‘Our task is to laugh at these enemies’: the Ukrainian unit posting drone videos of Russian soldiers’ last moments
A Ukrainian military unit is producing and distributing drone footage of Russian soldiers' final moments as a psychological warfare tactic. The unit's leaders argue these videos serve as a potent propaganda tool to demoralize Russian forces and highlight the reality of the war.
Why it matters
It highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare where social media and drone technology are used to weaponize psychological impact and dehumanize the enemy.
A Ukrainian military editor known by his call sign Catman edits footage taken by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone. A Ukrainian military editor known by his call sign Catman edits footage taken by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone. Ukraine ‘Our task is to laugh at these enemies’: the Ukrainian unit posting drone videos of Russian soldiers’ last moments Creators of chase compilations reject any moral qualms and say they show ‘death is waiting’ for those who join war
Luke Harding in Kyiv Tue 18 Aug 2026 07.43 EDT Last modified on Tue 18 Aug 2026 07.45 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google T o many observers they will appear dehumanising and offensive. To many Ukrainians, however, they are a brutal reminder of the fate that awaits Russian soldiers who take part in Vladimir Putin’s invasion, as well as a potent propaganda weapon.
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