On August 14, 2025, the battlefields of eastern Ukraine witnessed a remarkable feat that has reverberated across military circles and social media alike: a Ukrainian sniper from the elite "Pryvid" (Ghost) unit set a new world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating two Russian soldiers with a single bullet from an astonishing distance of 4,000 meters. This record-shattering shot, taken near the embattled city of Pokrovsk-Myrnograd in the Donetsk region, not only surpassed previous records but also showcased the fusion of cutting-edge technology and battlefield skill that is reshaping modern warfare.
According to reporting from the Kyiv Post and Defense Express, the sniper achieved this extraordinary shot using a Ukrainian-made 14.5mm "Alligator" rifle, a weapon notable for its immense power and specialized design. Unlike most sniper rifles, which are primarily intended for targeting personnel, the Alligator was originally designed to disable equipment. The rifle, manufactured by Kharkiv-based XADO-Holding, boasts a muzzle velocity between 3,215 and 3,281 feet per second and weighs in at a hefty 25 kilograms. Its effective range is typically listed at 1.2 miles (about 1,930 meters), making the 4,000-meter shot all the more impressive.
What set this shot apart from previous long-range kills was not just the distance, but the technological sophistication involved. The sniper did not rely solely on traditional optics or even just a steady hand. Instead, the shot was guided with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) and a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) complex, marking what Ukrainian officials and military experts have called the first successful sniper kill in the history of warfare using AI guidance. As former Ukrainian deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "A Ukrainian sniper from the Pryvyd (Ghost) group made the first successful shot in the history of wars using artificial intelligence, eliminating two Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad direction."
Military journalist Yuri Butusov provided additional details, explaining that the bullet "went through the window behind which the invaders were (to the left of the pipe)," striking both Russian soldiers inside the building. The moment was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, with Gerashchenko calling it "a historic sniper shot at a record distance of 4,000 meters!" The footage, exclusive to Ukrainian media, shows the precision and coordination required: AI systems on the rifle worked in tandem with real-time targeting information relayed from a drone overhead, enabling the sniper to hit a target at a distance previously thought nearly impossible for human shooters.
The Pryvid unit is no ordinary sniper team. Comprised of eight sniper platoons, the unit operates as part of Ukraine's Ground Forces and is tasked with special operations in some of the most contested areas of the Donetsk region. Over the past year, according to Butusov, the unit has reportedly eliminated nearly 1,000 Russian servicemen in the defense of the Pokrovsk-Myrnograd area, underscoring the high stakes and relentless tempo of combat in eastern Ukraine.
The previous world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill was also held by a Ukrainian. In November 2023, 58-year-old veteran sniper Viacheslav Kovalskyi of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) killed a Russian soldier from 3,800 meters away in the Kherson region using a UK-made "Horizon’s Lord" multi-caliber sniper rifle. That record, remarkable in its own right, stood for less than two years before being eclipsed by the Pryvid unit’s achievement.
What makes the latest record even more striking is the synergy between human expertise and advanced technology. The Alligator rifle was equipped with a Ukrainian-made thermal imaging sight, and the shot was made "without line of sight," as Gerashchenko emphasized. The drone provided the sniper with real-time corrections, allowing for precise targeting despite the extreme range and the fact that the Russian soldiers were concealed inside a building. The bullet’s trajectory, speed, and environmental conditions were all factored into the AI’s calculations, resulting in a shot that defied conventional expectations.
As Defense Express noted, the Alligator rifle’s specifications are formidable, but its use in this context highlights a broader evolution in military tactics. Traditionally, snipers have relied on a combination of skill, patience, and favorable conditions to make long-range shots. The integration of AI and drones into the sniper’s toolkit is a game-changer, dramatically increasing accuracy and lethality at unprecedented distances. This technological leap not only enhances the capabilities of individual soldiers but also signals a shift in how modern conflicts might be fought in the years ahead.
The impact of this record-breaking shot has not been lost on observers of the war in Ukraine. For Ukrainian forces, it is a point of pride and a testament to their ingenuity under fire. For their Russian adversaries, it is a stark reminder of the technological and tactical innovations that have emerged from the grinding conflict in the Donbas. And for military analysts worldwide, it is a case study in the rapid evolution of battlefield technology—where AI, drones, and advanced weaponry are rewriting the rules of engagement.
Of course, behind the headlines and the technical details lies the human element. The identity of the sniper has not been publicly disclosed, in keeping with operational security and the traditions of elite units. But the achievement is already being celebrated as a milestone in the annals of military history. As Butusov wrote on Telegram, "Incredible accuracy and a new world record for the longest range! A Ukrainian sniper eliminated two Russian servicemen from a distance of 4,000 meters."
In the ever-shifting landscape of the Ukraine war, where both sides have leveraged technology and innovation in their struggle for advantage, the Pryvid unit’s record-breaking shot stands out as a singular moment—one that blends courage, skill, and the relentless march of progress. As the conflict grinds on with no clear end in sight, such feats serve as both inspiration and a sobering reminder of the stakes involved.
The world will be watching to see how this new benchmark influences the future of sniping, not just in Ukraine but across global militaries. For now, the record stands: two lives ended, one bullet fired, and a new chapter written in the story of modern warfare.
