‘People, Not Robots’: Ukraine’s Soldiers Justify Human Role Amid Drone Revolution
Drones now destroy about 90% of targets in Ukraine, making traditional airborne assaults increasingly impractical. Yet newly trained paratroopers say demanding physical and psychological training remains vital because technology cannot replace the soldiers who ultimately hold territory.
On an unusually chilly August morning, a group of recently graduated Ukrainian paratroopers gathered in a corn and rapeseed field for their first parachute training exercise. Though unlikely to ever utilize this skill in active combat, these young soldiers recognize the enduring value of such traditional skills in modern warfare.
The landscape of war has evolved drastically since World War II, with drones now dominating the skies and ground robots increasingly integrated into combat missions. In fact, drones have become responsible for around 90 percent of all targets destroyed in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite this technological revolution, Ukrainian instructors emphasize that these traditional skills remain crucial for mental and psychological preparation of infantry soldiers.
The infamous "forced march," during which soldiers march for miles while enduring harsh conditions, is designed to test their resilience and ability to perform under immense pressure. The real fear for many troops on the frontlines is not direct confrontation with enemy soldiers, but rather the looming presence of drones operated remotely.
As the future paratroopers continue their training, they are reminded that, while technology may advance, the ultimate victor in any conflict will always be the soldiers who stand courageously in the face of danger.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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