Ukraine deploys unmanned 'zombie cars' packed with explosives to capture 250 Russian troops in first-of-its-kind assault

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026.

Ukraine has for the first time used driverless 'zombie cars' loaded with explosives to storm Russian frontline positions, capturing 250 troops in a sweeping counter-attack. The tactic marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's use of unmanned ground vehicles against dug-in Russian forces. The operation comes even as Ukraine's war economy faces devastating pressure from relentless Russian missile strikes.

Sustained Russian missile strikes targeting Ukraine's remaining industrial base have brought the country's steelworks to a near-complete standstill.

The 'zombie car' assault is the first confirmed use of such unmanned explosive vehicles on the ground in this conflict, adding a new dimension to Ukraine's battlefield tactics.