This footage, captured from a watching reconnaissance drone, records the last few seconds of a Russian soldier’s life, spent running in a panicked circle around the wreckage of a destroyed vehicle as an FPV drone, piloted by a Ukrainian operator, hunts him down. Viewer discretion is advised.

Violence for its own sake is never the goal here. As a newer writer for Funker530, I am cautioned to post things that have a point, that say something. In full disclosure, there was a time when I, like many, might have found this humorous- some joke waiting to be made about “ring around the rosey” or “pop goes the weasel” begins to form. But as we go on, as this war goes on, it becomes the furthest thing from funny. Particularly given what we have learned about the state of the Russian army and its conscripts. This is a horrible way to die, and to be watched dying- it borders on being killed for sport- and it’s just the punctuation on this soldier’s miserable existence. I used to read about kids in Waziristan who don’t go out to play on sunny days because they know that’s drone weather. Now, Russia and Ukraine will have a generation of survivors that will forever question the sound of whirring rotors- every spinning fan blade might sound like a death sentence.

As a writer, I owe you more than “hey look at this poor bastard.” So what do we take from this? At the end of the day, Russia invaded Ukraine, and bias leans toward the defenders. But as the war goes on, as more things are seen and released, there’s a certain sadistic streak on both sides, particularly among drone operators. To borrow from Nietzsche, after two years of staring into the abyss, the effects of it staring back are beginning to show.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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