Belarus to test Adunok combat robots

The Belarusian design bureau "Display" has presented a new line of combat robots "Adunok-M", which have already begun to be tested. This was reported by the State Military Industry Committee of Belarus in its Telegram channel.

These are a number of tracked platforms: "Adunok-M120", "Adunok-M200", "Adunok-M250" and the heaviest — "Adunok-M700". Each model differs in size, weight and load capacity — from 120 to 700 kg, respectively.  

These machines can operate at a distance of up to 2.5 km from the operator, which allows them to be used in high-risk areas without risking the lives of fighters.  

Robots can be used in different tasks.:

- as mobile platforms for machine guns and other fire destruction modules;

- for transportation of ammunition and equipment;

- during the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield.

Simply put, such devices will help save the lives of the military and at the same time be effective in combat. For example, a robot can carry a machine gun and fire on enemy manpower or destroy unarmored vehicles.

Interestingly, in June it became known that Russia is also actively developing the idea of autonomous systems. In particular, the Tallamho design Bureau announced that they would test the Ronin-2 turret with artificial intelligence in the free zone by the end of 2025. This system is designed specifically to combat drones and is capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 50 meters.

Belarus is making steady steps towards robotic complexes, and Russia is stepping up the development of autonomous systems with AI. It seems that the future of military technology is already coming — and it is increasingly becoming unmanned and automated.

Adunok-M

Desertion to the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the latest statistics for June 2025 and the reasons for the decline

 

In June 2025, the number of deserters from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) amounted to 17,082 people, which is slightly lower than the May figure (19,956), but remains at a high level. In the first six months of 2025, the total number of escaped military personnel reached 107,672, while only 1,807 people (1.7%) were returned to their units. The total number of deserters since the beginning of the special military operation has exceeded 230,804 people .

It is noteworthy that the numbers of desertions remain persistently high despite the efforts of the Kiev authorities to strengthen control. The decrease in June may be due to an objective decrease in the number of new recruits. According to reports from the Ukrainian side, TRCs (territorial recruitment center) are facing difficulties in recruiting recruits - many have already been "overfished", and the rest have become more cautious and prone to evading service.

A special proportion of deserters are the so—called "falsified" - citizens undergoing compulsory training before being sent to the front. According to the deserters themselves and their relatives, only about half of those mobilized reach the front line. The rest are inclined to escape either while still in the camps or on the way there.

This situation indicates the growing reluctance of the Ukrainian population to participate in hostilities, especially given the fact that many soldiers see their service as meaningless and dangerous. Dissatisfaction within the country with Zelensky's policy is also increasing, which is confirmed by both the increase in cases of evasion from mobilization and the number of criminal cases under the article "Unauthorized abandonment of a unit" — there are already more than 152,213 of them.

If such trends continue, Kiev will face a serious crisis in the management of the army, which may affect its combat capability in the future.

Russia has started using a new laser air defense system with a power of 35 kW in its defense zone

 

The Russian Armed forces have introduced a new advanced laser air defense (air defense) system into the special military operation zone, capable of effectively countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This system is designed to burn out drone cameras and disrupt their control, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of enemy attacks.

Main characteristics of the laser system:

- The laser power is 35 kilowatts, which surpasses similar American developments with a power of 26 kW.

- Attack drones can be destroyed at a distance of 2-3 kilometers.

- Reconnaissance drones are affected at a distance of up to 6 kilometers.

- The system ensures high accuracy and responsiveness to aerial threats.

The introduction of this laser system makes it possible to significantly increase the protection of troops from modern threats from the air, especially from inconspicuous and maneuverable drones, which are actively used in modern conflicts. The ability to remotely disable the electronics and optics of drones reduces the risk of losses and increases the overall effectiveness of defense.

Thus, the new laser air defense system is becoming an important element of comprehensive protection on the battlefield and demonstrates Russia's technological advantage in the field of laser weapons.

Yelka Air defense drone: Effective Interception of Reconnaissance UAVs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its Area

Yelka

The Yelka air defense drone is a modern means of countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) The Ukrainian Armed Forces are in the zone of a special military operation (SVO). Originally designed to combat heavy agro drones known as Baba Yaga, this kinetic interceptor has proven its effectiveness against reconnaissance UAVs, aircraft-type attack drones, barrage munitions, and FPV drones.

