Ukrainian Forces shoot down Russian “Vishchyi Oleg” drone over Huliaipole – video
Ukrainian troops have successfully downed a new Russian reconnaissance drone, the “Knyaz Vishchyi Oleg,” over Zaporizhzhia region. The operation was carried out by interceptor pilots of the Pentagon Battalion near Huliaipole. This UAV is one of the latest developments of the Russian military-industrial complex, first observed on the frontlines at the end of 2025.
The Pentagon Battalion shared footage of the drone being shot down on Facebook.
The drone was developed by the Ushkuynik Scientific-Production Center in Veliky Novgorod as a cheap and resilient alternative to larger reconnaissance drones like the Orlan or ZALA series. The manufacturer claims the UAV uses fiber-optic or encrypted communication channels, making it highly resistant to electronic warfare. It can conduct reconnaissance, fire correction, and surveillance up to 40–45 km from the frontline.
Key specifications: wingspan: 2.8 meters, weight: 11 kg, max speed: 130 km/h, notably, the drone resembles Ukrainian drones “Furia” and “Valkyrie,” often confusing air defense operators and allowing it to remain undetected longer.
Despite Russian claims of the drone’s “invincibility” and durability, Ukrainian units have learned to intercept it effectively using high-speed FPV drones. The first reports of “Knyaz Vishchyi Oleg” being destroyed appeared in November 2025 on the Lyman and Sloviansk directions, with the 53rd Brigade downing one unit, followed by the 63rd Brigade the next day.
