In a recent address at The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, shared insights on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
His speech offers a deep reflection on the nature of war, its implications for democratic societies, and the future of global security.
Today's special session at the #LWC24 is lead by His Excellency General (Ret.) Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukrainian Ambassador to UK. pic.twitter.com/u5meldXVay
— RUSI (@RUSI_org) July 22, 2024
Zaluzhnyi emphasised the harsh realities learned from Ukraine’s struggle, quoting the ancient Roman historian Cornelius Nepos: “Si vis pacem, para bellum” – “If you want peace, prepare for war.” This principle, he argued, remains painfully relevant in the 21st century. Ukraine’s experience, Zaluzhnyi stated, is a testament to the necessity of readiness and resilience in the face of aggression.
Reflecting on his own life, Zaluzhnyi noted that he was born 28 years after one of the most devastating wars in human history had ended. The world he entered was free from the immediate horrors of bombings and battles. Yet today, he finds himself praying that future generations will never witness the atrocities that have scarred his nation and family. The Ambassador underscored that the fight for the right to live in peace must never cease, as evil remains ever-present and ready to kill.
Throughout history, humanity has repeatedly engaged in wars, often resulting in unprecedented levels of death and destruction. The 20th century alone saw two world wars that claimed approximately 60 million lives. Zaluzhnyi posed a crucial question: Is humanity prepared to face the next large-scale conflict, potentially a Third World War?
The responsibility, Zaluzhnyi contended, partly lies with professional military personnel who understand the true cost of war. Reflecting on the decade-long Ukraine-Russia conflict, he called on democratic nations and their governments to wake up and consider how best to protect their citizens. Sharing Ukraine’s hard-earned knowledge and experience, he stressed the importance of being prepared for war to maintain peace.
The Ambassador highlighted several critical lessons from Ukraine’s war, particularly since its full-scale invasion by Russia on 24 February 2022. Firstly, while wars should be avoided, readiness for war is essential. This readiness encompasses not only military preparedness but also the readiness of society, built on transparent communication between the government and the people. Societies must be willing to temporarily forego certain freedoms to survive, as modern wars demand total societal effort, not just military engagement.
Political leaders play a pivotal role in mobilising society, leveraging all state resources, including the economy, finances, population, and allies. This mobilisation inevitably impacts political processes within the country. Therefore, preparedness for war is defined by both the military’s readiness to repel aggression and the society’s willingness to withstand it.
Zaluzhnyi argued against viewing war as part of internal political processes. War, he insisted, is about survival, not political manoeuvring. He cited Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz: “War is the continuation of politics by other means.” However, Zaluzhnyi noted, the global scale of the war in Ukraine has influenced internal politics in other countries, often to the advantage of adversaries.
The Ambassador firmly believes that a war for freedom in one country should underpin the survival of democracy in all free nations. War, he stated, is a science with its own laws and rules, which must be studied and understood. Misusing war for personal gain or attempting to manipulate its course for selfish interests leads to immense casualties.
Ukraine’s war experience, Zaluzhnyi continued, has highlighted the evolving nature of warfare. Modern wars are influenced heavily by technological advancements. The initial phase of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2014 was markedly different from the intensified conflict that erupted on 24 February 2022. The latter phase quickly exhausted Ukraine’s resources, necessitating a renewal of military capabilities and a shift towards new strategies and technologies.
In recent conflicts, technological innovation has played a crucial role in shaping strategies and tactics. The ongoing war has shown that merely possessing advanced technology is insufficient; effective application and integration into military structures are vital. The Ambassador emphasised that future wars will be defined by who can master these technologies first.
Ukraine, despite its challenges, has demonstrated resilience and innovation on the battlefield. However, Zaluzhnyi acknowledged that neither Ukraine nor Russia can independently master these technologies in the near future. This reality underscores the need for increased human resources and international cooperation.
In conclusion, Zaluzhnyi quoted retired US General Stanley McChrystal: “Adhering to yesterday’s rules of war will not lead to success today or tomorrow.” He stressed that understanding this is crucial to saving lives and ensuring victory. The ongoing conflict is not just about survival for Ukraine but also about shaping the future of global security. The democratic world must build robust defences against tyranny, and Ukraine’s struggle offers valuable lessons for this endeavour.
Read also:
President Zelensky Appoints General Valeriy Zaluzhny as Ambassador to the United Kingdom
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