Robert “Magyar” Brody / open source photo
The strategy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces is currently based on long-range strikes on Russian oil refining infrastructure and the destruction of enemy personnel at a pace that exceeds Russian mobilization capabilities.
SBS commander Robert “Magyar” Brody said this in an interview with the BBC.
What is the strategy of the Unmanned Systems Forces?
According to “Magyar”, for the enemy, the SBS is like a red rag, because they are transferring the war to its territory. 1,500-2,000 kilometers deep into Russia is no longer a “peaceful rear”. Ukrainian drones fly there and then when necessary. The commander noted that Putin extracts natural resources and converts them into funds that are directed against Ukraine in the form of “Shaheeds” and ballistic missiles. Therefore, oil refineries, in his opinion, are a legitimate military target that must be destroyed.
In addition, “Magyar” noted that SBS units are breaking records in the destruction of enemy personnel – purposefully exhausting Russia's mobilization resources. The order for the “Magyar” crews is clear: to kill more soldiers every month than the enemy manages to mobilize – and this is over 30,000 people.
30% of all drone strikes must be directed against personnel. You could call it an elimination plan. And we have 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 regrets. 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,
– the commander pointed out.
At the same time, as the BBC notes, “Magyar” is under no illusions: its goal is deterrence, not the preparation of counteroffensives or the return of territories in the near future.
According to “Magyar”, the available weapons are effective not for an offensive war, but for preventing the enemy from advancing through Ukrainian territory. Putin, in his opinion, cannot afford to stop the invasion – the risks of defeat are too great. Therefore, the commander names Russian morale as a separate goal: high losses along with fires at facilities deep in the rear are capable of creating internal unrest in Russia. According to him, each drone should force more Russians to question the war and the president who started it.
According to the BBC, the Unmanned Systems Forces make up only 2% of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – but provide a third of all destroyed targets. The unit's own losses do not exceed 1% per year.