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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen a notable increase in the use of ground-based robotic systems, according to military experts and international media. A report from Russian state news agency TASS, citing military expert Andrey Marochko, states that Ukrainian armed forces have begun to extensively use ground robotic systems not only for evacuating the wounded from the battlefield but also as mobile firepower. In a separate report, TASS relayed an article from The New York Times indicating that battalions of ground robots are fighting in Ukraine and 'rewriting the rules of combat.'

Coverage comparison

Two distinct reports, both distributed by TASS, shed light on the growing role of robotics in the conflict. The first, dated July 20, is based on comments from Andrey Marochko, a military expert, who described an increase in Ukrainian use of unmanned and robotic systems. The second, dated July 14, summarizes a New York Times article that takes a broader view, suggesting the conflict has given a major boost to military robotics development that extends beyond Ukraine.

The TASS report from Lugansk focuses on the tactical adaptation of Ukrainian forces, emphasizing the variety of robotic systems now employed. The New York Times article, as relayed by TASS, places this development in a wider context, noting that the use of such drones has already extended beyond the Ukraine conflict.

Key Claims

  • Ukrainian armed forces have increased their use of unmanned and robotic systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned boats, and ground vehicles, according to military expert Andrey Marochko, as reported by TASS.
  • Ground robotic systems are being used for delivering supplies, evacuating the wounded, laying mines, maintaining fire control, and even assaulting enemy trenches, according to a report by The New York Times relayed by TASS.
  • Ukrainian forces have begun modifying Western-made armored vehicles and automobiles for remote control, as stated by Andrey Marochko.
  • The conflict in Ukraine has accelerated military robotics development, with such technologies already being used beyond this conflict, including Ukrainian interceptors reportedly used by the United States during a recent war with Iran, as noted by The New York Times.

Coverage Comparison

The reporting on this topic comes from TASS, which has published two articles on the subject. The first article focuses on the Ukrainian military's use of ground robotic systems, citing military expert Andrey Marochko. The second article summarizes a report by The New York Times, which takes a broader perspective on the impact of ground robots on combat.

While both TASS articles emphasize the growing role of robotic systems in the conflict, they differ in scope. The first, based on Marochko's statements on his VKontakte page, details specific Ukrainian adaptations, including the modification of Western-made armored vehicles for remote controlmatic operation. The second, drawing on The New York Times, highlights that ground robots are 'rewriting the rules of combat,' carrying out thousands of missions monthly, including delivering supplies, evacuating the wounded, laying mines, and even assaulting enemy trenches.

Key Claims

  • Ukrainian ground robots in use: According to military expert Andrey Marochko, reported by TASS, Ukrainian forces have 'begun to extensively use ground robotic systems' for evacuation and as mobile firepower.
  • Modified Western vehicles: Marochko also reported that Ukrainian forces are modifying Western-made armored vehicles and automobiles for remote control.
  • Use of drones and unmanned boats: The same expert noted an increased use of various unmanned systems, including UAVs and unmanned boats, by Ukrainian forces.
  • Global impact on robotics: Citing The New York Times, TASS reported that the conflict has given a 'major boost' to military robotics development, with use extending beyond Ukraine.
  • US use of Ukrainian interceptors: The New York Times report, as relayed by TASS, mentioned that 'Ukrainian interceptors were recently used by the United States during the war with Iran.'

Perspectives

  • Russian military expert (via TASS): Andrey Marochko, a military expert quoted by TASS, frames the Ukrainian use of ground robots as an escalation, emphasizing their role in combat and supply operations, and highlighting the modification of Western vehicles.
  • The New York Times (as reported by TASS): The American newspaper, in an article relayed by TASS, presents the development as a broader global trend, noting that ground robots are 'rewriting the rules of combat' and that their use extends beyond Ukraine.