Ukraine Prepares for War: A Nation Unites Against Russian Aggression

Strategic Insights -

As the threat of a Russian invasion looms, millions of Ukrainians are preparing to defend themselves and their nation. The past eight years of grinding conflict have hardened Ukrainians, who are now turning to total defence as a strategy to resist the encroaching Russian forces. The Ukrainian government's adoption of this concept has led to a surge in the formation of territorial defence battalions and civil defence units across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 14,000 Ukrainians have been killed since the start of the conflict in 2014, with the majority of casualties occurring in the Donbas region.
  • The Ukrainian government has adopted the concept of total defence, aimed at creating a national resistance movement to assist the military in defending the country and maintaining order in the event of a government incapacitation or overthrow.
  • Ordinary Ukrainians are receiving basic training from army personnel, reservists, and volunteers, learning how to handle AK-47 assault rifles, move under fire, and apply tourniquets in combat.
  • The number of civilians applying for training is too high for government resources to accommodate, with thousands of citizens showing interest in paramilitary groups and territorial defence units.
  • The upsurge in civil defence and paramilitary training reflects the strength of Ukrainian civil society, which has been fostered by Russian aggression and strengthened support for the country's western orientation.
  • The Russian government's characterization of the Ukrainian Maidan revolution as a fascist coup has been contradicted by the surge in interest in civil defence, with everyday Ukrainians wanting to play a role in defending their country.

Statistics:

  • Over 14,000 Ukrainians have been killed since the start of the conflict in 2014.
  • The Ukrainian government has established territorial defence battalions, units of selected volunteers overseen by military officers in every region of the country.
  • Allegedly, rounds of ammunition cost approximately £1 per shot in training classes.
  • Thousands of civilians have applied for training, with many showing interest in paramilitary groups and territorial defence units.

Sources:

  • [Ben Hall, The Financial Times' Europe editor]
  • [Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni, photographers]