Overview
- Russian state media quoted deputy chief Col. Sergey Ishtuganov in confirming that the Troops of Unmanned Systems were created on President Vladimir Putin’s order.
- The Defense Ministry says the new force has defined structures with staffed regiments and operates in coordination with other troop groupings.
- Officials report continued build-up, assigning operators, engineers, technicians and other specialists to additional units.
- Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said in December 2024 that formation would be completed in the third quarter of 2025, and officials now present the branch as established.
- Ukrainian prosecutors reported in April 2024 that servicemen of the 104th division executed three prisoners near Krynky, and investigative outlet Evocation alleged Ishtuganov ordered the shooting.