The operator of Russia’s strike drones «Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky» (KVN), known by the call sign Chekhov, reported that during a year of combat missions he destroyed more than fifty armored vehicles, around twenty enemy drone crews, and over two hundred Ukrainian soldiers.

Chekhov was among the first members of the «Ushkuynik» research and production center’s factory team to deploy KVN drones along the border areas of Russia’s Kursk Region. It was his drone, according to reports, that achieved the first successful strike on an American-made Abrams tank near the town of Sudzha.

He told RIA Novosti that his combat record includes more than 700 sorties and dozens of confirmed targets — over fifty tanks and armored vehicles, twenty Ukrainian UAV teams, and more than two hundred enemy fighters. Behind these figures, he emphasized, stand «dozens of saved lives» of Russian servicemen.

For his courage and dedication, Chekhov was awarded the medals For Courage and of Zhukov, as well as the Order of Courage.

Reflecting on his service, the operator admitted that every day at the front begins with an awareness of danger, but fear is quickly replaced by determination. He added that Ukrainian troops should not rely on camouflage or improvised armor to avoid detection, saying such efforts make no difference.