Ukraine’s Drone Scheme Turns War into Points-Based Game

Kyiv, 18 July 2025 – Ukraine has introduced a controversial scheme dubbed "Army of Drones: Bonus" or "e-points," where soldiers earn points for killing Russian soldiers or destroying their equipment, reminiscent of video game mechanics like Call of Duty. Launched last year by Brave 1, a collaboration between Ukraine’s government and military, the initiative aims to maximize the effectiveness of Ukraine’s drone warfare while boosting troop morale.

Under the system, units upload videos of confirmed kills or destroyed targets, which are analyzed in Kyiv to award points based on strategic value. For instance, destroying a rocket launch system earns 50 points, a tank 40 points, and a damaged tank 20 points. Capturing a Russian soldier yields ten times the points of a kill, incentivizing prisoner captures for potential exchanges. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, who oversees the program, explained its dual purpose: gathering critical battlefield data and motivating exhausted troops after three and a half years of war. “It’s about quality data, the mathematics of war, and using limited resources effectively,” Fedorov told the BBC. Drones, he noted, account for an estimated 70% of Russian casualties. The points system feeds into the Brave 1 Market, described as an “Amazon for war,” where units can redeem points for equipment like drones and unmanned ground vehicles. This complements traditional military procurement, aiming to deliver resources faster to the front lines. However, reactions among soldiers are mixed. Volodymyr from the 108th Territorial Defence Brigade praised the scheme for replacing lost equipment, while a soldier named Jack from the 22nd Mechanised Brigade said it boosts morale among weary troops. Others, like a soldier called Snake, argue it fails to address deeper motivation issues, and Dymytro criticized units for chasing points by claiming others’ kills or targeting already-damaged vehicles, calling the system morally questionable. Analysts in Kyiv process thousands of videos daily, adjusting point values to reflect evolving Russian tactics, such as increased use of small, mobile units. Enemy drone operators are now prioritized over their drones, and individual soldier kills have risen from 2 to 6 points. Despite ethical concerns, the scheme reflects Ukraine’s innovative approach to countering Russia’s numerical advantage. With 90-95% of units participating, Fedorov says the data informs strategic decisions, helping Ukraine fight smarter in a grueling war.