Agencies : A report by the British newspaper "Independent" says that skilled Ukrainians use batteries from electronic cigarette pens - which are no longer usable as they are single-use - to operate drones on the front lines.

The Independent report begins by saying that few associate electronic cigarettes with armed drones, but in a crowded workshop in Kyiv; these single-use cigarettes have become the latest war weapon.

Across the country, Ukrainians have launched pioneering initiatives to support the Ukrainian army and even arm it against Russian forces superior in number and armament by multiples.

The report explained that an engineering student preparing for a doctorate at the "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" launched an initiative to collect disposable electronic cigarettes and recover a valuable commodity inside them; which is "lithium polymer" batteries.

These batteries are used to operate the launch systems attached to the drones; enabling them to carry and drop anything from medical supplies to hand grenades. The launch systems were designed using 3D printers.

The 26-year-old student - from his workshop filled with half-built drones and 3D printers in an unknown location in the capital Kyiv - said, "We started collecting electronic cigarettes after the price of lithium batteries rose a month ago."

Since Ukraine had to close its airports at the beginning of the war, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain imported materials.

The cost of lithium batteries was one dollar each, but it increased fivefold; significantly increasing its cost, but the batteries in electronic cigarettes are obtained for free, can be reused, and are environmentally friendly.

Drones
The British newspaper reported that a team of about 60 volunteers started manufacturing drone systems, with 30 of them working specifically on the electronic cigarette plan.

Within 4 months, they built 4,000 drop systems, all costing less than $30.

They also manufacture drones from scratch and repurpose existing commercial drones to align with their drop systems.

Three weeks ago, they started working using electronic cigarette batteries.

The report said drones have become crucial in the battle, allowing Ukrainian forces to monitor artillery and direct fire efficiently, saving ammunition. They can also drop anything; starting from anti-personnel bombs to small bombs, or deliver medical supplies to soldiers facing difficulties.