Ukrainian forces captured a Russian military position using only unmanned systems in July 2025, marking the first time a position was taken without the direct intervention of infantry. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operation on Wednesday, detailing how the special unit NC13 utilized ground robots and drones to force a surrender in a sector where previous human-led attempts had failed twice.
How ground robots forced the Russian surrender
The assault relied on ground vehicles loaded with 30 kilograms of explosives each. One robot detonated at the entrance of a Russian shelter, while a second vehicle positioned itself to block the exit, effectively trapping the soldiers inside.
Russian troops realized they couldn’t exit the shelter without triggering the explosive charges on the blocking robot. They signaled their surrender by holding up a handwritten sign, which was captured by the robot’s onboard camera.
Drones then guided the prisoners out of the ruins to a nearby dirt road. Ukrainian soldiers arrived 20 minutes later to take custody of the prisoners and secure the site without firing a single shot.
Robot deployment jumped 50 percent in March
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj reported a sharp increase in the reliance on these systems. Robot-led tasks increased by roughly 50 percent in March compared to February.
Unmanned systems now handle reconnaissance, material transport and the recovery of wounded soldiers. The NC13 operation demonstrates a shift from support roles to the independent execution of complex combat missions.
Ukraine built 371 km of anti-drone netting
While robots are advancing the offensive, Ukraine is simultaneously hardening its logistics. Since 2025, the government has installed 371 kilometers of drone defense netting across seven regions.
In the Dnipropetrowsk region, 42 kilometers of a critical logistics route now feature a fresh design with masts raised to seven meters. This height allows oversized vehicles, including electronic warfare systems and passive protection elements like „hedgehogs,“ to pass underneath.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated these nets reduce the risk of UAV attacks on transport and ensure stable medical supply lines. The State Service for Special Transport is currently installing these defenses at a rate of one kilometer per day.
What specific equipment was used to take the Russian position?
The special unit NC13 used ground robots carrying 30 kilograms of explosives each, supported by drones for surveillance and guiding prisoners.
Where are the anti-drone nets being prioritized?
The nets are being deployed across seven regions, with a recent focus on a 42-kilometer logistics route in the Dnipropetrowsk region.
