This is just too funny.

In a stunning military innovation, Ukraine has begun using robots to approach Russian troops in battle zones, in order to keep Ukraine’s soldiers safe from possible up-close attacks. In and of itself, a great idea . . . but also one that has proven to have had a surprising effect on Russia’s mighty army.

It seems that a number of the Russian invaders have been caught on video surrendering to the mighty metal midgets.

In a masterpiece of understatement, Oleg Fedoryshyn — director of research and development at DevDroid, a company that makes combat robots and other armaments — had this reaction:

“Of course, I was a little bit surprised.” [Sinead Baker, Business Insider, May 11, 2026.]

I should think so. The original purpose of the unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) was to protect Ukrainian soldiers from possible grenade or other attacks by approaching Russian soldiers claiming to be surrendering. Instead, some Russians have opted to surrender to the bots themselves. In one case, there is footage of three Russian soldiers being captured by a Ukrainian TW-7.62 system, in which the men walk toward it with their arms raised and then lie down on the ground. [Id.]

As Fedoryshyn said, this is “what modern warfare looks like.” [Id.]

Just as I was wondering how the UGVs then physically interact with their prisoners, the article said that, while full details are not shared by Ukraine’s military, Fedoryshyn assumes there were likely to have been living, breathing Ukrainian soldiers nearby, as well as possible additional support from aerial drones.

I should hope so. I can’t imagine walking up to a fully-armed likeness of Artoo Detoo and saying, “Take me to your leader” . . . then meekly following it back to enemy headquarters. I don’t know how you would ever live that down.

It is an interesting concept, though.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/14/26