Ukraine’s defense gaps threaten war effort, says expert

Glen Grant, a military analyst and defense expert with 37 years of service in the British Army, offered a candid assessment of the challenges Ukraine faces in its war with Russia during an interview with Defence Blog.

Grant, who was the first advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense at the onset of the war in 2014, shared insights into governance, defense vulnerabilities, and the nation’s path to victory.

He identified complacency and mismanagement at various levels of government as Ukraine’s most pressing challenge.

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“The biggest challenge is the failure of government to take the war seriously on all levels,” Grant stated. “There is too much smug complacency and PR instead of taking hard actions to remove the weak and unskilled, and the Russian-leaning individuals in many areas of public life, replacing them not with friends but with more capable people, whatever their political allegiance.”

This critique extended to military leadership, where Grant emphasized the urgent need to prioritize leadership and management to enhance Ukraine’s chances of success on the battlefield.

On the topic of defense and the defense industry, Grant highlighted gaps in the equipping and training of frontline units.

“There is still no coherence or understanding about the need to maintain a high level of basics like mortars, night sights, cars, and drones,” he said. “There should not be a need for society to pick up the pieces for poor logistic systems.”

Grant also described a divided defense industry, noting that private companies are technologically advanced but underfunded and lack clear government relationships for long-term planning. Meanwhile, government-funded institutions, though partially reformed, remain inadequate in meeting the country’s defense needs.

When asked whether Ukraine has the capacity to defeat Russia, Grant answered decisively: “Yes.” However, his optimism was tempered by a warning about the need for greater accountability and strategic action.

Grant stressed that if international support were to cease, Ukraine would face a critical turning point.

“Ukrainian society would double down and start to get serious about corruption and inefficiency, forcing the government to stop living on dreams and hype and make proper decisions,” he said. “Unless there is an election to bring in people who want to win and govern honestly and not just make and steal money, this may not be a totally peaceful change.”

Grant’s assessment underscores the need for Ukraine to address its internal challenges, strengthen its defense capabilities, and foster effective leadership to ensure resilience in the face of ongoing aggression.

His insights provide a clear call to action for Ukraine’s leaders and society as the nation seeks not only to withstand but to prevail against Russian forces.

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Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

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