The Defence Forces of Ukraine's South have confirmed that certain units of the Russian armed forces are awarded financial bonuses for their successful drone strikes on Ukrainian troops. The bonuses, reportedly set at 25,000 roubles (approximately US$327), are given for each successful strike against enemy personnel, emphasizing the strategic use of FPV (first-person view) drones in the ongoing conflict. Such financial incentives are believed to boost the morale of Russian troops while escalating concerns over the increasing effectiveness of drone warfare in the region.

According to Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Defence Forces of Ukraine's South, the bonuses come with a strict requirement for objective verification of the strikes. Each successful hit must be confirmed with video evidence recorded from another drone, highlighting the sophisticated methods of verification employed in modern military operations. Notably, it has been disclosed that units like the 127th Motor Rifle Division of the 5th Russian Army have already received such financial payments for their operations conducted in February, indicating ongoing and possibly intensified military activity on the front lines.

This development points to a broader trend in modern warfare where financial incentives play a significant role in operational effectiveness. As drone technology continues to evolve and the conflict persists, such strategies may lead to more aggressive engagement tactics. The situation raises serious concerns for Ukrainian forces, which must continuously adapt to counteract these enhanced tactics employed by Russian units, further complicating an already tense and evolving battlefield scenario.