Ukrainian forces participating in the NATO exercise “Aurora 26” in Sweden played the role of opposing forces and rapidly neutralized tanks and Western units using reconnaissance and kamikaze drones, according to the German newspaper Die Welt. Soldiers from Ukraine’s 1st Azov Corps experienced a culture shock during the May drills, pointing to frequent coffee breaks and strict drone-use restrictions that they argued would leave Western forces unprepared for a modern battlefield.
NATO Military Standards Lag Behind Modern Warfare, Says Zaluzjnyj
Valerij Zaluzjnyj, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, delivered sharp criticism of the Western military alliance during a meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors in Kyiv. According to The Kyiv Independent, Zaluzjnyj stated that NATO’s military standards have fallen behind the rapid pace of modern combat developments.
“It is impossible for the Ukrainian defense, with its current level of development, to become a member of an organization that is governed by doctrines from the Second World War,” Zaluzjnyj said.
Zaluzjnyj estimated that NATO would need approximately twelve years to adopt new standards that would enable the alliance to reach at least half of Russia’s current capability level. Consequently, he suggested that Ukraine should explore new European security partnerships, predicting the formation of a European military security bloc.
Speed and Innovation Drive Ukrainian Tactical Success
Reporting by Die Welt highlights tempo as the primary operational difference between Ukrainian forces and Western military doctrine. Commander Vadym Krykun of the Lubart Brigade explained that the war in Ukraine evolves so rapidly that new methods become obsolete shortly after implementation.
“We develop a tool, and the adversary develops the countermeasure,” Krykun told Die Welt. “Whoever rests or becomes complacent immediately falls behind.”
To maintain operational momentum, Ukraine has introduced a performance point system for drone units. Units earn points for visually confirmed hits against Russian targets, which can then be exchanged for new drones and unmanned vehicles. This system rewards successful units and accelerates equipment acquisition.
Empowering Young Leaders in Unmanned Systems
Ukraine has increasingly entrusted young officers and technology experts with leadership positions to manage software-driven warfare. According to Die Welt, modern combat relies heavily on programming, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and uncrewed systems, necessitating leaders who actively drive technological progress.
Several key drone units are led by commanders in their mid-30s. Jurij Fedorenko, known by the call sign “Achilles,” commands the 429th Regiment for Unmanned Systems at age 34, while Lubart commander Vadym Krykun and leaders within the “Magyar’s Birds” drone unit are similarly aged.
“We all entered the army at the same time, highly motivated and with a feeling that we had to work far beyond the usual military rules,” said a drone commander using the call sign “Topot,” emphasizing that these units independently seek out technological solutions rather than waiting for state directives.
Did you know?
Ukraine has significantly expanded its domestic defense manufacturing, shifting from total reliance on foreign arms supplies at the start of the conflict to producing its own drones and long-range precision weapons at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ukrainian soldiers criticize the NATO exercise “Aurora 26”?
Ukrainian soldiers from the Azov Corps criticized the Swedish exercise for its slow pace, frequent coffee breaks referred to as “fika,” and rigid regulations that restricted drone operations, concluding that Western forces are unprepared for modern combat conditions.
What are Valerij Zaluzjnyj’s views on NATO membership?
According to The Kyiv Independent, Zaluzjnyj stated that Ukraine cannot join an alliance operating under Second World War doctrines and suggested that Kyiv should look toward a future European military security bloc.
How do Ukrainian drone units acquire new equipment quickly?
As reported by Die Welt, Ukrainian drone brigades utilize a point-based reward system where visually verified hits against Russian targets earn points exchangeable for new drones and unmanned vehicles.
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