Russian propaganda claims Ukrainian soldiers use invisible uniforms

Russians are attempting various explanations for the current situation in the Kursk region. One of the latest theories, spread by their propaganda, suggests that Ukrainians have received uniforms from the West that make 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, this explanation is hardly credible because, besides these uniforms, 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, noted on platform X that "at night, sounds travel for many kilometres, which is why the sound of Ukrainian engines during the night preceding the operation from August 5 to August 6, 2024, was clearly 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 later 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. The material 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 three kilograms, is lightweight, provides protection against rain, snow, and high temperatures, and is made of non-flammable material.

Similar solutions are being developed in Poland. Among them is a camouflage net developed in Poznań, which WP Tech journalist Norbert Garbarek had a chance to test. He checked a set consisting of a thermal poncho with an attached hood and a camouflage net to be worn over it. Its primary role is to stop thermal radiation. Garbarek explained, "The temperature generated by the soldier hiding under the poncho is dispersed (blended) and reflected back to the source. There is no way for the heat to 'escape' beyond INVISI-TEC IR and reveal the person's position."