2 days
All credit to you and your peers.
My question is about the conduct of the war itself.
There is a political narrative that it has developed into permanent drone-based stalemate, which in part is used to justify freezing the conflict. Do you agree with that assessment, or do you think there are more surprises to come on the military side over time if there is no ceasefire?
And another, lighter question if I may – when you are on or close to the front, what little ‘home comforts’ do you sometimes get that you particularly appreciate?
What are some simple things you consider a luxury now, as opposed to before the invasion started
Remind me! 2 days
How many orcs have you killed