“40% is an argument. The weightiest”: Ukrainian top brigade commander says drone units soar once allowed to buy what they need
Colonel Kyrylo Veres says standing up the Unmanned Systems Forces in 2024 is paying off.
Ukrainian top brigade commander Colonel Kyrylo Veres claims that drone units now account for 40% of Russia's battlefield losses. Speaking to Ukrinform, Veres said that the establishment of a dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces in 2024 is yielding significant results, with October 2026 likely to see the biggest single share of Russian casualties.
The figure represents a dramatic shift in the war's dynamics, with the Russian reported losses reaching a 2026 high of 46,230 in September. Veres emphasized that the Unmanned Systems Forces, which were only formed two years ago, are now consistently making a significant impact. He credited two key factors: the appointment of Robert "Madyar" Brovdi as force commander in June 2025 and the integration of the Drone Line project into the Unmanned Systems Forces.
Once given the autonomy to purchase equipment and manage finances, unit commanders were empowered to operate in a manner that best served their objectives. This newfound freedom has reportedly led to "enormous figures" in terms of enemy eliminations. Veres highlighted the recent Operation Vivaldi, carried out by the Third Army Corps with his brigade's participation.
While acknowledging the vital work of infantry units, Veres stressed the substantial contribution of unmanned systems to neutralizing enemy manpower. He cautioned that as Russia continues sending troops, Ukraine will inevitably inflict proportionally higher casualties and secure every inch of its territory.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
