In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, drones have become essential tools of warfare. But beyond their tactical use, these drones carry unconventional names that reflect a mix of humor, anger, and psychological warfare. These names have become symbols of resistance and a way to inject some levity into a country that has been at war for more than four years.
Humor in the Midst of War
The PS-1 Sun, made by Ukrainian defence technology firm SkyFall and nicknamed "pissioun" -- Ukrainian slang for "penis" -- has become almost a generic name for interceptor drones. This has even inspired a verb to describe the fate of Russian kamikaze drones: they are now said to be "pissiouned."
Symbols of Resistance
At Fire Point, another Ukrainian manufacturer specialising in long-range drones, the FP1 and FP2 officially take their names from the company's initials. Internally, however, they stand for "Fuck Putin." Similarly, at Ukroboronprom, Ukraine's state weapons manufacturer, drones like "Liutyi" and "Palianytsia" carry names with deep cultural and emotional significance.
Names with Meaning
"Liutyi," a deep-strike drone used in recent attacks on Russian oil refineries, means both "February" -- the month Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 -- and "furious" in Ukrainian. Another drone is called "Palianytsia," after the traditional Ukrainian white bread, which is notoriously difficult for Russian speakers to pronounce and serves as a wartime test to distinguish Ukrainians from Russians.
The Power of Naming
"Peklo," meaning "hell" in Ukrainian, was the name chosen by President Volodymyr Zelensky for an Ukroboronprom attack drone. The name reflects what an official described as "vengeance for all of Ukraine and punishment" for the destruction caused by Russia. These names are not just commercial products; they are objects that protect Ukraine and allow its people to live one more day.