Russia claims Ukrainian forces use 'invisibility cloaks' in Kursk region

Russians are attempting to rationalise the current situation in the Kursk region in various ways. One of the latest theories, propagated by their media, suggests that Ukrainians have received uniforms from the West that render soldiers invisible. According to the Military Portal, Russians believe this is part of an international conspiracy.

One of the latest explanations for Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region is that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are using these uniforms. Russian propaganda claims they were delivered as part of an international conspiracy and that they make soldiers invisible - both during the day and at night. However, the Russian explanation is hardly credible because, besides them, a lot of equipment has been transferred to the Kursk region, which is difficult to miss.

Lt. Col. Maciej Korowaj, a retired military intelligence officer, even pointed out on platform X that: "at night, sounds travel for many miles, which is why the sound of Ukrainian engines during the night preceding the operation from 5 August to 6 August 2024 was audible in the Sumy district." Even if the Ukrainians used special camouflage for their soldiers and equipment, their presence near the borders of Russia and then on its territory would be hard to conceal.

The military industry has long produced materials designed to camouflage military equipment or reduce the visibility of those who wear it. The main task of such solutions is to bend light around the object covered with the material. It does not reflect visible, ultraviolet, infrared, or shortwave light, making it perfect camouflage. Additionally, it reduces the thermal signature, hindering the operation of night vision and the enemy's remote sensing.

At the end of 2023, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, presented the Ukrainian "invisibility cloak" via Telegram's social media platform. The cloak-like solution was intended to help Ukrainian soldiers hide from Russian thermal cameras, especially drones equipped with such cameras. At that time, Fedorov explained that the "invisibility cloak" weighs no more than 3 kilograms, is lightweight, provides protection against rain, snow, and high temperatures, and is made of non-flammable material.