BBC reports on strategy of Madyar's Unmanned Systems Forces - deep strikes on refineries and destruction of over 30,000 russian soldiers per month
Currently, the strategy of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces is based on long-range strikes against russian oil refining infrastructure and inflicting more casualties than russia can mobilize. Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi has stated this in an interview with the BBC.
"We are like a red rag to the enemy. Because we are bringing the war onto their territory so that they, too, can feel it. 1,500–2,000 km deep into Russian territory — that is no longer a 'peaceful rear.' The freedom-loving Ukrainian 'bird' flies wherever and whenever it wants. Putin extracts natural resources and converts them into ‘blood money,’ which they then direct against us in the form of ‘Shaheds’ and ballistic missiles. If oil refineries are a tool for making money used for war, then they are a legitimate military target that must be destroyed," Madyar said.
In addition, he noted that the Unmanned Systems Forces units are eliminating a record number of soldiers, reducing the enemy’s manpower advantage. Madyar’s crews have a direct order: to kill more enemy soldiers each month than russia can mobilize — over 30,000.
"30% of all drone strikes must be directed against personnel. You can call it an elimination plan. And we’ve been exceeding it for four months in a row. Every soldier’s death must be confirmed by video; otherwise, it doesn’t count. We have no mercy. Russian troops are far beyond their own borders. They were sent by Putin, who wants to destroy our nation. If we don’t kill them, they will kill us. It’s obvious,” says Madyar.
At the same time, as the BBC reports, the Unmanned Systems Forces commander is not "wearing rose-colored glasses"; his goal is deterrence, not preparing new counteroffensives or reclaiming vast territories right now.
"We have effective weapons: not for waging an offensive war, but to prevent the enemy from effectively advancing through our territory. Putin cannot afford to halt the invasion because the risks of defeat are too great. Therefore, we have another objective: Russian morale. High casualty rates, combined with massive fires at facilities deep behind enemy lines, can create ‘a certain unrest’ within Russia. Our goal with every drone is to make more Russians question the war their country is waging and the president who started it,” Madyar stated.
As the BBC notes, the Unmanned Systems Forces make up only 2% of the total strength of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but today they account for a third of all targets destroyed. At the same time, their own casualty rate is less than 1% per year.