US veteran Carl Larson reveals how drones are destroying soldier morale in Ukraine, creating an unseen battlefield threat that has fundamentally changed modern warfare.
At a Glance
- US veteran Carl Larson reports drones in Ukraine’s conflict are a “horrendous detriment to morale,” forcing soldiers into bunkers during daylight
- Nearly undetectable fiberoptic drones make soldiers vulnerable to sudden grenade attacks, creating constant anxiety
- Traditional military tactics have been upended as drones eliminate the element of surprise and complicate rescue missions
- Both Ukraine and Russia are investing heavily in drone technology, with Ukraine producing its own drones amid weapons shortages
- The psychological toll on soldiers is severe, with long-term mental health impacts becoming increasingly apparent
The Invisible Enemy Above
For soldiers fighting in Ukraine, the battlefield threat no longer comes primarily from enemy troops but from the skies above. Carl Larson, a US veteran who served with Ukraine’s International Legion, has provided troubling insights into how drone warfare is devastating soldier morale.
Speaking at the recent Drone Summit 2025 in Latvia, Larson detailed how the constant presence of unmanned aerial vehicles has fundamentally altered the combat experience. Soldiers now face an enemy they often cannot see or hear until it’s too late, creating a psychological burden that compounds the already difficult conditions of war.
Larson explained that the omnipresence of drones has severely restricted soldier mobility, especially during daylight hours. “I can’t speak for the Russian side, but on the Ukrainian side, it’s incredibly corrosive to your ability to conduct combat operations,” Larson noted.
This limitation has forced troops to remain in bunkers or other protected positions for extended periods, preventing them from conducting normal operations and creating a sense of helplessness that erodes combat effectiveness and morale.
President Zelensky has released his plan for victory, which has been met with varying degrees of acceptance. Regardless of differing opinions, we now have a clearer picture of what the President is aiming for.
I don't intend to criticize his plan – after all, it offers some…
— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) October 16, 2024
Personal Losses and Undetectable Threats
The veteran’s testimony included sobering accounts of personal losses. Larson shared stories of friends and comrades killed by unexpected drone attacks, highlighting the random nature of this new form of warfare. The psychological impact is intensified by the knowledge that death can come suddenly and without warning. Unlike traditional combat where soldiers might at least see the enemy, drone warfare creates victims who never even know what hit them, adding a disturbing dimension to battlefield casualties.
Particularly concerning are fiberoptic drones, which Larson described as nearly undetectable by conventional means. These advanced unmanned vehicles evade traditional counter-drone measures, making soldiers feel perpetually vulnerable. The inability to detect or defend against these threats compounds the psychological stress. Soldiers must constantly anticipate attacks from above, creating an environment of persistent anxiety that exhausts mental resources and diminishes combat readiness over time.
Tactical Adaptations and Technological Race
The prevalence of drones has forced significant changes in military tactics. Traditional elements of warfare such as surprise attacks have become nearly impossible when enemy drones constantly monitor positions. Rescue operations have grown more dangerous and complex, as drones can track movement and target medics or rescue teams. To counter these challenges, forces have developed new safety measures including constructing fake positions to draw enemy fire and digging deeper, more elaborate trench systems for protection.
Both Ukraine and Russia are locked in an accelerating technological race to develop superior drone capabilities. Ukraine has increasingly relied on domestically produced drones due to weapons shortages, demonstrating impressive innovation despite limited resources. These unmanned vehicles serve multiple functions including reconnaissance, directing artillery fire, and direct attacks using bombs and machine guns. Larson continues to support Ukraine through his work with Defense Tech for Ukraine, an organization that helps supply drone technology to Ukrainian forces.
Long-term Mental Health Impacts
Perhaps most concerning are the long-term mental health implications for soldiers exposed to drone warfare. The constant stress of potential aerial attacks creates psychological trauma different from traditional combat experiences. Larson emphasized the need for specialized support for veterans suffering from PTSD related to drone warfare. The unique nature of this combat experience – characterized by helplessness, invisibility of the enemy, and random attacks – presents new challenges for military psychology and veteran rehabilitation programs.
As drone technology continues to advance and proliferate on battlefields worldwide, military planners and mental health professionals must reckon with these new realities. The experiences shared by veterans like Larson provide crucial insights into how warfare is evolving and the corresponding human costs. While drones offer tactical advantages, their impact on soldier morale and mental health represents a significant challenge that will shape military operations and veteran care for years to come.
