PR in the Philippines

(SeaPRwire) –   On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that a Russian position had been seized by a completely unmanned robotic ground force.

Speaking to weapons manufacturers on Ukraine’s Arms Makers’ Day, he stated, “For the first time in this war’s history, Ukrainian fighters have taken an enemy position using only unmanned platforms.”

In a video shared on X by a Ukrainian journalist, he said, “The future is here, on the battlefield, and Ukraine is building it.”

The assault, which occurred at an undisclosed site, was conducted using drones and a grid-based robotic system (GRS) platform, which is an unmanned defense system.

Zelenskyy asserted that these kinds of autonomous systems have been involved in more than 22,000 frontline operations in only three months.

Equipment deployed featured the TerMIT, a versatile ground robot capable of laying mines and offering fire support; the Zmiy, an advanced armored robotic platform built for transporting cargo; and the Protector, a heavy unmanned ground system.

Zelenskyy also highlighted his nation’s deployment of drones, a crucial component of Ukraine’s military strategy.

“Our missiles, our unmanned systems, our interceptors, attack and naval drones, reconnaissance systems, artillery, our ammunition, armored vehicles, robotic platforms, and much more. All of this can now be genuinely and proudly referred to as the weapons of Ukraine,” the president continued.

He concluded, “They protect our skies, our cities and villages, save lives, and demonstrate that ‘Made in Ukraine’ means effectiveness and strength.”

Analysts and observers have identified the increasing application of unmanned technology as a pivotal shift in warfare tactics.

Dr. Patrick Bury, a senior professor of warfare and counter-terrorism at the University of Bath, posted on X, “So, if this begins to occur on a large scale – which is the logical outcome – would this alter the fundamental nature, not just the character, of war, everyone?”

Mike Benz, a former deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. State Department, wrote, “I’m uncertain if the world is completely prepared for a time when ground invasions can be executed by Black Mirror-style robot dogs.” He added, “‘Boots on the ground’ will no longer involve the political danger of deploying ‘our boys’ to combat. The allure of invasions carried out solely by robots could be… immense.”

Benz’s mention of robot dogs calls attention to Ukraine’s prior deployment of autonomous, canine-shaped drones in its continuing conflict with Russia.