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● LIVE Updated 55m ago · 19 sources tracked

New Vivaldi tactic: Ukraine's ground robots, each carrying two Bullspike grenade launchers, attack Russian positions and then detonate inside their shelters

Ukraine's Third Army Corps is using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to clear Russian positions near Lyman without risking infantry. During Operation Vivaldi, these kamikaze robots, operated by the NC13 unit, attack bunkers using two Bullspike grenade launchers before detonating inside the shelters. The tactic creates the illusion of a full infantry assault, tricking Russian troops into mistaking the robotic attacks for human soldiers. This approach allows Ukrainian forces to destroy enemy fortifications and clear trenches while keeping personnel out of direct combat.

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  • ✓ Ukraine's Third Army Corps used grenade-armed ground robots to clear Russian positions near Lyman.
  • ✓ The robots are equipped with two Bullspike grenade launchers.
  • ✓ These UGVs attack Russian bunkers and detonate inside the shelters.
  • ✓ Russian troops mistook the robotic attacks for assaults by Ukrainian infantry.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 19 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Ukraine has implemented the Vivaldi tactic using Bullspike-armed UGVs to simulate infantry assaults and detonate inside Russian shelters.

Live updates

  1. Ukraine deploys grenade-launcher robots in Operation Vivaldi

    Ukraine's Third Army Corps is using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to clear Russian positions near Lyman without risking infantry. During Operation Vivaldi, these kamikaze robots, operated by the NC13 unit, attack bunkers using two Bullspike grenade launchers before detonating inside the shelters. The tactic creates the illusion of a full infantry assault, tricking Russian troops into mistaking the robotic attacks for human soldiers. This approach allows Ukrainian forces to destroy enemy fortifications and clear trenches while keeping personnel out of direct combat.

    Why it matters

    The shift toward an Army of Robots aims to accelerate autonomous warfare and reduce human casualties. By replacing infantry in high-risk storming operations, Ukraine is integrating UGVs into primary offensive roles. This coincides with other robotic efforts, including combat airdrops and rapid minefield deployment.

    What is confirmed

    • Ukraine's Third Army Corps used grenade-armed ground robots to clear Russian positions near Lyman.
    • The robots are equipped with two Bullspike grenade launchers.
    • These UGVs attack Russian bunkers and detonate inside the shelters.
    • Russian troops mistook the robotic attacks for assaults by Ukrainian infantry.
    • The NC13 unit operates these unmanned ground vehicles.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Ukraine bomber drones dropped ground robots behind Russian lines to kill or injure 3,000 enemy troops in a safari mission.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of Russian casualty figures from the Vivaldi operation
    • Deployment of similar UGV tactics in other sectors of the frontline
    • Official statements from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the robotic assaults
    Sources used for this update (20)
    1. www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
    2. www.cnn.com — Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
    3. Ars Technica — Robots make combat airdrops, clear mines as Ukraine defeats Russian pincer
    4. www.dailymail.com — Ukraine bomber drones drop ground robots behind Russian lines to kill or injure 3,000 enemy troops in groundbreaking 'safari' mission.
    5. UNITED24 Media — Ukraine Sends Grenade-Launcher Robots Into Russian Positions Instead of Infantry
    6. Business Insider — Drones only need 2 nights to lay a minefield that would take troops 2 weeks: Ukrainian corps
    7. Мілітарний — BTR-60-Based Kamikaze Drone Helped Break Through Russian Defenses in Nove Village
    8. Euromaidan Press — New Vivaldi tactic: Ukraine's ground robots, each carrying two Bullspike grenade launchers, attack Russian positions and then detonate inside their shelters
    9. The Jerusalem Post — Former Ukrainian defense minister unveils 'Army of Robots' to accelerate autonomous warfare
    10. www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
    11. www.bbc.co.uk — Home - BBC News
    12. www.bbc.com — BBC News - Breaking news, video and the latest top stories from...
    confidence 90%
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