Footage depicting a Ukrainian operation captured Russian soldiers with the use of drone systems. Video published by Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade on July 9, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the Kyiv Independent

Ukrainian forces recently claimed to have for the first time captured Russian troops without the use of infantry, relying solely on drones and ground-based robotic systems, according to media reports. A Chinese military affairs expert said on Monday that drones and robots put great psychological pressure on human soldiers, and that unmanned systems are expected to further change how combats are fought.

Citing a statement from Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade on July 9, the Kyiv Independent reported that the operation took place in Kharkiv where the brigade deployed first-person view (FPV) drones and kamikaze ground robotic platforms to attack Russian fortifications. The exact date of the operation was not provided.

According to the brigade, Ukrainian forces targeted and destroyed Russian bunkers with kamikaze drones and robotic ground vehicles. As another robot approached a damaged Russian holdout, the remaining Russian soldiers reportedly chose to surrender. The captured troops were then guided out of the combat zone by drones and taken into custody by Ukrainian forces, the Kyiv Independent reported. 

The Russian positions had previously resisted capture by neighboring Ukrainian units, but the successful assault by unmanned systems allowed Ukrainian forces to take control of both Russian fortifications and a nearby forest line, the brigade claimed, according to the report.

The Ukrainian brigade released a video allegedly depicting the operation, while the Russian side has apparently not responded to the Ukrainian claim. Only a few media outlets from other Western countries, such as the UK's Daily Express and Germany's DW, made the coverage on the operation. The Global Times cannot independently verify the authenticity of the report.

The first known occasion when soldiers had surrendered to an uncrewed vehicle was back in 1991 during the Gulf War, when a US Navy Pioneer RQ-2A drone was carrying out a reconnaissance mission, assessing the effects of gunfire from the battleship USS Wisconsin. As the drone made a low pass over Faylaka Island near Kuwait City, 40 Iraqi soldiers appeared and indicated their desire to surrender, Forbes reported.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that given the current evolution of modern warfare and unmanned technologies, the tactical use of drones to capture enemy combatants is becoming feasible. The deployment of drones has already changed how battles are fought, and the coordinated operations between aerial drones and ground robots could further affect frontline engagements.

When soldiers encounter robots rather than human enemies, they may experience severe psychological stress. Even if you manage to destroy some units, more could keep advancing relentlessly, posing persistent threats, leading to the possible thoughts of surrender, Fu said.

Fu noted that the growing use of aerial drones and ground robots is poised to fundamentally transform future warfare. These technologies could redefine battlefield dynamics, alter the nature of conflict, and revolutionize tactical approaches.