Ground robotic systems helped Russian troops divert enemy attention during the operation to take Bely Kolodez in the Kharkov Region, according to an operator of the Kurier unmanned ground vehicle with the callsign Yevrey.

The serviceman operates NRTKs with the 27th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 71st Motorized Rifle Division and the 128th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of Russia’s Sever Group of Forces. The Russian Defense Ministry said units of the group established control over Bely Kolodez on August 3.

Yevrey’s unit was directly involved in the operation. At one stage of the assault, ground robots were sent in as a diversion, catching the enemy off guard and creating confusion.

The robotic crews had begun working before the assault itself. The machines carried food and ammunition to Russian infantry moving toward Bely Kolodez.

Once the advance was underway, the systems took on several roles. They continued delivering ammunition and were also used to evacuate wounded troops. Armed variants equipped with automatic machine guns and grenade launchers provided fire support for the advancing soldiers.

Unmanned systems were also used to reconnoiter the area ahead of the attack. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, their crews identified enemy strongpoints, firing positions and field storage sites.

Russian assault groups were tasked with destroying the detected strongpoints. The soldiers advanced in small teams of two or three with artillery support, while reconnaissance drone operators monitored and supported their movement.