According to the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, the Ukrainian military has implemented a point system where soldiers earn points for destroying enemy personnel and equipment. The system was developed by Defense Minister Myhailo Fedorov, as reported by Ilta-Sanomat. Points can be used by units to purchase weapons and equipment from an online store, and a monthly honor roll is published for units with the highest points.
Ilta-Sanomat details specific point values: 12 points for a killed Russian soldier, 8 for a wounded one, 25 for a drone operator, 40 for a destroyed tank, and 100 for a helicopter. The system provides accurate data on warfare for the Ukrainian army, Ilta-Sanomat states. War expert Oleksandr Kovalenko, cited by Ilta-Sanomat, analyzed that the system motivates younger generations familiar with video games.
Ilta-Sanomat emphasizes that this is not a video game but a real bonus system, highlighting its value for acquiring resources. The extent to which the point system is implemented across all Ukrainian Defense Forces units remains unclear. Additionally, the specific weapons and equipment available for purchase with points from the online store have not been detailed in the reports.
One unit reportedly utilizing this system is the Hostri Kartuzy unit, which is part of the Ukrainian National Guard. Ilta-Sanomat reports that the Hostri Kartuzy unit is named after the TV series Peaky Blinders. The unit uses social media to share videos of drone attacks to gather resources through donations and publicity.
' To earn points, units must submit video evidence of kills through the army's communication system, according to Ilta-Sanomat. How the accuracy of this video evidence is verified by the army's communication system is not specified. The Hostri Kartuzy unit had 1,025 confirmed kills last year, Ilta-Sanomat reports.
The unit's base is in Kramatorsk, Eastern Ukraine, and is described as having disorder and equipment storage. The Hostri Kartuzy unit received hats from the Peaky Blinders production, Ilta-Sanomat notes. The total number of points earned by the Hostri Kartuzy unit or other top-performing units is unknown.
The point system is designed to enhance operational efficiency by incentivizing combat achievements with tangible rewards, according to Ilta-Sanomat. This approach aims to streamline resource allocation and boost morale among troops. The online marketplace for weapons and equipment is part of a broader digital transformation in the Ukrainian military, facilitating faster procurement processes.
The monthly honor roll not only recognizes high-performing units but also fosters competition and transparency within the forces. The integration of video evidence submission ensures that points are awarded based on verifiable actions, though the exact verification mechanisms remain unspecified. The Hostri Kartuzy unit's use of social media for resource gathering highlights a modern strategy to supplement military supplies through public engagement.
The unit's naming after Peaky Blinders reflects a cultural influence that may appeal to younger recruits. The disorder and equipment storage at their base in Kramatorsk illustrate the challenging conditions under which such units operate. The receipt of hats from the Peaky Blinders production adds a symbolic element to the unit's identity.
Overall, the point system represents an innovative adaptation to wartime needs, blending gamification with practical military logistics.