Since the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression in 2022, Ukraine has made significant strides in adapting its military approach, turning an anticipated quick invasion into a prolonged and costly engagement for Russian forces.
A recent panel hosted at LANDEURO on July 16 brought together military leaders, defense industry representatives, and Ukrainian officials to discuss the evolution of Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the context of this ongoing conflict.
Moderated by Dr. John Nagl, a professor at the Army War College, the panel included key figures such as Armed Forces Ukraine Maj. Gen. Volodymyr Horbatiuk, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, Maj. Robert Brovdi, Maximillian Froch, and Oleksandra Azarkhina.
One of the core topics of discussion was how Ukraine’s armed forces have transformed structurally.
Lt. Gen. Buzzard pointed out the rapid expansion of Ukraine’s military from just 20 brigades to over 100 in a short period.
This kind of growth has necessitated innovative training, organization, and leadership techniques, all taking place within the high-stakes environment of an ongoing war.
He stressed the need for NATO and U.S. leaders to continue learning from Ukraine’s experiences, echoing the sentiment that complacency should never be an option.
The panelists noted a strong collaborative effort between government officials, private companies, and the civilian population, which has bolstered Ukraine’s ability to innovate quickly.
Rather than relying on cumbersome bureaucratic processes, Ukraine has adapted through grassroots-driven solutions that are more agile and cost-effective.
Azarkhina illustrated this approach, emphasizing that it is both values-driven and resourceful.
She called for NATO and its partners to enhance alignment through intelligence sharing, joint procurement, and efficient coordination, aiming to stabilize the frontline as the conflict continues.
A significant focus of the panel was the increasing reliance on unmanned systems, including aerial drones and ground vehicles, in Ukraine’s military operations.
According to Maj. Brovdi, these technological advancements have significantly improved the ability to gather intelligence while ensuring the safety of operators.
He conveyed optimism about Ukraine’s developing doctrine surrounding unmanned systems, suggesting it could serve as a model for NATO allies moving forward.
Despite the advancements and successes, Brovdi outlined three major challenges Ukraine faces as the war drags on.
Firstly, he noted that Russian forces are being deployed in overwhelming numbers, placing immense strain on Ukrainian defenses.
Secondly, he highlighted the ongoing damage to critical infrastructure across Ukraine from relentless Russian attacks.
Finally, he expressed concern over the civilian population’s full engagement in the war effort, indicating that there currently exists no reserve personnel to support military operations.
Ukraine’s ongoing conflict experience is reshaping defense paradigms worldwide and influencing initiatives like the Army Transformation Initiative.
Rather than adhering to outdated military systems, Ukraine’s approach emphasizes agility and collaboration utilizing modern technology across all societal sectors.
image source from：army
