Ukrainian Photographer Captures FPV Drone Strike in Kramatorsk
On July 15, 2026, Iryna Rybakova, a military photographer from Ukraine, documented a Russian FPV drone hitting a vehicle in Kramatorsk. While driving through the outskirts with staff sergeant Max Bondarenko, they noticed a large quadcopter armed with an explosive. Bondarenko attempted to shoot it down, but the drone locked onto a blue SUV instead. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape before the drone detonated in the driver's seat, all while Rybakova captured the moment using her Sony Alpha 7R5. No injuries were reported. This drone, measuring 15 inches, was capable of carrying mortar rounds. Kramatorsk, located 20 km from the front lines, has experienced a rise in FPV drone assaults since early July.
Key facts
- Iryna Rybakova captured an FPV drone strike in Kramatorsk on July 15, 2026.
- The drone exploded into the driver's seat of an empty SUV; no one was hurt.
- Rybakova used a Sony Alpha 7R5 camera at ten frames per second.
- The drone was a 15-inch quadcopter capable of carrying large warheads.
- Kramatorsk lies 20 km from the front lines and has seen increased FPV drone attacks since early July.
- On July 8, a 28-year-old woman was killed by an FPV drone in Kramatorsk.
- On July 17, two civilian men in their 60s were killed near Kramatorsk by FPV drones.
- Volunteer Bogdan Zuyakov helped extinguish the vehicle after the strike.
Entities
Artists
- Iryna Rybakova
- Max Bondarenko
- Bogdan Zuyakov
Institutions
- 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade
- Ukrainian Armed Forces
- PetaPixel
- RFE/RL
Locations
- Kramatorsk
- Donetsk region
- Ukraine
- Russia