Ukraine Launches New Program to Pay Civilians Up to $2,400 Monthly for Shooting Down Russian Drones

Ukraine has introduced a bold new initiative offering civilian volunteers up to $2,400 per month to help detect and destroy Russian drones threatening its cities.

Approved by Ukrainian lawmakers on Wednesday, the plan allows civilians to use their hunting rifles, arms, and even personal vehicles to support aerial defense operations, according to Taras Melynchuk.

“The aim is to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense,” Melynchuk wrote on Telegram, as waves of Russian Shahed drones continue to batter urban areas.

A draft of the measure, shared by lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko, outlines that volunteers could earn up to $2,426 monthly, depending on their level of participation. That’s a significant figure in Ukraine, where average wages are far lower. Government data from January 2022 showed an average salary of 1$353, while job site Work.UA reported a rise by June 2025.

Local governments will fund the program, with payouts determined by commanders in the Territorial Defense Forces. Each group of volunteers will be led by an appointed team leader, responsible for monthly reports on activity and personnel.

The plan authorizes the use of personal gear and vehicles, specifically including cars, and states that volunteers may also be provided with equipment from Ukraine’s forces if necessary. Notably, while official anti-drone squads often use heavy-duty weapons like the M2 Browning machine gun, volunteers might rely on lighter arms, such as hunting rifles or shotguns.

Ukraine already has around 500 mobile anti-drone units, many operating at night in personal vehicles, engaging enemy drones with mounted weaponry.

Crucially, the plan opens volunteer opportunities to any Ukrainian not currently mobilised. It also seeks to integrate existing paramilitary and drone units under the Ministry of Defense, provided they can show proof of proper training.

Families of volunteers who are killed in action will be eligible for the same benefits as military veterans’ families, including one-time payments and pension support.

The rollout of this volunteer air defense force comes as Russia ramps up its nocturnal drone and missile attacks, often launching hundreds of Iranian-made Shahed drones in combined strikes on Ukrainian cities.