Over 820,000 targets in year: Zelenskyy reveals results of Ukraine's drone strikes
Illustrative photo: Zelenskyy announced the results of Ukraine's drone strikes (GettyImages)
More than 80% of enemy targets on the front are now being destroyed with drones, the vast majority of which are Ukrainian-made, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The war is changing: technology takes center stage
Zelenskyy said that while artillery remains important, the nature of the war is changing, with technology and the speed of its deployment becoming increasingly decisive.
"Personnel, and above all, our infantry, carry out fundamental tasks. But war itself is undergoing an evolution, and everything is becoming extremely dependent on another important element as well – on who is the fastest and the strongest in applying technologies, in adapting technologies, and in truthful verification of what is happening on the battlefield," Zelenskyy said.
Drones hit nearly 820,000 targets in a year
The head of state said that in the past year alone, Ukrainian drones struck almost 820,000 enemy targets. Each confirmed strike is recorded, allowing not only verification of results but also use in a bonus system for evaluating military performance.
Bonus system and Brave1 Market
According to Zelenskyy, units receive electronic points for each confirmed strike. These points can be exchanged for drones, electronic warfare equipment, vehicles, and gear on the Brave1 Market platform.
"In December, our units achieved a result of 35,000 neutralized occupiers. Thank you for this result," the President noted.
Defense against Shahed drones remains a priority
Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of further developing the system for defending against Russian strike drones, particularly the Shahed drones. According to him, the number of successful interceptions of enemy drones must increase significantly.
Drone production
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has significantly ramped up arms production and accelerated the implementation of modern technologies already being used on the front lines.
In particular, the share of weapons, equipment, and ammunition that the Defense Procurement Agency orders from Ukrainian manufacturers has risen over the past year from 46% to 82%.
Ukraine and France are working on launching joint drone production for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with facilities potentially established both in Ukraine and in France.
Additionally, a Czech company, together with volunteers, is supplying Ukraine with fiber-optic FPV drones built using technologies derived from captured Russian drones.
Agreements have also been reached with Denmark to open a joint production line for long-range drones. Meanwhile, talks continue with the United States on a major $50 billion deal aimed at expanding drone production.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the draft of this agreement has already been sent to the US side, and implementation of the program is possible after the war ends.
