A Ukrainian rear gunner was filmed shooting down attack drones from the open cockpit of a small plane with his rifle in extraordinary video published to social media by troops. Footage shows Stanislav, a pilot of Ukraine’s 11th Army Aviation Brigade, firing at approaching Russia enemy drones from the inside of a Yak-52. Stanislav told local outlet Censor.net: “It’s an aerial duel in the truest sense of the word. “A great deal depends on the pilot’s skill, and on the accuracy and professionalism of the gunner.” Stanislav said that looking up at a drone-free sky after his combat missions gives him a “sense of satisfaction and peace”. Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent Find us on social: TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@independent Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/the.independent/ X (Twitter) / https://twitter.com/Independent Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentOnline Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations