Ukrainian units did not deploy ground-based robotic systems on the Kharkov and Sumy fronts for the first time in several months, according to a source in Russian security agencies.

The source said former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov had been one of the main advocates for introducing such systems into the Ukrainian armed forces.

In April, The Independent reported that the Ukrainian military was changing its battlefield tactics and expanding the use of ground robots. According to the newspaper, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade planned to replace about 30% of its infantry with unmanned platforms.

The systems mentioned included the NC13 and TW12.7, both equipped with Browning machine guns.

Oleg Fedorishin, director of research and development at the Ukrainian company DevDroid, previously said ground-based robotic platforms had significantly changed how Ukrainian forces held their positions. He estimated the average cost of one such vehicle at between $30,000 and $50,000.