Ukraine's president calls for increased production of unmanned ground vehicles to support frontline operations and save lives amid Russian offensive plans.
1:14 PM
President Volodymyr Zelensky has set a target of at least 50,000 unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for Ukraine's military this year, citing the need to increase production and supply volumes significantly.
In his traditional video address, Zelensky emphasized that contracted volumes for UGV production are already more than double compared to last year. "Production and supply volumes must be increased. For this year, the contracted volume is already more than double compared to last year. And this is a level that must definitely be even higher," he said, according to Ukrinform.
Zelensky assigned the task to Ukraine's Minister of Defense and the General Staff to meet the 50,000-unit goal. He stressed that the expansion of UGV use addresses critical operational needs. "There is a task for the Minister of Defense of Ukraine and the General Staff – at least 50,000 UGVs this year. Everyone must understand: this is about saving lives. Logistics on the frontline, evacuation of the wounded, combat missions – the use of UGVs is now expanding at the fastest pace," Zelensky said.
The announcement comes as Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia's political leadership is planning further offensive operations in Ukraine. Following a briefing from Chief of the Main Intelligence Agency Oleh Ivaschenko, Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine has obtained specific documents from the Russian General Staff. These documents, according to Zelensky, confirm that Russian occupiers acknowledge their inability to fulfill tasks set by their political leadership.
Ukraine's Defense Forces have been destroying the Russian army's offensive potential, with occupiers' irrecoverable losses already amounting to approximately 60 percent of their total losses, Zelensky stated. Despite these losses, Russia's political leadership is preparing to involve more personnel in further operations, including by expanding mobilization processes within Russia.
In response to the Russian plans, Zelensky outlined Ukraine's strategic priorities. The country's task is to further increase the percentage of occupier irrecoverable losses and densify the line of drone use at the front, he said. The focus on expanding UGV production aligns with these broader efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities against continued Russian military operations.
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