Media: Russian drone trooper switches allegiance to Ukraine

A drone operator from the Russian Armed Forces has reportedly defected to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to Russian media reports.

The serviceman, identified as Artem Klimov, is said to have previously signed a contract to take part in combat operations. He initially served in communications units before being reassigned to drone forces.

Klimov has already given an interview to Ukrainian bloggers in which he confirmed his decision to switch sides.

The claims have not been independently verified.

The reported defection follows a similar case earlier this year. In February 2026, media reports identified another former Russian drone operator, Miroslav Simonov, as having defected to Ukraine. He was said to have provided valuable information about the Russian military.

Ukrainian media linked Simonov’s significance to his reported role in a specialised unit associated with the “Rubikon” centre, a facility involved in the development and deployment of advanced drone technologies.

By Tamilla Hasanova