In Ukraine’s eastern front, unmanned ground vehicles are essential for supplying troops in Pokrovsk, where Russian drone threats make traditional methods impossible. These robots deliver food, ammunition, and evacuate wounded, saving lives in a high-risk environment.
Pokrovsk, a key strategic city in eastern Ukraine, is under severe pressure from Russian forces attempting to cut off supply routes. The area, dubbed the ‘kill-zone,’ is within range of constant drone surveillance and attacks, making any movement perilous. Ukrainian defenses have been bolstered with special forces and drone units, but the risks of using armored vehicles or foot transport are prohibitive. Consequently, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have become the primary means of logistics, with about 90% of supplies now delivered by these robots.
UGVs are small, tank-like robots that can navigate narrow paths and are operated remotely from safe distances. They are loaded with supplies like water, fuel, and ammunition in hidden garages and transported partway by van to save battery. At night, soldiers deploy them quickly, and operators guide them to frontline positions. This allows for multiple daily missions, such as those carried out by the 5th Brigade, though the process is fraught with danger.
The human cost of this warfare is evident in accounts like that of military doctor Vitsik, who, along with operator Auditor, faced a nearly hour-long drone attack while trying to evacuate wounded. They hid as explosions shook their shelter, highlighting the constant threat from above. Inside Pokrovsk, soldiers move cautiously from cover to cover, with Russian ‘first-person view’ drones posing a relentless hazard.
Despite their utility, UGVs have a high attrition rate; only one in three typically reaches its destination. They are vulnerable to drones, landmines, and other hazards, as seen when an operator named ‘Lawyer’ lost two vehicles in a rescue attempt. Engineers are working to improve camouflage and communications, but the losses continue, underscoring the fierce combat conditions.
This mass deployment of UGVs in Pokrovsk may be a historic first in warfare, pointing to a future where robots play a larger role in military logistics. Ihor, from Ukraine’s unmanned systems department, emphasizes that they save lives and are crucial for the army’s evolution. As the battle rages on, these robotic systems remain a vital, though imperfect, solution to the challenges of modern combat.
