Ukrainian volunteers target Russian drones with vintage weapons

Thousands of Ukrainian volunteers are helping defend their country by hunting Russian drones using old weapons and pickup trucks. These civilian fighters are part of the Ukrainian Territory Defense and have achieved a high success rate in shooting down drones. Using World War II-era Browning anti-tank guns, these volunteers are stepping in to support the Ukrainian military. In a recent incident, they prepared for an attack as Russia launched 194 drones. They work to destroy these drones before they can enter Ukrainian territory. Once night falls, volunteers hide in trenches and bunkers, ready to respond to the drone threat. The Browning guns, although not designed for this purpose, can hit targets from a long distance, making them useful against drones. Ukrainian engineer teams are also training troops using virtual reality to improve their shooting skills. Drones have become a serious threat in modern warfare. Ukrainians have downed over 30,000 Russian drones since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022. Volunteers often switch to shotguns for close-range engagements because their pellets can increase the chance of hitting a small target. As the war continues, Ukraine is also developing advanced technology like laser anti-aircraft weapons to tackle drone threats. For now, volunteers will continue their nightly shifts, balancing their defense work with day jobs in various fields. One volunteer expressed their commitment, saying, “This is my home. Who wouldn’t defend their homeland?”