▲ Members of the Rava Unmanned Systems Regiment monitor screens while waiting for combat missions in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine.
Ukraine's long-range drone units have become a key force, tightening the pressure on Russia through a series of recent strikes on energy facilities deep behind enemy lines.
As they are a top priority target for the Russian military, these operators reportedly carry out their missions in total secrecy, keeping their affiliations hidden even from their own families.
"We will never be able to talk about what we did even after the war ends," a member of a Ukrainian long-range drone unit said in an interview with AFP.
The operator, a former marine, is currently serving in the 1st Center of the Ukrainian drone forces.
His unit has been targeting oil-related facilities deep inside Russia since last year.
They also participated in attacks on an oil refinery in Moscow and facilities in Saint Petersburg last month.
Describing their daily lives, the members referred to it as a "shadowy existence," as they must strictly hide their identities due to the threat of Russian terror attacks.
The operators said they share insignias from their previous units on social media and continue to speak and act as if they are still affiliated with those units.
They exclusively use cash instead of credit cards and rotate between different ATMs even when withdrawing money.
They added that even signing up for gas station membership programs is difficult.
These measures are intended to prevent the exposure of their personal information and movements.
Even when not on duty, they must keep their mobile phones in airplane mode at all times.
Mobile internet access is only possible through personal portable routers.
Devices with location-tracking features are, of course, strictly prohibited.
One member, who said he was an artist before the war, remarked, "My wife seems to have noticed what I do, but she doesn't ask."
Despite operating in total secrecy, the threat of Russian retaliation remains a constant burden.
"Russia will do everything possible to find at least one of these long-range strike teams," one member expressed with concern.
Since declaring a "40-day operation," Ukraine has been striking Russian energy facilities in the rear almost daily.
On July 1 (local time), the Ufa oil refinery, one of Russia's largest lubricant production plants, and a military-industrial complex in the Penza region were also targeted.
These locations are 1,300 km and 600 km away from the Ukrainian front lines, respectively.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.