How Ukraine ‘recaptured occupied territory using only robots’

WorldTechnology
15 Apr 2026 • 12:50 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

How Ukraine ‘recaptured occupied territory using only robots’

  • Ukrainian forces successfully recaptured occupied territory using only unmanned ground systems and drones, without infantry involvement or casualties.
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted that drones have completed over 22,000 missions in three months, marking a significant shift in modern battlefield tactics.
  • An operation in Kharkiv oblast saw Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade use FPV drones and kamikaze ground platforms to compel Russian forces to surrender.
  • Zelensky announced a major defence cooperation agreement with Germany for drone production, which he anticipates will be one of Europe's largest.
  • Germany, a key military aid provider to Kyiv, will invest in a joint venture to supply thousands of drones and finance deep strike capabilities for Ukraine.

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