Kostiantyn Vlasenko, a Ukrainian infantryman, faced a life-or-death decision while trapped in a bombed-out school. After suffering severe injuries from a Russian drone strike—losing his left foot and sustaining a broken right leg—Vlasenko made the harrowing choice to amputate his own foot to increase his chances of survival. Three months later, he successfully performed the procedure by slicing off his foot and applying a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
On October 4, Vlasenko, 49, was rescued after spending nearly eight months hiding in a boilerhouse. His dramatic rescue involved a large six-propeller drone that lifted him 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) to safety. This operation is being reported as the first known aerial drone rescue of a soldier in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian commanders emphasized the significance of using drones for rescue operations, reflecting a shift in modern warfare characterized by the extensive use of drone technology. Vlasenko’s rescue came after 491 days at the frontlines, known for its high risk due to constant drone activity.
The drone utilized for the operation was specially adapted by Gurzuf Defence and can lift up to 90 kilograms for distances of several kilometers. Before the rescue, Vlasenko received a harness and instructions via a supply drone drop, equipping him for the operation.
During his time in the boilerhouse, Vlasenko endured extreme hardship and isolation. He recalled a sense of hopelessness during his long confinement, stating, “I had already buried myself. I knew there was no hope left.” Despite losing both feet and facing constant dangers from drone attacks, he remained determined to survive.
Vlasenko served in the 30th Mechanized Brigade and described the challenges of living in a small dugout, reliant on drone deliveries for sustenance. His experiences underscored the perilous conditions soldiers face in the conflict, especially in areas heavily monitored by enemy drones, which have forced both sides to adopt underground hiding tactics.
Upon his rescue, Vlasenko expressed mixed emotions. Despite the relief of being saved, he acknowledged the psychological toll of the preceding months filled with despair and danger. He is currently recovering in a hospital in Kharkiv, reflecting on his ordeal and the new chapter of his life that lies ahead.
