A combat backpack and zigzag movement helped a reconnaissance soldier from the West group of forces, known by the call sign «Armenian," survive an attack by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone. The UAV, which had locked onto the fighter, detonated nearby without striking him directly.

Recounting the episode, the serviceman explained that he noticed a drone operating via fiber-optic control. Although he had not previously encountered this type in combat, he was familiar with the basic countermeasures taught during training. Realizing the drone was pursuing him, he began to run, sharply changing direction from side to side. At the same time, he was still carrying his assault backpack and did not manage to drop it while fleeing.

As he ran, the sound of the drone closing in was clearly audible. He later described how, in those few seconds, a flood of thoughts rushed through his mind, with time seemingly compressed by adrenaline. Despite constantly altering his path, he felt the impact was unavoidable. Moments later, he was struck by a powerful jolt and thrown to the ground, as if knocked off his feet.

Almost immediately, an explosion followed. The reconnaissance soldier sustained a shrapnel wound to his leg but remained mobile. Despite bleeding, he promptly informed his comrades that he could move on his own. The backpack he was wearing shielded his head and neck, taking the brunt of the fragments and preventing more serious injuries.