The legionnaire is preparing a very different kind of historical scenario for real events — though any footage shot by the drone’s camera will undoubtedly be documentary. The man loves his children and fights for a free, independent, peaceful Ukraine for their sake. He is a reliable comrade-in-arms and an integral part of a strong team of highly qualified special-operations personnel, many of whom until recently worked in perfectly peaceful professions in different corners of the world.
“We used copters of this type,” the operator says. “I like this role because you can make very big explosions. Much bigger than with Mavics. I like it when it burns, when they’re scrambling around. Then you go again and thin out the herd of russians.”
Read more: Experience of Ukraine's International Legions: russians Mine Everything in Occupied Territory Even Bodies of Their Own Dead
The man admits that destroying an enemy target gives him primarily a feeling of euphoria, although of course he dreams of peace after our victory and a return to his civilian profession:
“My dream is to calmly make films, because I am a documentary filmmaker. But first we must liberate our land and protect our loved ones. My goal is simple — to be a man. To destroy the enemy. And to love Ukraine without shame. When you do the job, when you help the guys, when you hold a position — you aren’t ashamed to be Ukrainian.”
Our conversation takes place during the drone’s so-called “test flight” — a standard check before combat employment. The special-operations soldier says the system, compared with lighter copters, handles like a truck after driving a passenger car, but experience allows him to work confidently, answering our questions as we continue:
“The Vampire handles well, it feels good. Everything’s under control.”
When given the opportunity, the legionnaire sends greetings to everyone who feels they have the strength to take up arms in defense of Ukraine and the Free World:
“I invite you to the International Legion for the heavy-bomber direction. It’s warm here — the dugout is insulated. Operating the Vampire doesn’t put you directly on the line of contact; you work a bit farther in the rear. Of course, we invite responsible people who are ready to apply their skills and abilities to preserve the integrity of our state. First of all, you need to decide to be strong. There are strong people here. Come even if you feel uncertain or afraid. We won’t teach you how not to be afraid, but we will teach you how to fight that fear”.
The Vampire Heavy Unmanned Bomber was nicknamed “Baba Yaga” by russian troops as the sound of its engines when frequently operating at night in its hunt for individual soldiers on which to drop anti-personnel munitions, reminded them of the scary story their mothers told them.
"Baba Yaga" is a reference to the Slavic mythological creature Baba Yaga, a supernatural witch who flies around in a cauldron or mortar.
Defense Express reported earlier on how Ukraine’s Vampire drone hunted russian assault troops.
Find out more about the International Legions for the Defense of Ukraine and how to join them on the official website.
Donate to repair reusable reconnaissance drones — the systems that will locate targets for Tsakin and his Vampire — here . More than half of the required sum has already been raised. Representatives of the 3rd International Legion’s unmanned aerial systems unit thank everyone who has contributed. Once the fundraiser closes, contributors will be entered into a raffle for a special prize: a live firearms training session with special-operations instructors covering assault-rifle and tactical-shotgun techniques.
Text, video: Volodymyr Patola
Video, photos, translation: Dmytro Tolkachov
Editing, graphics: Oleksandr Los
Read more: UAV Unit of the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine Hits russian Invaders
