Russian war correspondent and propagandist Andrei Filatov was reportedly killed on July 25, 2025, near Pokrovsk, Ukraine, by a Ukrainian FPV drone. The news was initially disseminated by the Visegrád 24 social media account, stating, "> Russian propagandist Andrei Filatov was killed by a Ukrainian FPV drone near Pokrovsk." Unofficial Russian channels also reported his disappearance, with preliminary indications suggesting a drone strike. Official confirmation from Russian authorities regarding Filatov's death remains pending.
Reports from various sources indicate that Filatov's motorcycle and camera were discovered abandoned at the scene. His camera allegedly captured footage of a Ukrainian drone approaching moments before contact was lost. These accounts, however, frequently use cautionary terms such as "presumably" and "allegedly," underscoring the unverified nature of the initial information. The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by individuals operating close to the front lines.
Andrei Filatov was known for his work as a war correspondent for the Russian state-backed media outlet RT, where he actively contributed to pro-Kremlin narratives. He was instrumental in documenting the conflict from a Russian perspective, including producing films about areas like Mariupol. Ukrainian sources and international bodies have identified him as a key figure in Russian state propaganda, with sanctions imposed against him for his role in disseminating information that supports the invasion of Ukraine. His activities extended to providing logistical support to Russian military efforts.
Filatov's reported death is not an isolated incident in the ongoing conflict, which has proven highly dangerous for media personnel, including those operating as propagandists. Several other Russian war correspondents and media figures have been killed or wounded in Ukraine, such as Vladlen Tatarsky, Boris Maksudov, Alexander Fedorchak, and Andrei Panov. These incidents underscore the high risks associated with reporting from active combat zones, particularly for individuals closely aligned with military operations.
The area around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk Oblast has recently become a focal point of intense fighting, with Russian forces attempting to advance. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on FPV drones to counter these offensives, targeting personnel and equipment. The reported drone strike on Filatov near Pokrovsk reflects the evolving nature of warfare and the significant role played by unmanned aerial vehicles in current combat operations.