
Lessons for the West: Russia’s military failures in Ukraine
Ukraine has proven that it can counter Russian military tactics and strategy. To continue to do so, the country will require greater support from the West.
Visiting Fellow
EU-Ukraine relations: US-Ukraine relations; Ukraine's foreign policy and security issues; Reforms in Ukraine; Russia; China
English, Ukrainian, Russian
Dmytro Kryvosheiev is a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. He specialises in Ukraine’s foreign and security policy in light of Russia’s aggression, including the military development of the war and Western support for the country. He also focuses on Russian disinformation narratives for Russian and Ukrainian audiences.
Kryvosheiev has more than seven years’ experience in media and communications and works at the Reanimation Package of Reforms Coalition, a group of leading NGOs advocating reform in Ukraine.
Ukraine has proven that it can counter Russian military tactics and strategy. To continue to do so, the country will require greater support from the West.
Ukraine will need more advanced heavy weapons if it is to conduct an effective large-scale counter-offensive against Russia. The West can help in two main ways.
If the West truly wants Ukraine to win, and quickly, it should urgently intensify its supply of weapons to the country
Ukraine’s Western partners now recognise that it can defeat Russia. Yet they need to provide the guarantees of long-term support that will make this a reality.
Russia’s new offensive in Ukraine calls for a change in the Western response. NATO countries should supply the Ukrainian military with advanced systems and the training to use them.
A prolonged confrontation would help Russia regroup and adapt. The quicker Ukraine receives more military support from its allies, the greater its chances of driving Russian forces out of its territory.
Many more Ukrainians want to defend their country than have the weapons to do so. An increase in Western military support is vital to Ukraine’s survival.
In this war, Ukrainians have proved that they belong in the European family. Yet they need far more support from their partners – including modern air defence systems – as they fight to protect the democratic world.
With less than two months remaining until winter begins, Ukrainian forces are working to secure better positions for the 2024 campaign. Western allies can help them prepare
The Ukrainian counteroffensive is contending with a well-prepared enemy. Western allies need to remain patient as they equip Ukraine to put continued pressure on Russian defences
Ukraine, together with its Western allies, has created an effective air defence system against Russian missiles and drones in Kyiv. Now it is time to extend that system to the rest of the country
Despite their common goals, the Ukrainian authorities have shown little interest in cooperating with the Belarusian opposition. As an ally to both, the EU can facilitate their understanding and engagement
Western military support helped sustain Ukraine through the first year of the war. But if Western allies want a Ukrainian victory, they need to adopt a more proactive strategy
European leaders should integrate Ukraine into common defence projects, where the country’s experience and knowledge of war-fighting will be invaluable
After several countries committed to delivering heavy weapons to Ukraine, all eyes are on Germany and the US, and whether they will agree to send Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine
Ukraine’s experience of defending itself against Russian aerial attacks could make it an important future member of Europe’s Sky Shield Initiative
Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation is a sign of desperation. Yet Ukraine will still need weapons deliveries to help respond to the arrival of thousands of Russian conscripts.
Ukraine has lured a significant number of Russian troops south – but the country still needs significant help on arms deliveries