Four Years of War: 100 Ground Drones to Save 100s of Lives

Ukraine fights a drone war. The skies hum day and night with surveillance craft and kamikaze UAVs. But on the ground, in mud-soaked trenches and shattered tree lines, the war still looks painfully familiar. Ukrainian soldiers still need to hold trenches and defensive positions, often for two to three months at a time.

Reaching them is a 24-hour journey. The last 20–25 kilometers must be covered on foot because it is too dangerous to drive. And once there, resupply and evacuation become the most life-threatening tasks of all.

Soldiers need water, food, fuel, batteries — even fruit to stay healthy. Light supplies can be flown in by air drones. Heavy loads cannot. They must either be carried by soldiers through kill zones… or transported by their (relatively) new four wheel friends: The Unmanned Ground Vehicles – also knows as ground drones.

2 "TARGAN" Ground Drones from UAO for the Khartiia Brigade

UGVs have become lifelines. On average, every mission carries a substantial risk the UGV will be attacked by a Russian kamikaze drone. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lost – many of them are able to reach home on two, sometimes even on one functioning wheel. But even if it does get lost – it’s better to lose a machine than a human life.

These UGVs bring supplies forward — and often return carrying the wounded or the fallen. Ukrainians are determined not to leave their comrades behind. Sometimes multiple robots are sacrificed to save one soldier. The emotional toll of being unable to attempt a rescue is immense.

So far, UAO has delivered around 20 UGVs. Very recently, one was sent to a Marine unit facing severe logistical problems. It was put to use immediately and in just two days, it transported 1,700 kg of supplies and covered 126 kilometers under frontline conditions.

1,700 kilograms soldiers did not have to carry.
126 kilometers rescuers did not have to walk under fire.

Seeing an immediate impact like this convinces that providing more UGVs will seriously strengthen the operational effectiveness of many units – saving countless lives. That is why we initiate a campaign to purchase 100 UGVs!!! This amount will make a large impact, especially for units who are operating without this means of transport as we speak. Good news. The Diel Foundation from the Netherlands joins our efforts and aims to cover 45 UGVs with their own campaign. More good news: we already places one big order, thus shortening the waiting line, which, unfortunately, exists. 

Please help us providing those on the frontline with more little friends – their help is needed!

Our UAO Team delivering a Ground Drone to the 3rd Assault Brigade

As registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, donations to the US Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations for US taxpayers. To read more about Ukraine Aid Operations and our work in Ukraine, visit our website (https://ukraineaidops.org/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ukraineaidops/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/UkraineAidOps).

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