Ukraine Deploys Ground Robot Forces in High-Tech Conflict with Russia

Kyiv. The war between Russia and Ukraine is no longer limited to direct confrontations between soldiers; it has transformed into a high-tech conflict.

Following the dominance of surveillance and suicide drones in the skies, Ukraine is now preparing to deploy a massive force of armed robots (Unmanned Ground Vehicles - UGVs) on the battlefield.

These unmanned robots on the battlefield have achieved successes ranging from thwarting Russian attacks to capturing enemy soldiers. According to Oleksandr Afanasyev of Ukraine's K-2 Brigade, Ukraine has formed the world's first separate brigade of robots. These robots are equipped with Kalashnikov machine guns, allowing them to fire relentlessly in places where humans fear to tread.

These battery-powered robots are also being used to destroy enemy targets by carrying explosives. Compared to aerial drones, these ground robots are quieter, making it difficult for the enemy to detect an impending attack. According to Ukrainian officials, direct clashes between Russian and Ukrainian 'killer robots' have already occurred in some locations without human presence.

However, the final decision on attacks carried out by these robots is made by an operator situated in a safe location. Due to international humanitarian law and ethics, robots are not given full authority to fire autonomously to prevent attacks on civilians or the wrong targets. Former Army Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi stated that while these robots are currently used more for material transport and rescuing the wounded, their role will increase significantly in the coming days.

Robotic technology has proven to be a boon for saving soldiers' lives as Ukraine grapples with manpower shortages. "We can lose robots, but we cannot lose skilled soldiers," says Major Afanasyev.

Meanwhile, Russia is also developing and deploying its own lethal robots, such as 'Courier' and 'Liguska,' in the war. The growing number of armed robots on both sides of the battlefield signals the beginning of a new era of unmanned warfare in the future.