Ukraine gamifies the war: 40 points to destroy a tank, 12 to kill a soldier

The Ukrainian drone zeroed in on the two Russian soldiers riding a motorcycle just after 9 amon July 19, closer and closer, until it swooped down to hit its mark and the camera went dark.

- KIM BARKER & OLEKSANDRA MYKOLYSHYN

Officials believe that the competition keeps troops energised after three and a half years of war in the region

Itwasa high-value target for the drone operator’s regiment: worth as many as 24 points, to be exact. Ina real-world game run by the Ukrainian government, regimentsare being rewarded with points for successful attacks.

Wound a Russian soldier? Eight points. Kill one? That is good for 12. A Russian drone pilot is worth more: 15 points for wounding one, and 2s points fora kill. Capturing a Russian soldier alive with the help ofa drone is the jackpot: 120 points.

“Tt’sa brutal game— human lives turned into points,” said Stun, 33, adrone commander for the Ukrainian unmanned systems regiment knownas Achilles. In keeping with military protocol, he goes by only his call sign.