Ukraine

Wounded and surrounded: How a drone and an e-bike let a soldier make a great escape

Ukrainian soldier rescued with e-bike airlifted by drone after five days under fire

The Ukrainian military has released drone footage showing an e-bike being airlifted to the frontline to evacuate a wounded Ukrainian soldier.

The e-bike, weighing around 42kg, was carefully manoeuvred in mid-air to the Ukrainian soldier who had defeated nearby Russian troops. 

Despite defeating the Russians, he could not reach the nearest safe area because of his injuries, and he had to hold his position for five days.

The electric bike was attached to a heavy bomber drone by cables from the bicycle's spokes.

The mission was carried out by soldiers from the 4th Operational Battalion of the Rubizh Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. 

In a video released by the military unit, a soldier from the battalion who carried out the mission reflected: "This is something out of the world of science fiction."

It reportedly took three attempts, with the first drone being shot down and the second drone failing because it could not handle the load.

After successfully receiving the e-bike, the wounded soldier moved through an exposed area of fields toward friendly lines.

Remarkably, he survived.

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