Elite Russian UAV operator from “Rubikon” centre surrenders to Ukrainian forces
A case of a high-level specialist voluntarily switching sides has been recorded within the ranks of the occupying forces.
The incident was officially reported by the state project I Want to Live, which coordinates appeals from Russian servicemen seeking to surrender voluntarily.
Miroslav Simonov, who underwent training at the elite unmanned aviation centre “Rubikon,” deliberately crossed the front line to surrender to Ukraine’s Defence Forces. He is said to be one of the few highly trained technical specialists to take such a step despite strict control within specialised units.
According to the report, Simonov signed a contract with the Russian Armed Forces in order to serve in the same unit as his father. However, he was reassigned to a UAV unit and later sent for training at the prestigious “Rubikon” centre.
In Russia, the “Rubikon” centre is presented as a key training hub for elite drone operators, where personnel are trained to work with advanced equipment. During intensive training and combat missions, Simonov reportedly became closely familiar with the internal practices of the Russian military.
Earlier reports also mentioned that an Indian national recruited by Russian forces surrendered to Ukrainian troops, and that a Russian assault soldier surrendered in the Donetsk region.
