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.
Experts & Staff
Dmytro Kryvosheiev
Visiting Fellow
Areas of expertise
EU-Ukraine relations: US-Ukraine relations; Ukraine's foreign policy and security issues; Reforms in Ukraine; Russia; China
Languages
English, Ukrainian, Russian
Biography
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.
Strike traction: How the West can support a Ukrainian counter-offensive
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.
Immediate impact: How Western heavy weapons are already helping Ukraine halt Russia
If the West truly wants Ukraine to win, and quickly, it should urgently intensify its supply of weapons to the country
All-out support: The West’s commitments to Ukraine
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.
Why advanced weapons can help Ukraine defeat Russia
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.
How Western offensive weapons can help Ukraine defeat Russia
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.
Why Ukraine needs greater military support from the West
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.
View from Kyiv: Putin’s failed blitzkrieg and the future of Europe
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.
Articles
All-weather allies: Ukraine’s counteroffensive and the coming winter
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: Why Western allies should keep calm and carry on
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
The Kyiv sanctuary: Building the Ukrainian defence against Russian missiles
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
The Zelensky-Lukashenka-Tsikhanouskaya triangle: Understanding Ukraine’s relationship with the Belarusian opposition
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
Alligator arms: A proactive strategy for Ukraine’s military support
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
Closing ranks: Ukraine’s role in future European defence
European leaders should integrate Ukraine into common defence projects, where the country’s experience and knowledge of war-fighting will be invaluable
Send in the Leopards: Why Western allies should deliver tanks to Ukraine
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
Test drive: How Ukraine could strengthen Europe’s Sky Shield Initiative
Ukraine’s experience of defending itself against Russian aerial attacks could make it an important future member of Europe’s Sky Shield Initiative
No partial measures: How Ukraine can meet the challenge of Russia’s mobilisation
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.
How the West can help Ukraine capitalise on the Kherson counteroffensive
Ukraine has lured a significant number of Russian troops south – but the country still needs significant help on arms deliveries
In the media
In the last few months, Ukrainian political leaders significantly increased communication efforts with their counterparts from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and South-east Asia
Dmytro Kryvosheiev comments on relations between Ukraine and the Global South in the context of peace talks in Saudi Arabia on the war
The Russian military responded to these failures by reverting to tactics based on barrage fire
Denys Davydenko, Margaryta Khvostova, Dmytro Kryvosheiev and Olga Lymar analyse Russia’s initial military failures in Ukraine
As an ally to both, the European Union can facilitate their mutual understanding and engagement
Margaryta Khvostova, Dmytro Kryvosheiev and Pavel Slunkin on Ukraine’s relationship with the Belarusian opposition