A Ukrainian commander has claimed that his unit has destroyed over 20,000 Russian troops. Robert “Madyar” Brovdi was appointed to head up Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces in June by President Zelensky.

The unit was first established in June of last year, becoming the world’s first dedicated military branch to employ drones – both in the air and at sea. Drones have revolutionised modern warfare and become increasingly vital to Ukraine’s ability to counter the Russian advance. The UAVs allow Ukraine’s army, in particular, to compensate for its lack of manpower on the battlefield, and are often used to plug gaps in Kyiv’s defences.

Before being appointed to his new role, Brovdi had commanded an aerial reconnaissance unit known as the Birds of the Madyar. – hence his nickname.

A native of Zakarpattia, he was a businessman before the full-scale war began. Since joining the army, he has been deployed mostly to the eastern front.

In a video interview, the commander claimed his unit had inflicted massive casualties on the Russians.

“We’ve lost 27 of our own. In return, we destroyed 24,895 Russian troops and 76,950 targets,” he said. “That’s two entire army corps. For every one of ours – 1,000 of theirs.”

Russia’s army has suffered catastrophic losses since it started its ill-fated full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine’s General Staff estimates that Russian casualties number 1,148,910 – this includes both dead and injured.

The constant need to replenish the army’s ranks has forced Putin to change Russia’s draft laws.

The Russian President signed a new law on Tuesday, allowing for year-round conscription, which moves away from the seasonal and biannual draft system.

Brovdi also promised further strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, which has been remorselessly targeted by Kyiv.

He urged young Ukrainians to join the ranks of his drone battalion, saying: “We need people who will use drones to relentlessly crush the worms from a distance.”