Ukraine’s Deal With the US Is Unbelievably Hot – One Russian Down for Every $20,000 Spent!

A Ukrainian drone unit commander is making a compelling case to the West, particularly the United States, by highlighting how cost-effective it is to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia. His unit’s calculations, shared with The Atlantic, reveal a staggering figure: for every $20,000 invested in drones, they manage to take out one Russian soldier. This claim suggests a strategy that could appeal to Western leaders looking for efficient ways to support Ukraine’s resistance without breaking the bank.

The commander, who goes by the nickname “Achilles,” explained his unit’s approach, noting that with a $100 million investment, they could stay on the battlefield for an entire year. In that time, they could carry out 5,000 lethal drone strikes, effectively eliminating Russian targets. These numbers paint a picture of how Ukrainian forces are leveraging technology and strategy to get the most bang for their buck.

For context, compare the cost of the drones used by Achilles’ unit to other military expenses. A basic unguided artillery shell costs around $3,000, while a GPS-guided shell can soar to $100,000 per round. The Switchblade drones, often used by the U.S. military, come with a price tag of about $58,000 each, though some estimates suggest the true cost could be as high as $80,000 once training and maintenance are factored in.

Achilles believes these numbers could be persuasive to Western policymakers. His argument is simple: supporting Ukraine not only helps push back against Russia but also serves the broader geopolitical interests of the West by weakening Russian influence. This, in turn, undermines potential threats from nations like China and Iran. From a financial standpoint, it’s a win-win for the U.S. and its allies.

The commander is based in Kharkiv, a city that has been at the heart of the conflict. His Telegram channel regularly posts footage of drone strikes against Russian forces, showcasing the precision and effectiveness of his unit. His argument is aimed at maintaining, or even increasing, Western military aid, especially as concerns grow that the flow of equipment and resources may slow down.

Indeed, there are already signs of waning enthusiasm in some parts of the West. While President Joe Biden signed an executive agreement in June pledging support to Ukraine for the next decade, it’s an agreement that could easily be overturned by a future president. Donald Trump, for example, has made it clear that he would rather strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin than continue funneling resources into Ukraine’s defense.

Ukraine is not oblivious to the challenges ahead. As the war drags on and Western nations face internal political pressures, Ukraine knows it cannot rely solely on foreign aid. In February, Ukraine’s former military chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, urged a shift in mindset. “We must contend with a reduction in military support from key allies, grappling with their own political tensions,” Zaluzhnyi said, calling for a focus on cheaper alternatives like drones. A few days later, he was replaced by Oleksandr Syrskyi, signaling a changing approach within Ukraine’s military leadership.

To fill the gap left by dwindling international aid, Ukraine has been ramping up its domestic defense production. From artillery systems to missiles and drones, the country is increasingly turning to homegrown solutions. According to Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s minister of strategic industries, the focus is on quantity rather than quality when it comes to drone manufacturing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, announcing that the country now has the capacity to produce 4 million drones a year.

Achilles’ strategy underscores a broader trend within Ukraine’s defense apparatus—finding ways to continue the fight despite limited resources. His unit’s ability to achieve measurable success on a relatively small budget is a testament to the adaptability of Ukraine’s military. With rising pressure to maintain the flow of aid, Achilles hopes his figures can convince Western leaders that continued support isn’t just morally right—it’s financially smart.