Donetsk People's Republic leader Denis Pushilin has proposed deploying a new drone defense network at the port of Mariupol to protect against Ukrainian attacks.
The proposal involves creating a real-time security system that links aerial, surface, and underwater unmanned vehicles to safeguard the harbour, according to a report by news agency TASS.
Pushilin explained that the air, surface, and depth complexes would form a single layered security perimeter around the commercial port. Under the proposed setup, aerial drones would conduct reconnaissance and relay communication signals across the area.
Uncrewed surface vessels would patrol surrounding waters, intercept incoming threats, and transport cargo. Meanwhile, submerged craft would inspect underwater hydro-technical structures and perform anti-sabotage monitoring to protect maritime infrastructure.
Pushilin noted that Mariupol could also serve as a dedicated testing ground for specialized defensive equipment designed to withstand enemy attacks. He said the site would allow military technicians to evaluate navigation systems under conditions of satellite signal suppression and electronic warfare.
In addition, the facility could be used to test advanced military communications tools and artificial intelligence systems designed to operate drone swarms.
Robotic military adaptations
The proposal comes amid expanding Russian efforts to adapt robotic hardware for defensive operations. In July, Russian defense developers equipped the Courier ground robotic complex with a gravitational gripper, enabling the uncrewed platform to lay landmines and relocate explosive objects.
The Courier complex was later fitted with a dedicated gun turret designed to combat drone threats. Modified variants of the ground robot are currently used to protect aerial observation posts from incoming Ukrainian drone strikes.
Strategic port location
Mariupol is a major industrial port city situated on the Sea of Azov in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces established control over the city in May 2022 following extensive combat, turning the harbour into a crucial maritime and logistical base in the Donetsk region.
The Donetsk People's Republic is an eastern Ukrainian region that Russia declared annexed in 2022. Denis Pushilin has served as the head of the administration in Donetsk, working closely with Moscow to integrate local infrastructure and military defenses.
Military forces on both sides of the conflict have increasingly relied on unmanned aerial and naval craft. Russian commanders have sought new countermeasures to protect Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports against Ukrainian remote-controlled boat attacks and aerial drone raids.
