Ukrainian sniper from the “Pryvyd” (Ghost) special unit has reportedly set a new world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating two Russian soldiers from a staggering distance of 4,000 meters (over 13,000 feet) in eastern Ukraine. The shot, which took place on August 14, 2025, near the city of Pokrovsk, surpassed the previous record also held by a Ukrainian sniper. This achievement highlights the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, where technology and human skill are combined to achieve what was once considered impossible.
Record-breaking shot was made with a Ukrainian-produced Snipex Alligator rifle, a 14.5mm anti-materiel weapon designed primarily to destroy enemy equipment and fortifications. The Alligator has an effective range of 2,000 meters, but its bullets can travel up to 7,000 meters. The sniper’s success at 4,000 meters, double the rifle’s official effective range, showcases both the weapon’s potential and the sniper’s extraordinary skill.
Shot’s success was not a solitary act of human precision; it was a complex operation that relied heavily on advanced technology. According to military journalist Yurii Butusov, the sniper was assisted by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system and artificial intelligence. This sophisticated guidance system provided the real-time data needed to calculate the trajectory, factoring in variables like wind speed, humidity, and the Earth’s curvature. The fact that the sniper reportedly took out two targets with a single shot, which passed through a window, further underscores the meticulous planning and execution of the operation. This marks a significant shift in long-range sniping, moving from a purely human-driven skill to a combination of human expertise and machine-assisted precision.
The Previous Record Holder and the Symbolism of Ukrainian Ingenuity
This recent achievement is particularly notable because it shatters a record that was also held by a Ukrainian. In November 2023, Vyacheslav Kovalsky, a 58-year-old sniper from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), eliminated a Russian soldier from 3,800 meters using a Ukrainian-made Horizon’s Lord rifle. The fact that Ukrainians have broken this record twice, and both times using domestically produced rifles, has become a powerful symbol of national pride and technological ingenuity.
Under the immense pressure of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has become a proving ground for military innovation. The development of advanced sniper rifles, specialized ammunition, and the integration of AI and drones into combat operations demonstrate the country’s adaptability and determination. The success of the “Pryvyd” sniper and the previous record by Kovalsky sends a clear message about the true capabilities of Ukrainian weaponry and the resilience of its armed forces.
A New Era of Warfare
The record-breaking shot near Pokrovsk also serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare. As conflicts become more high-tech, traditional combat tactics are being supplemented by sophisticated technology. The use of AI and drones in sniping operations blurs the line between traditional marksmanship and indirect fire, a point of debate among military experts and online commentators.
Some question the validity of the record, suggesting it may be a form of propaganda or that such a shot would be extremely difficult to verify. They argue that without direct visibility of the target, the shot is more akin to an artillery strike. However, the military and media sources that have reported on the shot stand by their claims, citing video footage and other forms of verification. The debate over this record highlights a larger conversation about the role of technology in combat and the future of military engagement. Regardless of the ongoing discussions, the shot stands as a testament to the fact that innovation and determination, when combined with human skill, can change the course of a battle.
