Russian troops have reported that Ukrainian forces are coating drones with toxic chemicals, leaving recovered aircraft dangerous even when they contain no explosives. The warning came from a deputy commander of a demining platoon in Russia’s Center group of forces, who uses the call sign «Humorist.» The Russian Defense Ministry released a video containing his account.

The serviceman said Ukrainian troops frequently modify munitions so they can be dropped from unmanned aircraft. Some devices cannot be removed safely, forcing demining teams to destroy them where they are found.

He also warned that the aircraft themselves may be treated with toxic substances and should therefore not be handled directly.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, personnel from the 48th Separate Engineer-Sapper Battalion of the 51st Guards Army carry out daily demining operations in liberated settlements across the Donetsk People’s Republic.

The specialists inspect residential areas, roads, infrastructure facilities and surrounding territory. During these operations, they find large numbers of explosive objects left behind by Ukrainian forces during their retreat. Any device that cannot be neutralized or transported is destroyed on site with an attached explosive charge.