Zelensky Establishes New ‘Day of Unmanned Systems Forces’ to Honor Ukraine’s Drone Troops

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Wednesday, establishing a new holiday – “Day of Unmanned Systems Forces” – declaring June 11 a day of respect and gratitude towards drone troops.

In a post on his official Telegram, Zelensky said Ukraine is the first country in the world to establish a dedicated branch for unmanned systems, crediting its operators for achieving results once deemed unreachable for conventional weapons.

“It is Ukrainians who have proven that thanks to technology, thanks to their creativity and courage, we can change the war,” he said.

In just one year since the formation of the Unmanned System Forces (USF) grouping, Russian targets have caused damage estimated at nearly $40 billion, while also reducing Ukrainian troop casualties.

“The USF of the Armed Forces is truly a model for many other armies,” Zelensky said, adding that recent mid-range strikes have hit Russian military logistics across the full depth of occupied Ukrainian territory – reaching targets previously beyond drone range.

“Russia’s border regions are also feeling our impact. The enemy feels this, and we will continue to increase it,” he said.

The new commemorative day comes as Ukraine increasingly relies on unmanned aerial and maritime systems to offset Russia’s battlefield advantages, shifting some of the riskiest work away from soldiers to remotely operated, AI-supported vehicles.

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Zelensky has ordered the expansion of these systems in 2026, with the stated goal of reducing direct exposure of soldiers to enemy fire. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has said that ground robotic systems are now a regular presence on the front line, performing logistical tasks, providing combat support, and assisting with medical evacuation.