Ukrainian ground robots force Russian troops to surrender in Kharkiv
The 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces reportedly deployed autonomous ground robots and drones to assault a Russian position in Kharkiv, resulting in a Russian unit's surrender without Ukrainian infantry involvement or casualties. The brigade claimed this was the first confirmed instance of an assault conducted solely by unmanned platforms in modern warfare.
What happened
The 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces claimed that Russian troops surrendered to Ukrainian ground robots for the first time in history in the Kharkiv region. The brigade conducted an operation using only drones and ground robotic systems, where FPV and kamikaze robotic platforms attacked enemy fortifications; when a second robot approached a destroyed dugout, the Russian occupants announced their surrender to avoid detonation.
The surviving Russian soldiers were guided by drones to Ukrainian lines and taken prisoner. The operation was conducted by the NC13 unit from the DEUS EX MACHINA company of the 2nd Assault Battalion, and the brigade stated it was the first confirmed successful assault solely by unmanned platforms in modern warfare.
Reported impact
The brigade reported no losses and no infantry involvement in the operation. The position had previously resisted two attacks from neighbouring units before being taken by the robots.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.