Ukrainian soldiers are now presented with a unique opportunity to acquire advanced weaponry by capturing footage of Russian casualties. In a groundbreaking initiative launched by Kyiv, troops can earn reward points for confirming the destruction of enemy personnel or equipment during battles. These points can then be exchanged for various military supplies via an online marketplace that resembles a military version of Amazon.
Each Russian soldier killed reportedly nets the soldier six points, while destroying a main battle tank can earn a soldier up to 40 points. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, highlighted that one of the participating units, known as “Magyar’s Birds,” has already accumulated over 16,000 points, sufficient to procure hundreds of drones. Other prominent units like the 59th Separate Assault Brigade and the 3rd Separate Special Purpose Regiment are among the top earners as well.
The online marketplace, named the Brave1 Market, distinguishes itself from traditional military supply channels by offering a carefully curated selection of state-of-the-art defense technologies. The platform features more than 1,000 types of equipment, including drones, ground robots, firearms, and electronic warfare devices. Additionally, soldiers can order a range of essential accessories such as cameras, engines, batteries, and even satellite communication tools.
Among the popular items available is a kamikaze drone referred to as “Baba Yaga,” priced at approximately 43 points. The Ukrainian government finances all orders made through this platform, enabling military units to make purchases based solely on their accumulated points.
Fedorov emphasized the platform’s significance, stating that it will greatly streamline the connection between technology developers and military personnel. The user-friendly design allows military units to complete transactions with just a few clicks, facilitating direct communication with manufacturers and the ability to compare available items efficiently.
This initiative not only incentivizes Ukrainian soldiers but also enhances their combat capabilities through improved access to modern military equipment.