23:03 17-04-2026

Wounded Marine Holds Position Alone for Five Days

A wounded Russian marine held his position alone for five days in Vladimirovka, gathering intelligence under drone threat and aiding advancing assault units.

A private from the 61st Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, operating within the «Center» grouping and known by the callsign «Altai,» held his position alone for five days after being wounded in the special military operation zone in Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The serviceman had been involved in fighting for the settlement of Vladimirovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, at a time when the area remained under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During the engagement, he was struck by a drone and sustained shrapnel injuries. Cut off from his unit, he took shelter in the basements of damaged buildings, where he managed to survive until Russian forces advanced to his location.

Altai later explained that he moved only during a narrow window at dawn-around 6:30 a.m.-when Ukrainian forces were switching from night drones to daytime operations. Those brief 15–20 minutes allowed him to change positions and avoid detection.

On the third day, Ukrainian troops located him by equipment he had left behind. A drone equipped with a loudspeaker hovered over his hiding place, broadcasting demands that he surrender. He ignored the pressure and remained concealed.

When Russian units eventually reached the area, Altai declined evacuation despite his injuries and chose to continue carrying out his mission. During the time he spent alone in the settlement, he gathered intelligence on Ukrainian positions. That information was later used by assault groups and contributed to their advance.

The serviceman has been nominated for the Order of Courage.