'Only a matter of time before ROBOT WARFARE' as Ukraine builds 25 thousand drones in war with Russia

The Ukrainian military will manufacture 25,000 unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in its war with Russia.

The UGVs, described as the "new cavalry" by Ukrainian soldiers, are versatile enough to rescue people, shoot enemy troops, and lay mines.

The increased use of the UGVs has led experts to declare "robot-against-robot engagement" in the Ukraine-Russia war is possible.

Robert Tollast, a researcher in the land warfare team at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) told The Telegraph: "We’re counting down to a robot-against-robot engagement. It’s a matter of time."

Major Oleksandr Afanasiev, UGV battalion commander of Ukraine's elite K-2 brigade, said UGVs saved the lives of soldiers.

The military regiment is Ukraine's first military unit dedicated to the running and deployment of UGVs on the front line.

In recent months, UGVs have extracted wounded soldiers, shielded civilians against Russian fire, and held front-line positions against Russian advances.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian president, said a record 10,281 resupply and evacuation missions were conducted by UGVS in April.

In November, there were just 2,900 missions conducted by the robot vehicles.

Major Afanasiev said the innovation stemmed from desperation, rather than technology.

He said: "We started using UGVs because we actually ran out of pickup drivers and vehicles.

"We didn’t have enough for them to risk their lives; it was too dangerous at that point."

LATEST ON UKRAINE - RUSSIA WAR:

• Donald Trump announces ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war as he says peace is 'closer every day'
• Vladimir Putin under threat of Ukrainian assassination as Kremlin ramps up security
• Nearly 100 Russian ships ignore Keir Starmer's warning and sail through British waters

The front line, manned by Russian drones, has become a kill zone.

Mr Tollast said: "It can be seconds before you’re attacked. Ukrainian soldiers can barely move 30 metres without getting spotted."

K-2 initially started as a conventional dozen-man reconnaissance group before it dedicated itself entirely to robotics in autumn 2025.

Major Afanasiev said: "In November, we had a much smaller number of UGV units and operators, as well as a smaller number of UGV models and manufacturers.

"Their effectiveness and production have improved rapidly since then. Many commanders have now realised that they can’t manage without them."

The Ardal UGV, a small machine no taller than waist-high, is designed for logistics and remote mining but can be fitted with a robotic turret and grenade launcher for combat.

It has been used to kill as many as three Russian soldiers in mine-laying operations.

The Ardal is one of the unit's most widely used robots, and a single mission by a robot can take up to 10 hours and cover 30 miles.

Two drivers, two drone pilots, and a ground crew who launch the vehicle comprise the 10-man team used for each operation.

Major Afanasiev added the unmanned vehicles have boosted morale of Ukrainian troops.

"It’s vitally important for a soldier to know that if he gets horrendously wounded, something is going to rapidly get him back to a medical post, and that he’ll live and see his family again," the battalion commander added.