Russian sources claim use of 28 Ukrainian ground robots near Lyman

Deployment of a large group of robotic complexes

Russian military Telegram channels have published information stating that Ukrainian forces deployed a significant number of ground robotic complexes (GRCs) to storm Russian positions in the Lyman area. According to sources, 28 units of equipment belonging to the Third Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces participated in this operation.

The publications include video footage recording the attack of these complexes on positions of the Russian 20th Army. According to the sources' claims, the group's composition was as follows: two robots equipped with Mk-19 automatic grenade launchers, 18 vehicles each carrying a pair of AT-4 anti-tank grenade launchers, and eight suicide robots.

Enemy reaction and comments from the parties

It is claimed that the Russian side managed to repel the attack by using FPV drones and unmanned aerial vehicles that dropped munitions. The Ukrainian side has not yet provided an official comment on this incident.

It is worth noting that the Third Army Corps previously reported in September on the use of ground robots during Operation "Vivaldi" on the Lyman direction. At that time, robots equipped with two Bullspike grenade launchers fired at enemy positions before detonating directly on them.

Russian analogue and risks of a technological race

The Russian army is also developing and using combat ground robotic complexes. As early as March 2024, Russian forces used tracked robots with automatic grenade launchers to support assault operations near Avdiivka. Later, other armed platforms appeared, including the "Courier" and "Impulse". However, no confirmed cases of the mass deployment of several dozen Russian combat robots in an offensive have been recorded so far.

Given that both sides of the conflict are quickly adopting each other's effective tactical methods, the mass use of ground robots in attacks by both the Ukrainian and Russian armies may become a reality in the near future.

Potential dangers of artificial intelligence integration

This is a potentially dangerous trend, especially if robots are integrated with automatic target recognition systems based on artificial intelligence. In such a case, decisions to strike would be made by algorithms rather than a human operator. The use of such robots in populated areas could lead to the destruction of all living beings, including civilians.