I just came back from London, representing Ukraine as frontline drone pilot.
Spoke on the Unmanned Battlefield panel at the Ukraine Defense Innovation Forum by @borderlandsua, representing my unit @413_raid.
Key points from my talk 🧵
We operate unmanned systems at 0-300km range, we do everything to efficiently delete russian idiots in Donetsk oblast. FPV, bombers, ISRs, loitering munition...
Crazy amount of intel and hard work behind it, but we are very successful now.
It's all operating in GPS-denied, heavily EW-saturated environment, dangerous warfighting scenario where UAV operators are high value targets.
Still we do it, we find a way and delete russian idiots. We innovate the warfighting. The war has changed, so the tactics changed.
The second one I have as actual Ukraine's Defender. It's surreal to have my friends and family thank me for defending them and say how much they miss me.
I am in Donestk autumn forests, deleting russians here...
Thoughts from battlefield🧵
For the second year in a row, I fight to protect the people I love - my wife, my family - and our future here, as Ukrainians.
For some reason, Russia wants to kill ordinary man like myself defending his home. Russians are fueled by hate towards people like me. So I defend.
After one year in the army, I got better understanding of different motives to defend. Kids in Kyiv panic under missile strikes, calling their dad - my brother in arms - at the front to keep them safe.
The more mature I get, the clearer it is: protect your family. That’s why.
Day 1284. I am in the heaviest battle of Pokrovsk, Donetsk, East Ukraine.
This is my combat gear and my weapon. It does not shoot, but it delivers A LOT of pain to Russian invaders. With this weapon, they have nowhere to hide.
I am Ukrainian Soldier. That’s what I go through 🧵
In Donbas, Russians use small motorcycle and infantry groups.
They suffer heavy losses, mainly before reaching combat. Only 20 out of 100 soldiers make it, as drones eliminate most on approach. We help strike teams terminate them.
Still, Ruskies keep coming and dying here…
We are extremely tired, getting only 2-3 hours of sleep a day at most, and trying to rest whenever possible.
However, we understand this sacrifice is necessary; we must work hard to save our nation. And if everyone thinks like my group does, I think we will eventually win.
Why Ukrainians Will Not Get a Just, Lasting Peace 🧵
Thoughts as Ukrainian Soldier, Christian, Public Policy student:
1/ With Trump’s return, Ukraine’s fate is back in debate - especially among those of us fighting on the frontlines.
In our dugout, trench candles flicker, artillery rumbles. My buddy John exhales:
"Trump is back. He’ll force Russia to negotiate."
And the debate begins.
2/ We all want peace. But what if that “peace” is just a ceasefire—a frozen conflict that only delays the next invasion?
Back in Dnipro, I kept thinking:
Not just as soldier, but as a public policy student, a writer, and a Ukrainian citizen.
Thread: Why Do Russians Go to Fight in Ukraine? It’s All About the $$$
1/ Why do Russians go to fight in Ukraine? Spoiler: it’s not about ideology or patriotism. It’s all about the money.
Let me explain.
2/ In many Russian regions, the average salary is ~$150/month. These areas, essentially colonies, are deliberately kept impoverished by Moscow. People rely on predatory microloans to survive, trapping them in a vicious cycle of poverty.
3/ Then, the Kremlin swoops in with military contracts. Huge sign-up bonuses, travel costs covered, and promises of stability. Recruitment drives specifically target these struggling regions—offering “fast money” to people who have no other way out.