A Russian farmer who was prosecuted for shooting at a Ukrainian drone over his home has turned down an invitation to join a specialized anti-drone defense squad, stating that he cannot abandon his household. Nikolai Mukhin, a pensioner from the Volgograd region in southwestern Russia, told state news agency TASS that he would otherwise have willingly joined the unit.
Mukhin explained that while he would take pleasure in shooting at drones and defending his country, his duties at home made it impossible to leave. His decision followed an offer from Alexander Khinshtein, the governor of Kursk Oblast, who invited the farmer to enlist in the BARS-Kursk volunteer brigade after learning of Mukhin's actions.
The legal controversy began when Mukhin fired several shots from his hunting rifle at an unmanned aerial vehicle flying over his private property. Local authorities subsequently fined the pensioner 40,000 rubles under Part 2 of Article 20.13 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses, which penalizes firing weapons in populated areas or unauthorized locations.
Courts of two instances initially upheld the 40,000 ruble penalty as lawful. However, higher legal authorities later overturned the ruling completely. According to case materials cited by TASS, officials concluded that Mukhin caused less harm to the state by firing his weapon than the potential damage he acted to prevent.
Legal exoneration and gun return
Mukhin's defense lawyer, Alexander Guguchkin, stated that the case against his client was dismissed entirely because the pensioner had acted in a state of extreme necessity. Guguchkin added that law enforcement authorities promised to return the firearm used in the incident and confirmed that all of Mukhin's legal rights must be restored.
Volgograd, located along the Volga River in southwestern Russia, lies within range of long-range aerial strikes, while neighboring border regions such as Kursk Oblast face frequent drone incursions. Russian authorities established volunteer units like BARS-Kursk to reinforce regional security, protect civilian infrastructure, and counter unmanned aerial threats.
Governor Khinshtein extended the recruitment invitation after the legal proceedings against the pensioner concluded in complete exoneration. Although Mukhin expressed enthusiasm for defending his homeland, he confirmed that maintaining his private household remains his primary responsibility.
