Troops from Ukraine’s 225th Separate Assault Regiment, supported by RoverTech’s ZMIY DROID 12.7 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), thwarted an attempt by Russian forces to break through to Ukrainian supply routes in the Zaporizhzhia sector. The operation resulted in four Russian soldiers captured, the threat to supply routes eliminated, and no casualties among Ukrainian personnel.

Russian troops had attempted to infiltrate between Ukrainian positions undetected to disrupt logistics support for frontline units. The group established positions in a tree line, setting up concealed shelters.

To eliminate the threat, the 225th Separate Assault Regiment coordinated assault infantry, aerial reconnaissance and an unmanned ground platform.

Released footage shows Ukrainian assault troops advancing towards enemy positions with aerial reconnaissance support. Operating alongside them is the ZMIY DROID 12.7, equipped with a remotely operated weapon station armed with a Browning M2 heavy machine gun. The UGV provides fire support, reducing the risks to personnel during the assault.

During the operation, Ukrainian troops captured four Russian soldiers, secured supply routes and eliminated the threat of further enemy infiltration in this section of the front.

“Less risk to our people. More technology in combat. Greater capability to accomplish the mission,” said Oleh Shyriaiev, Commander of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment.

For the RoverTech team, the operation provided further evidence of the effectiveness of unmanned ground systems in combat.

“Our goal is for machines to take on the most dangerous tasks instead of people. Four prisoners and no casualties among our troops — these are precisely the outcomes we develop and refine our systems to achieve,” said Vasyl Koreniovskyi, CEO of RoverTech.

The ZMIY DROID 12.7 is a joint development by Ukrainian defence technology companies RoverTech and DevDroid. It combines the protected ZMIY ground platform with the Wolly 12.7 remotely operated weapon station. The system is designed to provide fire support, protect positions and carry out combat missions in high-risk areas.

The 225th Separate Assault Regiment continues to expand its use of unmanned ground systems. Since the beginning of the year, its troops have completed approximately 1,400 UGV missions, including 579 in October. According to DELTA system metrics, the regiment ranked third among Ukrainian Armed Forces units for UGV use in October.

The operation in the Zaporizhzhia sector illustrates how the modern battlefield is evolving: unmanned ground systems are moving beyond logistics and evacuation to become an important component of assault operations, strengthening Ukrainian forces’ capabilities and helping save lives.