Russian forces are reportedly unable to operate their ground robotic complexes remotely after being cut off from Starlink, forcing them to control the machines directly with handheld infantry consoles, according to reporting by ARMYinform.
Ground drones are robotic vehicles designed to support frontline operations by performing tasks that would otherwise put soldiers at risk. They are intended to carry reconnaissance equipment to scout enemy positions, transport supplies, deliver explosives, retrieve wounded soldiers, or provide fire support while keeping personnel out of direct danger.
During a live stream on 10 March, the commander of the Signum battalion unit said Ukrainian forces have destroyed roughly two dozen enemy ground drones so far.
Troops forced into the open to operate robots
He noted that many Russian systems are now accompanied by personnel on the ground, indicating they are manually operated rather than remotely controlled.
“Of course, this creates significant inconvenience for them, and that’s very useful for us,” he said.
These limitations show how Russian robotic operations remain constrained without supporting communications systems, relying on direct human control rather than the autonomous or remotely networked capabilities Ukraine has fielded.
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