What happened

On December 20, 2024, the Ukrainian military executed an unprecedented assault using exclusively robotic systems near the town of Lyptsi, Ukraine. 

The operation involved numerous remote-controlled vehicles equipped with machine guns, unmanned kamikaze drones, and additional support from aerial surveillance and mine-laying drones. 

The assault was reputedly successful, with Ukraine's 13th National Guard Brigade pushing back Russian forces despite being heavily outnumbered, facing approximately 6,000 Russian troops with only 2,000 personnel of their own.

Why it happened

The Ukrainian military has increasingly turned to advanced robotic technology as a means to compensate for severe manpower shortages in its prolonged conflict with Russia. 

Nonetheless, the reliance on unmanned systems reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging technology to enhance combat capabilities while minimising human risk on the battlefield.