A Ukrainian sniper from the elite “Pryvyd” (Ghost) unit has reportedly set a new world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating two Russian soldiers with a single shot from an astonishing distance of approximately 4,000 meters (2.5 miles or 13,123 feet). The unprecedented strike, which occurred on August 14, 2025, near Pokrovsk in eastern Donetsk Oblast, highlights Ukraine’s growing prowess in technologically advanced warfare, leveraging domestically produced weaponry alongside artificial intelligence (AI) and drone guidance.
A Historic Shot Near Pokrovsk
The record-breaking engagement took place on the intensely contested Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad defensive line, an area currently witnessing fierce fighting and increased Russian assaults. Military journalist Yurii Butusov, who released footage of the event, confirmed that the single bullet not only traveled an extraordinary distance but also pierced a window to strike and neutralize two Russian servicemen sheltering inside a building. This remarkable feat underscores the exceptional precision achieved by Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
The Snipex Alligator: A Ukrainian-Made Beast
The weapon instrumental in this historic kill was the Ukrainian-made 14.5 mm Snipex Alligator anti-materiel rifle. Manufactured by XADO Holding Ltd. and officially adopted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2021, the Snipex Alligator is a formidable bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle. It weighs 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and fires a powerful 14.5x114mm cartridge, originally designed as an anti-tank round for Soviet-era heavy machine guns. While its stated effective range is around 2,000 meters, battlefield experience, particularly in the hands of skilled snipers, has demonstrated its capability to achieve far greater results, as evidenced by this recent news.
The rifle is equipped with features designed to manage its immense power and recoil, including a muzzle brake, recoil isolator, and a padded shoulder pad. Its design allows for the engagement of a range of targets, from lightly armored vehicles and communications equipment to fortified positions, though its use against personnel in this instance proved devastatingly effective.
The Role of AI and Drone Guidance
The success of this record-setting shot was not solely attributed to the sniper’s skill or the rifle’s power. Crucially, it was made possible through the sophisticated integration of artificial intelligence and drone reconnaissance. Drones provided real-time surveillance and crucial data, while AI-assisted targeting systems helped calculate complex ballistic solutions, accounting for factors like wind, temperature, and projectile drop over such an extreme distance.
Ukraine has emerged as a significant testing ground for battlefield innovation since the 2022 invasion. Sniper teams now routinely combine drones, AI software, and forward observers, pushing the limits of their hardware. This synergistic approach allows for enhanced situational awareness, faster target recognition, and significantly improved accuracy, transforming traditional sniper operations and extending engagement ranges well beyond what was previously deemed possible. While Ukraine maintains a “human-in-the-loop” approach for lethal decisions, AI plays a vital role in augmenting human capabilities and streamlining operational processes.
Shattering Previous Records
This new world record surpasses a previous benchmark also held by a Ukrainian sniper. In November 2023, 58-year-old Viacheslav Kovalskyi of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) achieved a confirmed kill at 3,800 meters in the Kherson region, using a Ukrainian-made “Horizon’s Lord” (Volodar Obriyu) rifle. Before Ukraine’s recent advancements, the record was held by an unnamed Canadian special forces sniper who made a 3,540-meter kill in Iraq in 2017. The “Pryvyd” unit itself is noted for its high effectiveness, with military reports indicating they have eliminated nearly 1,000 Russian troops in their sector over the past year.
Implications for Modern Warfare
The achievement by the “Pryvyd” unit represents more than just a new entry in the record books; it signifies a pivotal moment in modern warfare. It showcases Ukraine’s ability to innovate and adapt, rapidly integrating cutting-edge technology into its defense strategy. The combination of advanced domestic weaponry with sophisticated AI and drone support provides a distinct advantage, highlighting a future where precision, intelligence, and technological synergy will increasingly define military operations. This event is sure to resonate globally, contributing to the ongoing discussion about the evolving role of technology in armed conflict.