Russia arming drones with propaganda, cyber threats, Ukraine’s drone commander warns

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi says Russian drones are carrying propaganda leaflets as well as explosives, including material aimed at Kyiv. He warned that QR codes on the leaflets may lead to cyber-phishing traps, adding a digital threat to efforts to influence public opinion.

Brovdi said a Shahed-type drone shot down on 4 November carried Ukrainian-language pamphlets criticising recruitment policies and promoting a vote on naming a volunteer brigade within Russia’s armed forces. The reports could not be independently verified by the Kyiv Independent, and residents were warned not to scan the codes. The claims come amid renewed concern about disinformation after unrest in Kyiv Oblast on 2 November; two people were arrested on 4 November over alleged efforts to spread false information and provoke the unrest.