According to a report by the German daily newspaper WELT, training exercises between NATO units and Ukrainian soldiers revealed stark tactical vulnerabilities in conventional Western military preparedness, highlighted by scenarios where simulated defenders were overwhelmed so quickly that organizers had to repeatedly reset destroyed equipment to keep the drills running.
NATO Training Drills Exposed by Combat Realities
According to an interview with a soldier named Alex from the Lubart brigade—part of the Azov Corps—published by WELT, NATO units repeatedly paused operations for coffee breaks, locally known as “Fika,” to ensure troops received adequate rest.
Alex also noted that the exercises featured restrictive regulations dictating precisely where and under what conditions drones could be operated on the training grounds. During simulated assaults, Ukrainian units broke through opposing defenses so rapidly that exercise organizers were forced to return “eliminated” units and equipment back into the simulation just to keep the training operational.
“In this state, Western armies wouldn’t stand a chance on the modern battlefield,” Alex told WELT.
German military training grounds have hosted Ukrainian instructors training Bundeswehr troops since the beginning of the year. More than four years after the start of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, a growing consensus within Germany recognizes that the Bundeswehr must drastically close its capability gaps, according to the WELT report.
Did you know? Ukrainian instructors have been embedded at German military facilities to share tactical adaptations learned directly from frontline engagements against Russian forces.
Five Core Lessons for Modern Defense
The WELT report outlines five primary lessons that modern military forces must adopt based on Ukraine’s frontline experience.
The first lesson centers on the velocity of innovation. According to Wadym Krykun, commander of the Lubart brigade, warfare evolves from day to day, making the ability to react faster than an adversary the ultimate decisive advantage. “We develop a tool, the adversary develops a countermeasure. Anyone who stops or gets too comfortable falls behind immediately,” Krykun said. To counter this, Ukraine implemented incentive systems where drone units earn points for verified hits and exchange them for new hardware.
The second lesson emphasizes delegating authority to younger commanders and technological experts. The report highlights figures like former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and a young commander of the Topot drone unit, who stated, “We don’t wait for the state to solve problems. We look for solutions ourselves.” Modern warfare increasingly depends on artificial intelligence and data management rather than strictly adhering to seniority.
The third lesson involves intelligence operations. Ukraine leverages deep cooperation with Western intelligence agencies while simultaneously expanding its own military intelligence (GUR) and security service (SBU) capabilities to strike deep behind Russian lines.
The fourth lesson focuses on industrial and logistical readiness for total mobilization. Ukraine had to rapidly scale up recruitment and training facilities within weeks of the invasion while simultaneously building a domestic defense industry centered on uncrewed aerial vehicles and precision-guided munitions.
The fifth lesson addresses societal resilience. Because of Russia’s numerical superiority, Ukraine relies on continuous mobilization, creating an armed forces structure comprised largely of civilians. “Our army is basically an army of civilians,” Krykun said, questioning whether citizens in other European nations would be prepared to make similar sacrifices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did NATO training exercises require simulation resets?
According to WELT, Ukrainian units broke through opposing defenses during simulated attacks so rapidly that organizers had to restore eliminated personnel and equipment to keep the drills running.
What specific tactical changes are Western armies being urged to adopt?
Based on frontline Ukrainian experiences reported by WELT, Western militaries are urged to accelerate innovation cycles, empower junior technology officers, modernize drone deployment protocols, and streamline mobilization readiness.
Who is Wadym Krykun?
Wadym Krykun is the commander of the Lubart brigade, which operates within the Azov Corps, and has publicly emphasized the necessity of rapid adaptation in modern warfare.
What are your thoughts on how traditional military institutions can adapt to rapid technological shifts? Leave a comment below or explore our latest defense analysis for more updates.
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