Elite drone operator from Rubicon surrenders to Ukrainian forces with Russian secrets
Photo: Drones (Getty Images)
Elite Russian drone operator from the Rubicon Center, Miroslav Simonov, deliberately crossed the front line and surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to the Ukrainian state project Khochu Zhit, which handles appeals from Russian servicemen seeking to surrender voluntarily or defect to the Ukrainian side.
Also read: Zelenskyy reveals why Russia is stalling prisoner exchange process
According to Miroslav Simonov, he was compelled to sign a contract with the Russian army, hoping to join the unit where his father had served. However, he was assigned to a UAV unit and later sent for training at the so-called Rubicon center, which Russia positions as a key facility for training drone operators.
In his testimony, Simonov described intensive training and participation in combat missions. At the same time, he said that his service allowed him to observe the internal workings of the Russian military, including its treatment of prisoners and civilians.
SOCH and attempted escape
Simonov claims that after witnessing these conditions, he decided to leave his unit voluntarily (referred to in Russian military terminology as “SOCH”). He was detained and reassigned to one of the assault brigades, unofficially called “meat” units by Russian soldiers due to extremely high frontline casualties.
By that point, Simonov was already aware of the Ukrainian project Khotu Zhit, which guarantees compliance with international humanitarian law for those who surrender voluntarily.
Crossing front line
Seizing an opportunity during a combat mission, Simonov crossed the front line and surrendered to Ukrainian forces. His story was published in a video on the project’s YouTube channel.
The Ukrainian side states that such cases are becoming more frequent, with an increasing number of Russian soldiers choosing to surrender voluntarily to avoid further participation in the war.
About Rubicon
Russia’s Rubicon center is presented as a training base for strike and reconnaissance drone operators. Since the start of the full-scale war, UAVs have become a key instrument on the battlefield, and drone units are among the highest-priority elements within the Russian military structure.
Simonov’s case gained attention because of his affiliation with this training system. Ukrainian sources emphasize that each defection not only saves a life but also potentially provides valuable intelligence on enemy organization and operational methods.
Details of Simonov’s current status have not been officially disclosed.
Following the Munich Security Conference, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia is holding approximately 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war, while Ukraine has around 4,000 Russian servicemen in captivity.
On February 5, Ukraine and Russia conducted their first prisoner exchange in a long time, returning 157 citizens home. This swap was made possible by agreements reached during the latest round of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in Abu Dhabi.
The previous combined exchange had taken place in October 2025, when 185 military personnel and 20 civilians were returned from Russian captivity.
