In a remarkable display of precision, technology, and skill, a Ukrainian sniper has achieved the longest confirmed sniper kill in history, striking a target at approximately 4,000 meters—roughly 2.5 miles or 13,123 feet.
The shot took place on August 14, 2025, near the embattled city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. The sniper, operating with Ukraine’s elite “Pryvyd” (Ghost) unit, fired a single round that killed two Russian soldiers. The bullet reportedly passed through a window or struck both targets due to their positioning, demonstrating exceptional ballistic accuracy at extreme range.
The operation relied on the Ukrainian-made Snipex Alligator (also known as XADO Snipex), a powerful 14.5×114mm anti-materiel rifle designed for long-range engagements. Unlike traditional sniper shots that depend on direct line-of-sight, this record-breaking kill incorporated advanced support: reconnaissance drones provided real-time spotting, while artificial intelligence systems handled complex ballistic calculations, accounting for wind, bullet drop, Coriolis effect, temperature, and barometric pressure.
At such distances, the bullet remains in flight for over nine to ten seconds, making environmental variables and target movement extraordinarily challenging. The integration of drones and AI represents a modern evolution in sniper warfare, allowing Ukrainian forces to push the boundaries of what was previously considered possible.
This new record surpasses the previous Ukrainian achievement set in November 2023 by SBU sniper Viacheslav Kovalskyi, who recorded a confirmed kill at 3,800 meters using the “Horizon’s Lord” rifle. It also eclipses the former world record held by a Canadian JTF2 sniper, who achieved a 3,540-meter shot in Iraq in 2017.
Ukrainian military journalists, including Yuriy Butusov, shared details and footage of the operation, which has since been verified and reported across international outlets. The feat has been added to official lists of longest confirmed sniper kills, cementing Ukraine’s position at the top of this elite category—not once, but twice.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, such incidents highlight the increasing role of technology in asymmetric warfare. Drones, AI-assisted targeting, and domestically developed heavy rifles have enabled Ukrainian forces to conduct operations that blend traditional marksmanship with cutting-edge innovation, delivering significant psychological and tactical impact on the battlefield.
This record underscores Ukraine’s adaptability and determination in developing capabilities that continue to redefine long-range precision engagement.
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