Was Ukraine Prepared When Russia Attacked?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 raised crucial questions about the country's readiness and preparedness. This conflict, following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, highlighted a significant shift in Ukraine's defense posture. While it was evident that in 2014, Ukraine was not adequately prepared for such an invasion, subsequent years saw substantial improvements in its military and defense capabilities.

Ukraine's Initial Ineffectiveness in 2014

Ukraine's situation in 2014 was dire. The country faced significant leadership and governance issues, with former President Viktor Yanukovych, seen as a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in corrupt practices and failing to address potential security threats. When Yanukovych was forced to resign in March 2014, Putin moved quickly to annex Crimea and support pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Progress and Readiness from 2014 to 2022

Since 2014, Ukraine has undertaken significant efforts to bolster its military and defense capabilities. This period saw a range of strategic and tactical adjustments aimed at better preparing the country for potential military threats from Russia. One of the key areas of focus was enhancing the training and readiness of its armed forces. Troops stationed in regions like Donetsk gained valuable experience in combat operations against Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region.

NATO and US Support

The Ukrainian government recognized the need for external support and worked closely with the United States and NATO allies. In recent months leading up to the invasion, the US and its allies provided substantial security assistance, including:

Ammunition Stinger anti-aircraft missiles Humvee military transports

The US also facilitated the transfer of weapons initially sold to countries like Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to Ukraine. NATO countries, including the UK, contributed with advanced weapons systems and training. For instance, the provision of Stingers, Javelins, and NLAW weapons provided a significant boost to Ukrainian ground forces.

Ukraine's Response and Readiness

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of continued military aid and support. In a statement announcing the strengthening of defenses around Kyiv, Zelensky noted, “We have gone through the war and due preparation. Therefore, we are ready to meet enemies and not with flowers but with Stingers, Javelins, and NLAW.”

A Failed Strategy and Ongoing Challenges

Despite the significant investments in military readiness, the Russian invasion still posed a significant challenge. However, it can be argued that Ukraine was more prepared for this invasion than Russia. The Russian strategy did not account for the resilience shown by Ukraine. Ukraine's forces, while not matching Russia in sheer scale, were better trained, better equipped, and more experienced.

Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhny, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, underscored this in a statement: “Welcome to hell!” This sentiment not only reflected the determination of the Ukrainian military but also the understood consequences of the Russian military actions.

As the conflict continues, the resilience and preparedness of Ukraine remain critical issues to monitor. The lessons learned from past conflicts and the ongoing support from Western nations will play a significant role in determining the outcome of this conflict.