Zelenskyy orders 50,000 ground robots to be produced in 2026
Termit ground robot (Photo: Defense Ministry)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered a large increase in
the production of ground
robotic systems for the military, tasking Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov with a target of at least 50,000 units manufactured this year.
Zelenskyy announced the directive in an evening video address on April 27.
“This is the next big step in defending Ukraine — one that really changes the situation after the transition to [aerial and naval] drones,” Zelenskyy said.
“You can no longer imagine defense without UAVs and you can’t imagine it without ground robotic complexes either. Production and deliveries must be increased. This year we have already contracted more than double last year’s volume, and that level must be even higher. The task for the defense minister and the General Staff is at least 50,000 ground robotic complexes. Everyone must understand: this is about saving lives. Logistics at the front, evacuation of the wounded, combat missions — the use of these systems is rapidly expanding.”
On April 22, Politico reported that Ukraine’s Defense
Forces plan to replace up to 30% of frontline personnel with robotic systems in
2026 on the most difficult sections of the front.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
