The Force of Freedom Battalion of the National Guard’s 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade “Rubizh” performed a remarkable operation, airlifting an electric bike to the front line to evacuate a wounded soldier.
Footage of the mission was published on the battalion’s official YouTube channel.
One of the unit’s positions had become surrounded by enemy forces. The battalion had already lost three of its fighters, and the last remaining defender – call sign Tankist (Tank crewman) – was holding the line alone.
According to him, during the assault, Russian forces used poisonous gas – a war crime under international law. Despite being wounded, he single-handedly fought off enemy attacks.
The nearest friendly position was a kilometer and a half away, and the soldier was unable to reach it on his own.
For 4 to 5 days, allied drones provided support to Tankist, while the command documented that he had eliminated roughly an enemy infantry squad.
To save the soldier, the command devised a special operation to deliver an electric bike using a heavy bomber drone.
The first attempt failed – the drone was shot down. During the second attempt, the drone couldn’t handle the load.
Only on the third attempt was the multirotor drone able to successfully deliver the electric bike to the position.
After receiving the transport, the soldier with the callsign Tankist set out toward friendly lines, but just 400 meters from safety, he triggered a landmine.
Remarkably, he survived and did not suffer serious injuries. An infantry team was dispatched to evacuate him to shelter.
Later, another electric bike was delivered to his position – again by drone. It was on this second bike that the wounded soldier was finally able to reach a safe zone.
