In a remarkable turn of events, a Ukrainian soldier, identified by the callsign “Positive,” not only survived being captured by Russian forces but managed to negotiate his own rescue, all while under intense drone fire. His harrowing experience showcases the brutal realities of modern warfare and the extraordinary resilience of those fighting on the front lines.
Ambushed at Dusk
Before the full-scale Russian invasion plunged Ukraine into conflict, Volodymyr Aleksandrov, a 47-year-old agricultural worker from the Kyiv region, was living a relatively peaceful life. However, with the escalating hostilities, he joined the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade in May 2025.
The incident that led to his capture occurred in January 2026. His unit was stationed near Kostyantynivka. On the evening of January 21st, under the fading light of dusk, Positive and a fellow soldier known only as “Khmil” ventured out to retrieve vital supplies that had been air-dropped by a drone.
“The moment we stepped into the yard, they opened fire,” Positive recounted. “Khmil was hit and went down. We still don’t know what happened to him. I was shot in the leg almost immediately. I heard someone yelling above me, ‘Let me finish him off!’ But another voice intervened, saying, ‘Don’t.’”
The bullet had inflicted catastrophic damage, shattering his pelvis and nearly severing his leg. He was unceremoniously dragged into a nearby house, where he was taken captive by four Russian soldiers. They stripped him of his personal belongings and applied a hasty, rudimentary bandage to his severe wounds.
An Unforeseen Explosion and Stalemate
The situation took a dramatic and unexpected turn when the Russian soldiers decided to advance and occupy the Ukrainian position. Unbeknownst to them, an unexploded FPV (first-person view) drone lay concealed near the entrance of the dugout.
Tragically, two of the Russian soldiers inadvertently triggered the hidden drone.
“The explosion hit both of them. One was severely injured – half his buttocks and his left leg were blown off,” Positive stated, detailing the immediate aftermath. He himself sustained further injuries from the blast.
For several agonizing days, the wounded Ukrainian remained trapped in the dugout alongside his captors, enduring relentless drone strikes that pounded the surrounding area. The promised reinforcements from Russian command never materialized, leaving them in a precarious stalemate.
“In the end, the two uninjured Russians ate and drank all our supplies,” he recalled with a sense of bitter irony. Eventually, the two soldiers who were still ambulatory made the decision to abandon their wounded comrades, leaving them behind.
Turning the Tables
Left in the subterranean confines of the dugout with two injured Russian soldiers, Positive saw an opportunity to change his fate. He decided to propose a daring plan.
“I told them: ‘Guys, you can see that no one is coming to save you – forget it. Let’s do this: you lay down your weapons and give me your radio. I’ll contact my people and arrange an evacuation. You’ll be prisoners, but you’ll be alive.’”
After a period of deliberation and discussion among themselves, the Russian soldiers agreed to Positive’s proposal. He managed to establish contact with Ukrainian forces, and crucially, the relentless strikes on the dugout ceased. Drones were then dispatched, delivering much-needed food, water, and medical supplies while evacuation plans were meticulously put into motion.
Days later, a Rys Pro unmanned ground vehicle cautiously approached under the cover of dense fog. Positive, along with the one surviving Russian soldier, managed to board the vehicle. Ukrainian troops provided essential cover as they made their move.
Escape Under Fire
The evacuation, however, was far from smooth. It descended into chaos when Russian drones launched a renewed assault on the moving vehicle.
“It flew over us, made a turn, and headed straight back at us,” Positive described, referring to a Molniya strike drone. An explosive impact followed. “The drone exploded. I was behind the vehicle, so I was only concussed. The Russian on the platform was decapitated.”
Positive and the sole remaining Russian soldier sought refuge in a damaged house, only to be buried under rubble during subsequent strikes. Despite the dire circumstances, Positive managed to radio his comrades, confirming that they were still alive.
Two days later, Ukrainian soldiers finally reached their location amidst lingering fog. They painstakingly extracted the survivors from the debris and brought them back to friendly lines, marking the end of an incredibly perilous ordeal.
Back From the Brink
Upon his return, Positive was immediately evacuated to hospitals in Druzhkivka and then Kyiv. Medical professionals are currently working diligently to stabilize his shattered pelvis, a severe injury that will require extensive rehabilitation.
The complex rescue operation involved over 30 members of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade, a testament to the coordinated efforts of drone operators, medics, and specialized robotic system crews.
“For two days, I was listed as missing in action,” Positive shared. “But the moment I made contact, I was absolutely certain that my own wouldn’t abandon me… When I’m back on my feet, I will definitely return to fight for my guys. They saved me. They are my family.” His unwavering commitment highlights the deep bonds forged in the crucible of war.
