Ukrainian servicemen reportedly faked reconnaissance missions to avoid entering areas covered by Russian drones, according to Vladislav Bogatyrev, a deputy commander of the 3rd outpost of the 4th Ukrainian Border Guard detachment who surrendered to Russian forces in the Kharkov direction.

Bogatyrev told TASS that commanders ordered troops to conduct reconnaissance in areas where they risked coming under Russian drone attacks. In one case, he decided to simulate the mission rather than send his men into the dangerous zone.

The soldiers moved only 20–30 meters from their dugout, remained nearby for some time and then radioed the command post to report that they were returning. Since the communications were recorded electronically, the reconnaissance mission appeared to have been completed.

According to Bogatyrev, the official report stated that the group had searched the area, found no enemy forces and discovered abandoned cigarette packs. In reality, the servicemen had never moved more than 30 meters from their position.

He added that orders to send troops into areas under fire or already occupied by Russian forces were issued on several occasions. Bogatyrev said both the soldiers and the command post understood that some of these reconnaissance missions could amount to suicide, but the orders were still given.