Ukraine has marked the 35th anniversary of its independence on the 1,643rd day of Russia’s 23rd war against an unbreakable nation. The issue is not merely that, throughout history and in keeping with Moscow’s longstanding tradition of aggression and territorial conquest, Russia has periodically attacked Ukraine and sought to destroy it as an independent state. The deeper reality is that this threat will persist — both in the foreseeable future and over the longer course of history. Russia is an existential enemy.
For more than 12 years of war, including more than four and a half years since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has held its ground thanks to the nation’s resilience, its capacity for continuous innovation, and extensive international support. Yet there is another side to the equation: despite its weakening economy, the Putin regime is going all-in, seeking Ukraine’s complete capitulation, while the shifting international political landscape provides no guarantee that its partners will be able to sustain their support for many years to come — particularly given Ukraine’s own shortcomings in organizing its defense.
Ukraine’s long-term resilience will depend above all on two strategic factors: motivated, well-trained people committed to defending their homeland, and technological superiority on the battlefield. People and technology are, of course, inextricably linked.” It is people who make decisions, manage and coordinate operations, fight, develop new technologies, and put them to use in warfare. Without professional and dedicated personnel, it is difficult to envision a credible path to victory.
