Kyiv has reported a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict with Russia, announcing that Ukrainian forces have recaptured territory using exclusively unmanned vehicles and drones for the first time during the war. President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the development at a Ukrainian defense industrial complex, highlighting the increasing role of robotic systems in frontline operations.
According to Zelensky, Russian troops surrendered when confronted by an army of ground robots and aerial drones, with the entire operation conducted without any infantry involvement or casualties on the Ukrainian side. This marked the first occasion in the conflict’s history where an enemy position was seized using solely unmanned platforms, demonstrating a shift in battlefield tactics through robotics and remote engagement.
The specific level of autonomy employed by these systems remains unclear. However, Ukraine is reportedly developing weapons capable of operating with minimal human input as part of the “kill chain,” pointing toward an expanding integration of artificial intelligence in combat roles.
Zelensky named several unmanned systems in use, including Ratel, Termit, Ardal, Lynx, Zmiy, Protector, and Volya, which have collectively undertaken more than 22,000 missions in the past three months. He emphasized the life-saving aspect of these technologies, noting that robots have replaced soldiers in the most dangerous combat zones.
Among the robotic units in deployment are those equipped with machine guns, such as the D-21-12R system, designed to engage enemy combatants and lightly armored vehicles under remote control. Colonel Oleksandr Falshtynskyi, a surgeon serving with Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps, indicated ongoing efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence for target acquisition and engagement, potentially enabling autonomous firing decisions in the future.
The Termit unmanned ground vehicle, domestically produced in Ukraine, carries up to 300 kilograms and can navigate diverse terrains using tracks and a low-profile design. It boasts extended operational range, capable of traveling multiple kilometers over several hours. According to a Ukrainian military source, the armed forces are now able to conduct offensive and defensive maneuvers relying exclusively on drone technology.
Private sector contributions have also been notable. The Ratel robotics company, which originally specialized in street lighting, has repurposed its technology to develop the Ratel S ground-attack robotic system. This unit is used for remote territory mining and equipment placement, enhancing battlefield control without direct human exposure. Ratel has also created an unmanned ground vehicle capable of deploying first-person-view drones from remote or hazardous locations without risking operator deployment.
Medical evacuation has also benefited from unmanned technology; the Ardal ground vehicle was deployed in June 2025 to transport wounded personnel from frontline positions, highlighting the multifunctional potential of robotic systems in combat environments.
These advancements point to a growing strategy within Ukraine’s military apparatus to leverage unmanned systems for tactical superiority while minimizing personnel risk amid the ongoing conflict.