Zelenskyy announces 'the future is here' after war's first all-robot capture

close Video Ukraine utilizes robotic dogs in fight against Russia The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine shared a video of how robotic dogs can help soldiers while fighting against Russia. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 2 Min Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday that Ukraine had captured a Russian position using an entirely unmanned robot ground force. "For the first time in the history of this war, Ukrainian warriors captured an enemy position using exclusively unmanned platforms," he said during a speech to weapons manufacturers on Ukraine's Arms Makers' Day. "The future is here, on the battlefield, and Ukraine is creating it," he said in a video posted to X by a Ukrainian journalist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy examines the site of a recent battle close to Kyiv, Ukraine, April 4, 2022. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) The offensive, which took place in an unspecified location, was operated through drones and a grid-based robotic system (GRS) platform, an unmanned defense system. ZELENSKYY OFFERS CUTTING-EDGE DRONE DEFENSE TO GULF ALLIES AS Ukraine SEEKS MISSILE SUPPORT Zelenskyy claimed that such autonomous systems have participated in over 22,000 frontline missions in just three months. Machines used included the TerMIT, a multifunctional ground robotic system designed to lay mines, and provide fire support; the Zmiy, a next-generation armored robotic platform developed for cargo transport; and the Protector, a heavy unmanned ground system. A photo of a Ukrainian unmanned ground vehicle taken during Ukraine's Arms Makers' Day. (President of Ukraine Official Website) FPV training drones are seen on a wall at the Killhouse Academy drone training center on March 4, 2026, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Zelenskyy also touted his country's use of drones, an integral cog in Ukraine's war plan. SEN WICKER: ENDING CHINA’S DRONE DOMINANCE WITH A MADE-IN-AMERICA REVIVAL "Our missiles, our unmanned systems, our interceptors, attack and naval drones, reconnaissance systems, artillery, our ammunition, armored vehicles, robotic platforms, and much more. All that today is truly proudly called – the weapons of Ukraine," the president added. "They defend our skies, our cities and villages, save lives, and prove that 'Made in Ukraine' is synonymous with effectiveness and strength," he concluded. Experts and commentators pointed to the growing use of unmanned technology as a turning point in the way wars are fought. "So, if this starts happening at scale – which is the logical conclusion – would this change the nature, rather than the character, of war folks?" Dr. Patrick Bury, a senior professor of warfare and counter-terrorism at the University of Bath, wrote on X. "I’m not sure the world is fully ready for when ground invasions can be accomplished by Black Mirror robot dogs," wrote Mike Benz, a former deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. State Department. "'Boots on the ground' will no longer carry the political risk of sending 'our boys' out to fight. The temptation for robot-only ground invasions could be… enormous," he finished. Benz reference to robot dogs highlights Ukraine's previous use of autonomous dog-like drones in their ongoing war with Russia. Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!