Kathrine Frich
It is the first time in modern warfare that an enemy has surrendered solely to unmanned systems.
It is the first time in modern warfare that an enemy has surrendered solely to unmanned systems.
Russians Surrender Without a Shot
In what Ukrainian forces are calling a world first, Russian soldiers have reportedly surrendered to unmanned ground robots during a military operation in the Kharkiv region.
No infantry troops were involved, and not a single shot was fired.
Groundbreaking Mission by Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade
Ukraine’s elite 3rd Assault Brigade carried out what they describe as an “unprecedented” mission using ground kamikaze robots and FPV drones.
The objective: clear Russian-held positions and force surrender using robotic systems alone.
Surrender to a Robot: A First in Warfare
The Russian soldiers emerged from a damaged bunker and surrendered to an approaching ground robot.
According to Ukrainian officials, it is the first time in modern warfare that an enemy has surrendered solely to unmanned systems.
No Infantry, No Losses: A Robotic Victory
Ukrainian sources emphasized that the operation involved no direct human combat.
The entire engagement — clearing the bunker and securing prisoners — was achieved through robotic systems, avoiding casualties on both sides.
FPV Drones and Kamikaze Robots Used to Break Defenses
The assault began with FPV (first-person view) drones and ground-based kamikaze robots targeting fortified Russian positions.
These systems destabilized enemy lines and prepared the way for surrender without human intervention.
Fortifications That Withstood Two Attacks Finally Fall
The positions had previously resisted two manned assaults by other units.
Yet they were successfully breached and cleared using only robotic systems, according to the 3rd Brigade’s account of the operation.
Robots Before Which Russians Surrendered
Images of the robots used in the mission were posted on social media by Ukrainian forces.
The footage shows the unmanned systems advancing on the enemy bunker before the surrender took place.
Statement: ‘First Confirmed Robotic-Only Assault’
“This is the first confirmed successful assault in the modern history of warfare using unmanned systems exclusively,” the 3rd Assault Brigade stated.
They noted the importance of planning and coordination in achieving the outcome.
Ground Robots Also Used in Rescue Missions
These robotic systems aren’t just used for assault.
The same models have previously been deployed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian troops.
In May, for instance, the National Guard used a robot named Tarhan for a successful rescue.
The Robot Called Tarhan: From Rescue to Combat
Tarhan, a ground robot initially designed for battlefield evacuations, has become a key tool in Ukraine’s increasingly tech-driven military operations.
Its successful adaptation to offensive missions signals growing confidence in robotic warfare.
