A graphic video circulating on social media shows a close-quarters confrontation between Ukrainian and Russian forces during the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ (AFU) effort to recapture the village of Trudovoye. Recorded via a GoPro camera mounted on a Ukrainian soldier’s helmet, the footage documents an intense engagement that concludes in a fatal hand-to-hand struggle.

The video was reportedly filmed during the Ukrainian military’s autumn offensive against the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, part of Russia’s Vostok Group of Forces. The Ukrainian soldier involved in the incident, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly participating in a clearing operation in the contested area.

The footage begins with Ukrainian FPV (First-Person View) drones striking targets in the area that was later cleared by ground forces. These drones, likely used for reconnaissance and neutralizing threats, were followed by a Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), which indicated the area was ready for a follow-up operation.

During the ground operation, the Ukrainian soldier engaged in a firefight, then encountered the Russian combatant after deploying a grenade, which forced the Russian soldier from cover. A physical altercation ensued, during which the Ukrainian soldier sustained multiple injuries, including rifle and knife wounds. Despite his attempts to fight off his opponent, the soldier succumbed to his injuries.

The video also captures an exchange between the two combatants after the fight. The Ukrainian soldier reportedly told the Russian soldier, ‘Don’t try to help me, let me die in peace… Please go and let me leave this earth alone.’ The Russian soldier responded, “You fought great,” to which the Ukrainian replied, “Thank you. Goodbye. You were the best fighter.” 

The Ukrainian soldier then appears to detonate his own grenade.

The exchange has been described by Russian mil bloggers and war monitoring accounts as a rare moment of respect amid a protracted and violent conflict.

Viewer Discretion Advised: The video contains graphic content and may be distressing to viewers. Due to its nature, embedding may no longer function. You can find the video archived here, at Funker530.

Graphic helmet cam footage shows close-quarters combat between Ukrainian & Russian forces in the battle for Trudovoye. The video captures a hand-to-hand engagement during Ukraine’s autumn offensive against Russia’s 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade.

Viewer Discretion Advised. pic.twitter.com/95ZXNB7D4B

— SOFX (@SOFXnetwork) January 3, 2025