Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
In an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian, Robert 'Madyar' Brovdi explained why no military hardware appeared at Moscow’s May 9 parade and outlined Ukraine’s strike strategy. Brovdi stated that Ukrainian drones are focused on hitting Russia’s energy and military infrastructure, not symbolic targets.
The meeting with Brovdi took place in Dnipro, where he reported that units from his 414th brigade, known as the 'Madyar’s Birds,' are successfully destroying Russian air defense systems. Currently, the strike range from Brovdi’s command bunker extends to 2,000 kilometers. He cited recent attacks, including:
- four strikes on the Tuapse oil terminal within two weeks;
- attacks on the Baltic ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga;
- a hit on the Perm oil refinery;
- and targeting fighter jets in Chelyabinsk, located 1,700 kilometers from the front line.
Brovdi also emphasized that Russia has been losing more soldiers than it can recruit for five consecutive months. He estimates Russian losses at 30,000 to 34,000 per month. Brovdi noted that
“this affects the combat capability of the Russian army and reduces its offensive potential.”He added that drones account for 80% of enemy equipment destruction and that
“a blitzkrieg is now impossible.”
The commander stated that even if Russia had a million tanks, it could not repeat its attempt to capture Kyiv, because 'two million drones would swarm over those tanks and mercilessly burn them.' He believes Russia will not stop its aggression, saying, 'neither we nor you have time.'
Additionally, according to Ukrainian military sources, earlier this year Ukrainian forces recaptured 12 villages in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. In April, for the first time since 2024, Russian troops lost more territory than they gained, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War. Captain Oleh Kopan, deputy commander of reconnaissance artillery for the 148th brigade, confirmed that Ukrainian forces continue to advance and liberate territory, stating that 'the enemy is suffering heavy losses.'
Brovdi, a former grain trader, took command of the Unmanned Systems Forces last year and has since become the second most targeted person by Russian intelligence services, after Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He highlighted that the Delta system processes 12–15 terabytes of data daily, supporting the strategy of striking critical infrastructure.
Brovdi also expressed doubts about a quick end to the war, arguing that 'a pause would simply give Putin a chance to regroup.' He added that 'he is afflicted with an incurable disease of power and a desire to build a dictatorship.'
Brovdi’s remarks underscore the importance of drone technology in modern warfare and its role in destroying enemy infrastructure. By focusing on strategic targets, Ukrainian forces aim to offset Russia’s numerical advantage in military equipment. Russia’s mounting losses point to a decline in its combat effectiveness, which could shape the conflict’s future trajectory.
As the Ukrainian military continues to adapt its strategies, the focus on drone warfare has become increasingly significant. In light of this, Ukraine's ambitious plan to produce over 7 million drones annually highlights a transformative shift in modern combat. This surge in drone manufacturing is not only aimed at enhancing operational capabilities but also at ensuring sustained pressure on Russian forces, as outlined by Commander Brovdi's recent statements on the battlefield dynamics.