Ukrainian drones are increasingly being used not only for reconnaissance or strikes but also to compel Russian troops to lay down their arms, with videos online showing soldiers surrendering under drone supervision, said Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on his Facebook page.
According to him, drone operators escort Russian troops who decide to surrender and guide them toward positions held by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
“UAV operators escort them to our positions,” Fedorov said in a comment to the published video.
The defense ministry says that more than 100 Russian service members surrendered this winter thanks to the work of unmanned aviation units.
The ministry emphasizes that each captured soldier can take part in future exchanges, offering a chance to bring Ukrainian servicemen home.
This practice began to spread in 2024, when a video appeared online showing a Russian soldier deciding to surrender after spotting a Ukrainian drone overhead.
