ua en ru

Ukrainian military takes massive number of Russians prisoner using drones

Sat, March 07, 2026 - 15:08
2 min
Drone operators keep Ukraine’s prisoner exchange pool full
Ukrainian military takes massive number of Russians prisoner using drones Photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces drones en masse capture Russians (Getty Images)

Ukrainian drone operators captured over 100 Russian soldiers this past winter using unmanned aerial vehicles, according to Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, reports RBC-Ukraine, citing his Telegram.

"We are recording on video how Russian soldiers surrender to Ukrainian drones. UAV operators escort them to our positions," Fedorov said.

According to him, more than 100 occupiers laid down their arms this winter thanks to the work of drone units.

"Each prisoner is an opportunity to bring our defenders home," added the defense minister.

For example, at the end of January in Kharkiv region, drone operators from the Pomsta border brigade remotely captured a Russian occupier.

Ukraine ramps up drone production

Earlier reports noted that Europe is ready to buy Ukrainian drones and technologies, while Ukraine is looking to European models. For instance, Germany will begin producing drones that have already been tested on the front lines, specifically the Tytan Interceptor UAVs.

Additionally, the French company Renault, together with defense firm Turgis Gaillard, will manufacture long-range drones for Ukraine. France and Ukraine have been collaborating for some time on launching drone production for the Ukrainian army.

Also, in February, a joint venture with Ukraine started operating in Germany to produce drones for the needs of Kyiv and the NATO member countries.

Or read us wherever it's convenient for you!