Killzone Donbas: Why a War of Robots Is Impossible Without Humans

The kill zone, once roughly defined as a 15-kilometer radius from the line of contact, is expanding, and life in Donbas, Ukraine, is changing relentlessly.

Gerberas, Zalas, Lancets, Molniyas, Geras, and other reconnaissance and strike drones are a constant reality in the 30-kilometer zone. Modified versions of these UAVs can carry FPV drones, effectively becoming motherships. Fiber-optic reels, the spools used for drones, easily reach 25 kilometers, and in Russia, they are produced en masse at the state level.

Yes, this is now a war of robots. Drones replace people wherever possible. Heavy bombers deliver supplies to the front line. UGVs (uncrewed ground vehicles) evacuate the wounded and deliver ammunition. But for all the advantages robots bring to war, not a single drone will work properly without a human.

Suspilne spent two weeks in Donbas with various Defense Forces units—from drone crews delivering supplies to infantry, to mobile fire groups shooting down Russian UAVs effectively in the rear. This reporting project includes stories of how robots are changing everyday life.