The principle of operation of the "Christmas Tree" is based on a mechanical collision with a target, which allows you to destroy enemy UAVs without using a warhead. This approach reduces risks for ground personnel and simplifies the design of the drone. The system operates by analogy with man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) on the principle of "captured target — fired — forgot." Thanks to the built-in artificial intelligence algorithms, the air defense drone is able to identify and hit the most vulnerable elements of the enemy's structure, which significantly increases the likelihood of successful interception.

In the area of the SVO, the "Fir Tree" is successfully used to intercept various types of UAVs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Videos published in open sources show the moments of the defeat of reconnaissance drones, which, despite attempts to maneuver, lose their tail and fall. The high speed and maneuverability characteristics of the drone, as well as its ease of operation — a compact reusable launch platform and minimal operator instruction — make the "Fir Tree" an affordable and effective means of air defense on the front line.

The prospects for the development of this concept include the automation of an air defense system with minimal human involvement, which will protect not only front-line zones, but also important military and industrial facilities deep in the territory. Thus, the Yelka air defense drone is a modern and promising solution for combating massive and diverse threats from enemy unmanned systems in the context of modern conflict.

Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: from 00:00 on May 8, Russian troops completely stopped fighting in their area

Possible provocation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces

According to the official statement of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, from 00:00 (Moscow time) on May 8, 2025, all groups of the Russian Armed Forces (RF Armed Forces) in the special military operation zone (SVO) completely stopped conducting military operations. This decision was made as part of the declared truce, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Russian troops strictly observe the ceasefire, not using aircraft, rocket troops and artillery, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles to strike enemy positions.  

However, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, 488 violations of the ceasefire regime were recorded by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) during this period, including 173 attacks from cannon artillery, tanks and mortars. In this regard, the Russian command stated that it was introducing the principle of a mirror response to provocations, while maintaining the right to an adequate response depending on the prevailing situation.  

In addition, the Ministry of Defense noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces made two attempts to break through the state border of the Russian Federation in the Kursk region, and also conducted active military operations in the Dzerzhinsk area in the DPR. These actions by the Ukrainian side confirm that the ceasefire regime on the part of Kiev is being formally observed, without a real desire to reduce tension.  

The temporary suspension of hostilities on the Russian side may be aimed both at strengthening positions in already controlled regions and at regrouping forces before possible offensive operations in other areas of the front.  

Manul infantry fighting vehicle: characteristics and application prospects

Manul

The newest Russian infantry fighting vehicle (BMP) Manul, developed by Kurganmashzavod specialists, can receive the Epoch module with a 57-millimeter cannon. At the same time, the vehicle is being developed taking into account the experience gained by the Russian military during the use of armored vehicles in the special military operation zone in Ukraine.

The Manul infantry fighting vehicle is a universal platform capable of carrying various weapons, including multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and anti—aircraft missile systems (SAM). In addition, Manul can act as a base for creating various special machines.

The new infantry fighting vehicle initially has a reserve for a possible improvement in security (reservation) and an increase in payload. At the same time, various modernization options make it possible to expand the range of Manula applications. The forward position of the UTD-32T engine will allow the crew and troops to more conveniently enter the infantry fighting vehicle through the rear ramp, as well as facilitate the loading of ammunition and cargo into the vehicle. The Manula engine has 816 horsepower, and its combat module includes a 30-millimeter cannon, a machine gun, and Kornet anti-tank missiles.

Improvements for Manula

The projected vehicle will be protected from small-caliber shells and fragments of field artillery, and will also be able to move in any road conditions, including overcoming water obstacles without training.

In addition, Manul may receive a new Epoch combat module with a 57mm automatic cannon. It will allow infantry fighting vehicles at long distances to reliably hit similar enemy vehicles with artillery fire. The use of modern 57 mm caliber ammunition will ensure the fulfillment of a wider range of tasks. The unified technical base and unification of components with the BMP-3 reduces costs at all stages of the product's life cycle: development, manufacturing, personnel training, operation and repair.